Acoustic: An Interview with Jenna Davis

Once I heard Jenna, I knew I had to interview. There is something about an artist that can just grab an acoustic guitar and perform. It isn’t so much of performing but drawing people in. Yes, a good voice is needed as well. The ability to engage the audience is a needed component as well. After the night I had the opportunity to see Jenna, I begin my search to land her for an interview. Welcome Jenna Davis.

Heady: Where you happy with who won American Idol?

Jenna: Actually, I didn’t watch much of American Idol this season…But, I hear that the guy who won is a follower of Jesus, so I was pretty happy about that! Hopefully, given this great new platform, he can have a positive influence on the music industry.

H: I’m a big fan of the acoustic guitar. How long have you been playing?

J: Almost 8 years! I started my junior year of High School.

H: When did you write your first song?

J: I think a few months after I learned the guitar, so when I was about 15 or 16. It seemed like God just opened up the door of my creativity as soon as my fingers hit the strings!

H: I’m sitting here listening to Anyway. Give me the story behind this song.

J: A old band member of mine and I used to have writing sessions out by the pool at my house. One day he just started playing the chord progression, I got out my notepad, and the lyrics followed pretty quickly. I think it’s one of my favorite “jam” songs. It can groove really well, and also “rock-out”

H: My buddy and I were at the Invisible Children Benefit. What did you think about Adam L. & Live Society?

J: Oh-my-goodness! Amazing. I think Adam L and those guys are such incredible musicians! Their music is so different and unique, it’s impossible not to like it!

H: Who is on your Ipod rotation pretty heavy right now?

J: All of the Jon Foreman(of Switchfoot) “seasons” EP albums! He is an awesome songwriter; he has such a gift for combining craft, great production, and freedom of expression in his writing!

H: You’ve lead worship before. What’s the objective of a worship leader?

J: I believe the ultimate objective and goal of the ‘worship leader’ should be–to be a ‘worshipper’. It is a privilege to direct others’ hearts, souls and minds to The Father, and to worship Him in spirit and in truth, so we should always lead with grace and humility.

H: Understanding your background as a worship leader, do you still consider yourself an artist?

J: I think I would say I am an artist, because all of my life is nothing without Jesus, “the Creator of art”- so the songs that I am given to write and perform, I want to be offered as worship to Him, just as much as the songs sung by the corporate Body of Christ in a worship service.

H: I’m super digging Fight for Me.

J: Thanks! I really love that song. It’s one of those songs that, as I sing it, I am reminded of how amazing God is, to help us in our weakness, and always fight for our hearts!

H: I read somewhere Kamikazee was your favorite hip-hop artist.

J: Yes, Kamikazee and I have been good friends for quite a while and he is one of the reasons I started loving hip-hop! He speaks with great clarity, and is such a lover of Jesus, that you can’t be around him 10 minutes without knowing what he lives for!

H: We love Kamikazee. He has great passion. Who are some other hip-hop artists you enjoy jammin out to?

J: John Reuben, Lauren Hill, Adam L and Cam are some of my other faves!

H: Where can people come check Jenna out live next?

J: We Tell Stories Poetry Night! July 25th! I am currently leading worship for the youth at Cherokee Hills Baptist Church once or twice a month, playing a camp this summer, and will most likely be touring with some other awesome musicians on The Community Tour this fall!

H: Where can people hear more of you online?

J: myspace.com/jennadavismusic has all of my music available for listening and/or download via SNOcap, jennadavismusic.com and also on itunes.

H: I don’t want to leave without you telling us a little about the conference you’re starting.

J: I really have a passion to see the young people of this generation stop believing the lies our culture tells us, and stand up for the truth of God; So I am starting a weekend girl’s conference to travel from youth group to youth group, teaching and encouraging girls to live lives of purity and holiness, and to be set apart from the world!

H: Let me end by saying you would be perfect for a heady tee. Do you own one? Lol…

J: Not yet! But I would wear one proudly!

H: Share with the b7 audience your favorite word.

J: That’s such a hard question! I have to pick just one? hmm….I think I’ll go with “supercalifragialisticexpialadotious”. Has that one already been used?