We recently interviewed Jennifer Hsieh also known as “Jenn H”. We got insights into her album, her source of inspiration and much more!
Q. First of all it is great to have you on our platform and congratulations on your new album! We’re excited to delve into it shortly, but first, we’d love to learn more about you and your musical journey. Can you share with us some of your earliest memories of music and how you got into music?
Thank you for having me! Music has been a central part of my life from a very young age. I vividly remember sitting next to my brother during his piano practice sessions, utterly fascinated by the melodies that filled our home. This early exposure inspired me to start piano lessons myself at the age of four. My musical repertoire expanded when I picked up the guitar at fifteen, driven by a growing passion for rock music. The journey led me to Berklee College of Music, where I dove deep into writing and production, embracing a wide range of musical genres and refining my skills as a composer, arranger, and producer.
Q. Your album “From E to I” seems amazing! Kindly share the process that you followed while you were working on the album.
The creation of “From E to I” was both a personal and collaborative endeavor. I started by recording most of the guitar, piano, bass, and vocals myself in my studio. It involved numerous takes to capture the essence of what I wanted each track to represent, carefully selecting the ones that truly resonated with the album’s theme. As the project evolved, the intense solo work began to wear on me, prompting me to reach out to my talented friends. Working with a diverse group of lyricists, musicians, mixers, and producers brought fresh perspectives and unexpected twists to the music, enriching the final product immensely. This collaborative spirit infused the album with new life, making it a rich tapestry of sounds and emotions.
Q In the process of creating this album, can you share an unexpected source of inspiration that took your work in a surprising direction?
One of the more unexpected turns in the album’s creation came from my initial struggle with the song “Coffee.” I initially crafted it with a pop style in mind, thinking it would easily resonate with a broad audience. However, as I continued working on the album, especially on the more introspective tracks, my feelings towards “Coffee” changed. Returning to it later, I felt a strong aversion; it felt like a compromise, a track designed to appeal rather than to express. But this reaction was enlightening. It highlighted my evolution not just as an artist but as a person. This song, and my reaction to it, pushed me to move from a desire to please to a focus on authentic self-expression. This shift was crucial and represents the essence of “From E to I”—a journey from seeking external validation to honoring my inner voice.
Q. Over the years, how has your music and performance style evolved? Are there any new elements you’ve incorporated recently?
Over the years, my music and performance style have evolved significantly, shaped by diverse influences and experiences. Starting with a classical base in my early years, I shifted toward blues and rock during high school, which introduced new dynamics to my performance. My time at Berklee College of Music was particularly transformative, allowing me to explore various genres like jazz, EDM, funk, a cappella, and orchestral music. More recently, I’ve been channeling my efforts into composing for live shows and musicals, incorporating some jazz and sophisticated production techniques to elevate the live experience and captivate audiences. This ongoing evolution keeps my music vibrant and relevant.
Q. Any tips or advice for other artists?
My advice to other artists is to spend more time connecting with people and absorbing inspirations into your own creative process. It’s essential to watch more shows and expose yourself to various forms of art and performance. Everyone’s path is unique, and it’s hard to give one-size-fits-all advice, but remember, perseverance is key. Even if what you’re doing now isn’t what you want to be doing forever, don’t give up—there’s always a chance as long as you keep trying. It might sound cliché, but without effort, there’s no opportunity. If you find yourself disliking some of your work, try to see it as a form of diary; it might help lighten the burden. Life is short, so act now and enjoy the moment!
Q. What is Art according to you?
Art, to me, is inherently vague and often defies explanation, much like life itself. It’s something that surrounds us every day, and if you can draw inspiration from anything around you, that is art. We’ve got to appreciate how open-ended it is and welcome all the different ways people interpret it.
Q. What motivates you in your life?
In life, my motivation springs from new experiences, meeting new people, and discovering new music. My creativity is also fueled by new music discoveries and meaningful interactions, like this interview. Such experiences continually reinforce my dedication to sharing my perspectives and music with the world.
Q. Looking ahead, are there any new projects or directions you are excited to explore in your career?
I’m thrilled to be working on more original songs and expanding my musical boundaries. Stay tuned for new releases!
Q. Any hints for our readers about any upcoming collaboration or new projects that you are working on?
Yes, I am excited to announce a collaboration with an Indian artist named Shivam Sengupta, who was my classmate at Berklee. This collaboration marks our second song together, and I can’t wait for everyone to hear it.
Q. Lastly, as we ask all our guests on our platform, do you have any closing thoughts that you would like to share with the world and our readers?
Hello to all the readers, always remember that emotions are a powerful source of creativity. They aren’t always negative and don’t always need to be controlled. Let them out; they possess tremendous energy that can inspire others and create resonance. Embrace your emotions as they are a significant strength in your creative journey.
About the artist: Han-Lin “Jenn H.” Hsieh, was born and raised in Taipei, Taiwan. Her musical journey began at the age of four when she started piano lessons after being inspired by her brother’s practice sessions. By the age of 15, she had added guitar to her repertoire, driven by a passion for rock music. In 2017, Jenn H. received a half scholarship to attend Berklee College of Music, where she majored in Contemporary Writing and Production. During her time at Berklee, she immersed herself in diverse musical genres, honing her skills as a composer, arranger, and producer. Jenn H.’s debut album, “From E to I,” was released in April 2023. The album showcases her versatility as an artist, blending a range of musical styles and emotions. With each track, Jenn H. takes listeners on a captivating journey through her rich tapestry of sounds and melodies.
For more details visit: www.jennhmusic.com
