Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Jennifer Denali

As a young teen, Jennifer Denali was discovered and signed to a development deal by industry legend Mike Mason (Mariah Carey, Tevin Campbell). She thought her career was off to the races, but life had other plans. Suffering from depression, Jennifer needed to take a step back to embrace her gifts through confidence and self-love.

Today, she’s stronger than ever, opening up about her past struggles, and creating sweet sounds through her music. We caught up with Jennifer to learn more about her journey and her latest release.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jennifer: I discovered my passion for music through singing and writing my own songs. Being inspired by some of the greats also pushed me to what I’m capable of doing musically. Also by receiving guidance from my parents, mentors, and getting an education around the arts. From a super-early age, my intense passion to sing gradually blossomed into an overall passion for recording music and performing live.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jennifer: There’s so many people who have influenced me because I cannot do this alone. My team and those who have encouraged and inspired me along the way have truly left a mark on my journey: fans, friends, family, and my business partners. At the core of my career, I’m able to do what I love because of the people who have held me up this far and because of the artists who have paved the way.

PC: You’ve been very open about your past struggles. What was the biggest lesson you learned about yourself during those challenging times?
Jennifer: I learned that I needed more love for myself. No one or anything is standing in my way other than myself. I needed to recalibrate in terms of personal areas of healing, detoxing, becoming sober, correcting my career path, and relationships. Also feeling deserving of love and working for what I want was another lesson I had to learn through action.

PC: Through your craft, you’ve shined light on themes of love, pain, and struggle. Is it a nerve-wracking process to be that vulnerable?
Jennifer: Yes, absolutely at first. It was scary to be this vulnerable, but I received so much love for the messaging and healing in my music. I felt empowered by my vulnerability. Sometimes I struggle with caring too much about how people will receive me or my music, but then I laugh it off.

PC: In addition to music, you’re also modeling. Is it ever a challenge to manage the different facets of your career? How do you do it?
Jennifer: To be honest, I don’t feel like I’m ever doing enough! But I’ve been a lot more focused on the music lately, and I plan to branch out even further in new creative ways. I think the key is taking it one task at a time. I am constantly visualizing and manifesting what feels right.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Sweet Sounds.” What inspired the song?
Jennifer: “Sweet Sounds” is really special because underneath the surface of the record there’s an entire underworld of healing frequencies, mantras, and sounds of nature. The inspiration of the song came from a swing set in LA. I was writing a song in the park, and after feeling like a kid again, it just came out organically. Completely unbiased, “Sweet Sounds” is a longing for that feeling and the chase to find it again.

PC: You’re releasing an EP later this summer. What can fans expect?
Jennifer: They can expect a real story. Songwriting for me is storytelling, and this EP is a unique style that’s truly my own. I’ve crafted this EP carefully around the powers of healing and finding my own voice. It’s pop, R&B, and rock. It’s raw, it’s artful, and it’s a masterpiece.

PC: If you had to choose one song off the EP that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Jennifer: It’s really hard to choose a favorite because each song is an extension of me, and so they all represent pieces of who I am and how I operate. So if I had to choose, I would say “Try” is my truest voice around who I am because I wrote about what I’ve been through and owning who I am and not apologizing for it. It’s a deep cut.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jennifer: Grimes and also Kierra Sheard

PC: First album you bought?
Jennifer: I don’t remember, but it could have been Rainbow by Mariah Carey.

PC: First concert you attended?
Jennifer: Beyoncé

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jennifer: Madonna because she helped me realize what I wanted to do with my purpose.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jennifer: Madison Square Garden

PC: A must-have on the road?
Jennifer: My singers’ throat spray and personal steamer!

To keep up with Jennifer, follow her on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Sweet Sounds” today.