Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jenna Paulette

Jenna Paulette is country music’s newest rising star. The modern cowgirl is wowing music lovers with her signature sound and relatable lyrics. Pop Culturalist caught up with Jenna to chat about her new single, “F-150”, how she fell in love with music, and who inspired her to pursue her dreams.

PC: When did you discover your passion for music?
Jenna: When I was growing up, I would help my grandfather a lot on the ranch. One day, I was laying on the back of a four-wheeler, waiting for him to bring the cattle around. While I was waiting, I started singing “Cowboy Take Me Away” and “Wide Open Spaces”. I was eight at the time and I vividly remember thinking that if I could make people feel the way that I feel right now, I would be doing something great with my life. It clicked for me at that moment and I knew I wanted to do country music.

PC: Who or what would you say has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jenna: Both of my grandfathers, actually. My dad’s dad is super driven and has always believed in me. We’d go out, usually to a Mexican food restaurant, and he would ask, “Jenna, do you have a song for us?” It didn’t matter where we were or how many people were there. I would sing Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” or “Walkin’ After Midnight” for anybody that would listen. It got me over being nervous and I was psyched that people actually wanted to hear me sing.


Since I’ve known that I wanted to do this for a career, my grandfather has always encouraged me. He calls and asks, “Do you need help following up on an email to somebody? Do you want to send me any songs you wrote lately?” He’s been such a good sounding board for me in every single way. He calls me his star, and it’s really sweet.

My other grandfather has taught me everything I know about cattle and made me fall in love with country music. A lot of what I’m inspired by is because of who he is as a man. He always thought I could do anything; it’s been like that my whole life. He would tell me to go round up all the cows in a pasture, not tell me how or anything, and expect me to figure it out by myself. It taught me to take on any challenge and also that I’m capable of anything. That’s filtered into all aspects of my life.

PC: Tell us about “F-150” and what was the inspiration behind the track?
Jenna: F-150s have been a huge part of my life. The idea for the track came from the badassness of the truck, a good ole boy, and the sexiness of it all. The idea popped into my head, and I thought it was a really cool way of communicating how hot it is for someone to be in control of something, but also chill about it. F-150s aren’t the easiest thing in the world to drive, but when you see someone do it with ease, it’s super hot to me. It was a fun way of painting the picture of being in love with somebody and knowing that they love you in a fun, upbeat way. It’s about all of those things.

PC: When you look back at 2018, is there a moment that stands out to you?
Jenna: I was at the CMT Next Women lunch a few weeks ago right before the CMAs. The CMT team has been playing the videos that I put out this fall, which were all shot in Marfa, Texas. The first one’s “F-150”, the second is “Slow Dancing on the Moon”, and the third is “Shooting Stars”. The three videos tell the story of the beginning, middle, and end of a relationship. Visually, they represent what I’m trying to accomplish as a “modern cowgirl”.

I met Stacey Cato on the CMT team at this lunch. He came up to me and was like, “I would kick myself if I didn’t come up to you and tell you that I get what you’re doing, and I love it. We’re honored to be supporting you.” It was the first moment that somebody in the industry, who got what I was doing, came up to me and told me that. I’ve had a few of those moments in the last couple of months with people that I admire. It gives me fuel for next year because I feel like I’m on the right track. Having moments like that, where people are seeing and liking what I’m doing, has been a huge honor.

PC: What does 2019 hold for you?
Jenna: I’m hoping a lot! There will definitely be more music. I’ve been in the studio this past week, and am excited about the new music. My team and I are going to build on what’s happened this year. I’m having some cool conversations right now with some people that are really going to add to bigger things in the near future. We’re going to shoot some more videos and hopefully play a bunch more shows.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Jenna: I love The Great British Baking Show so much. I love hearing their accents, and I love to bake in my free time. Also, I enjoy Riverdale.


PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Jenna: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days is my favorite movie ever. This one is a bit weird, but sometimes I turn on P.S. I Love You because it’s the most depressing, sweet, sad movie ever. I’ll cry through it.

PC: Favorite book?
Jenna: I’m currently reading Up to My Armpits: Adventures of a West Texas Veterinarian. I love the story and the way that the author writes—he sounds like my grandfather. I’m loving every second of it.


PC: Favorite play or musical?
Jenna: Oklahoma! and Annie, Get Your Gun

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn was on your playlist?
Jenna: I love Post Malone. I think people would think I just listen to George Strait, William Michael Morgan, or Chris Lane, but I love Post Malone. His melodies are extremely quirky and have inspired me to bring that to my music.

PC: First album you bought?
Jenna: SHeDAISY, the girl band from the early 2000s.

PC: First concert you attended?
Jenna: BBMak at Disneyland

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jenna: Can I give you three? Red Rocks, Madison Square Garden, and the Ryman.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jenna: Oh gosh! There are so many to choose from. This might be random, but Be As You Are by Kenny Chesney. I fell in love with the songwriting on it. It’s also the only album that I can listen to without thinking about what would make me better as an artist. I tend to listen to music and think about those things, but this album is one I can just relax to. When I can’t get out of my own head, I turn to Be As You Are. I just love that album.


Make sure to follow Jenna on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “F-150” on iTunes.