There’s a reason why people gravitate to movies, TV, music, theater, and books. John Steinbeck says, “One of our ancient methods is to tell a story begging the listener to say — and to feel — ‘Yes, that’s the way it is, or at least that’s the way I feel it. You’re not as alone as you thought’.” People long to connect with others, escape, and try to understand how they feel through all kinds of stories.

Music is only part of the picture

For me, when it comes to songwriting, music goes hand in hand with the lyrics. It’s like reading a book. Music is the ink on the page, and the lyrics are the pen. Together they make the words of the book—and you get a story.

Some people might be asking…why are the lyrics the pen, and the music the ink? (Also, “Why does Jennette use SO MANY metaphors??” I wish I could tell you. Just imagine thinking like this all the time. 😆 ) Well, the lyrics are the driving force of my songs:  the pen. The music surrounds it and helps it come to life:  the ink.

A Way to Express

Stories are so special to me because you can lose yourself in them and find yourself in them. You can be loud when you’re normally quiet. Or you can be quiet when you’re normally loud. You can write a story about one moment or about a long span of time. You can do anything and express everything.

I like to make storytelling my main priority; I hope people listen to my music and say “her songs help me understand how I’m feeling” or “her songs are so relatable!”

It’s Not Just Songwriting

I realize, as I branch out into different kinds of art other than music and songwriting (such as theater, film, and sketch-writing), that—as a creative person—I’m compelled to capture them. I love telling mine, other people’s, old ones, new ones…you get the point! They make sense to me, they take situations and connect them together like puzzle pieces. My life would feel like a huge unfinished painting without writing them down, playing them out.

I’m completely and utterly obsessed with…storytelling.

What are some of your favorite stories? Any kind—books, movies, songs, TV shows? Let me know in the comments below!

From,

Me 😀