This week sees singer/songwriter Jenn Bostic release here debut UK single Jealous of the Angels - a track that seems to be touching all that listen to it.
We caught up with her to chat about the new song, the inspiration behind it and what lies ahead.
- You are about to release your new single Jealous Of The Angels so what can fans expect from the new song?
"Jealous of the Angels" had a soft digital release back in September, and it has been amazing to see the reaction from people around the world, but particularly in the UK.
I have heard so many inspiring stories of those who have gone through the loss of a loved one, as well as personal connections people are having to the song.
It is such an honour to know that it is helping people heal. It's something so much bigger than me, and I just feel blessed to be a part of it.
- This is an incredibly personal track as it is inspired by the loss of your father so how comfortable are you bearing your soul - for want of a better word?
I lost my dad in a car accident when I was ten years old, and it wasn't until I wrote "Jealous of the Angels" at age 24 that I really felt true healing and release from the pain.
The song was written as therapy for me, without any expectation of how others might react. When I started hearing people tell their stories after the first few times I had played it live, I knew there was something special there and it was an overwhelming honour that it allows me to carry on the love and memory of my dad.
There's no better feeling for a songwriter than when someone is truly moved by your song. I'm so grateful for each and every story I hear.
- And I imagine that it is a track that is touching the people that have heard it so how are you finding the response to the song so far?
It has been overwhelming and humbling. To hear the strength and hope in each of these stories blows me away.
There were so many stories coming in at the time of the release that I was compelled to start sharing the beauty in them, which inspired me to start a blog on my website that features one tribute to a lost loved one each week.
It has been amazing to watch people heal through the process of writing out and sharing their story with the readers.
- This is your debut single here in the UK so is there an album on the horizon and if so what can we expect from it?
The brand new album is called "Jealous" and I am excited to properly promote and release it in early 2013 with a European tour shortly after.
- How does Jealous of The Angels introduce us to the rest of your music and you as an artist?
Music and songwriting were introduced to me as a form of expression when I was very young. Whenever I was extremely happy, upset, confused, sad I would always sit down and play music.
"Jealous of the Angels" is a song that revolves around the deepest tragedy in my life, and it introduces the fact that I sing from my soul.
I mean every single lyric I sing because they come from my heart. I have such a passion for writing and performing and am anxious to share that passion with the world.
- The track was produced by Barrett Yeretsian so how did that collaboration come about? And how did you find working together?
Barrett and I were connected through a mutual friend by the name of Jay Frank. I am a huge fan of the production on "Jar of Hearts," by Christina Perri, and was absolutely thrilled to have the opportunity to work with him on a song that was so close to my heart.
After working together on "Jealous of the Angels" we felt a very strong musical chemistry and started writing together, which led to the writing and production of four additional tracks that can be found on "Jealous"; "Wait for Me," "Let's Get Ahead of Ourselves," "Anywhere But Here," and "Not Yet," which proved to be another favourite after singing it on my recent UK tour with Christian Kane.
- So how did you get into music in the first place - I was reading that you were encouraged by your father?
Yes! My dad had such a passion for music and it was something we shared as a family. I still remember sitting around dad's guitar or piano singing together after dinner each night.
It was something that brought us all together, and after we lost him it was the one way I could still connect to him. I still feel that way.
- While he passed away when you were young you saw the passion that he had for music so how has that inspired you and shaped you as an artist?
My dad was a very successful business man who wanted to someday retire and play music. His life ended too quickly and he never had the opportunity.
My amazing mother and best friend, encouraged my brother and I to begin chasing our dreams right then and there, reminding us that life is short and that we never know which day might be our last.
She has sacrificed so much to help my brother Jeff and I chase our dreams. She is an incredible woman and our relationship got so much stronger after my dad passed away.
- So what kind of music/artists did you listen to growing up? And who are you enjoying at the moment?
I grew up listening to a lot of pop music, the Christina Aguilera "Genie in a Bottle" days, Spice Girls, Mariah Carey, as well as a lot of musical theatre.
In high school I took a liking to folk/blues music and started singing in a roots band called Traveled Ground back in my home state of Minnesota. Susan Tedeschi and Bonnie Raitt were my absolute favourite!
I'm constantly being inspired by new artists, I love Sara Bareilles, Missy Higgins, Marc Broussard, Fun, Ed Sheeran and so many more!
- You have an ever growing fan base all around the world so for any of those fans reading this interview do you have a message for them?
I am so unbelievably grateful for each and every one of you. Without your constant love and support NONE of this would be possible.
It is absolutely overwhelming. Thank you for making my dreams come true.
- Finally what is next for you as we head into 2013?
I hope to spread the music to even more people and continue to see healing through "Jealous of the Angels."
Fingers crossed for a tour in Europe early 2013, with a release of new music to the rest of the world as well. 2013 is going to be a great year, I can feel it.
Jenn Bostic's single Jealous Of The Angels is out now
FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw