Jenn Bostic Opens Up About Her Dad, Songwriting & Her New Song "Leave It At the Cross"

Soulful singer and songwriter Jenn Bostic releases her brand new single "Leave It At the Cross" today.  The song is the latest track off her forthcoming album set to release spring of 2022. Co-written and produced by Benj Heard and Lauren Christy (Avril Lavigne, Bebe Rexha, Dua Lipa, Christina Aguilera, Katy Perry), it follows the re-release of her viral international hit Jealous of the Angels, in honor of Bostic's late father. 

Bostic has performed sold out tours across the United States and Europe, and has opened for the likes of Richard Marx, Christian Kane and The Band Perry. Venues have included The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, and Jazz at Lincoln Center. She currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee. Her latest project Take My Hand Part 1, was recorded with Grammy nominated producer and hit songwriter Lauren Christy, debuting at #11 on the iTunes Christian/Gospel Chart. 

To stream "Leave It At the Cross:" https://spoti.fi/3FM3PlB 

Q: Jenn, thanks for doing this interview with us. Let's start with yourself: tell us more about your ministry and journey so far. 

Hi Timothy! Thank you for taking the time. I have been singing for as long as I can remember. Songwriting has been a beautiful, therapeutic outlet for me over the years. Incorporating my faith has always been a natural part of my process, but I did not initially anticipate the ministry that has blossomed through sharing these songs. It has been a beautiful gift to connect with people around the world this way.

Q: I believe you started off in the country/Christian genre, what influenced you to adopt a country sound?

I remember listening to country music growing up, I think the first concert I went to was Garth Brooks and Faith Hill. I remember really connecting with the songs. After graduating from high school I attended Berklee College of Music and joined the country  music ensemble. This led me to audition for a country/rock cover band called DiggerDawg that I became the lead singer for from 2005-2008. Singing country hits every weekend made me fall in love with the songs and the style. I moved to Nashville in 2009 and it felt like the most natural, comfortable music to create at the time. However, as I continue to grow and develop, I believe my voice and artistry lends itself to a more pop/soul/gospel genre, which makes my  soul happy. I do have a love for country music and often tap into pieces of it when creating for myself or with other country artists. 

Q: You have a new single out called "Leave It At the Cross." What's the song about? Why are you excited about it?

"Leave it at the Cross" is about complete surrender. I often refer to myself as a type A control freak, I tend to hold things too tightly and need to remind myself daily that God is in control. This song is an anthem that consistently reminds me to lay down my burdens at the foot of the cross. I found so much freedom in writing it with Lauren Christy and Benj Heard. I pray that it is an encouragement to those who, like me, try to control things and struggle to let go and give everything over to God. 

Q: Another song that you recently released is called "Jealous of the Angels," which is a song that is very personal to you. Tell us about this song.

"Jealous of the Angels," was written for my dad. We lost him in a car accident when I was ten years old. I wrote this song about 12 years ago with Jimmy Fortune and  Zach Runquist. The day we wrote it, I felt a weight lift off my shoulders. It was everything I needed to say about losing my dad. I never intended to perform the song in public, it was just something I needed to write to heal, however, God had much bigger plans. It has brought me around the world, reached #1 on the UK Singer/Songwriter chart, has been recorded by various artists, brought me to the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, and most importantly has allowed me to connect with people through music in a way that I never thought possible. The whole journey is something so much bigger than I could ever take credit for. I still receive an email every other day from someone who has found the song at the perfect moment to comfort them during their time of grief. It's something I'll never take for granted. 

Q: I believe the video of the song is very special too, which features you dancing, something you have done for a long time. Tell us more about the video.

Yes! Shooting the music video for "Leave It At The Cross" brought me way outside my comfort zone. I grew up dancing, but at eighteen, I went off to college to explore music and put dance on the back burner. During quarantine, any time I sat down at a piano I would be filled with anxiety, uncertain of when touring might come back, or how I was going to make ends meet without it. I needed another outlet to express all the emotions I was going through, so I turned to dance.

As I started thinking of visual ways to represent this song about complete surrender, I started to see a vision of this lyrical dance for the music video. I reached out to my dear friend and beautiful dancer/choreographer, Sydni Simons, who created a powerful piece and coached me in learning it. The entire process was incredibly  spiritual  and forced me to allow myself not to be perfect, I don't claim to be a "dancer," but I found so much freedom in letting go and being obedient in this process. I pray others are encouraged by this and that the visual, paired with the audio, speaks people right where they are.

Q: What can we be looking forward to in terms of your new album? Is there a title or release date yet?

The first six songs off the full album were released as an EP called Take My Hand Part  1 in November of 2019. These songs can be found on all platforms, as well as "Wrapped" and "Jealous of the Angels / Amazing Grace." The full album is set to release Spring 2022, however the last year and half has taught me to hold my plans loosely and leave room for what God has in store. The title is yet to be determined, but "Leave it at the Cross" is one of my favorite tracks off the album, so it is definitely a contender. 

Q: Give us a sneak peek at the new album. Can you share with us a couple of new songs that you are excited about?

There are a few songs yet to be released, and on my latest trip to Los Angeles, I wrote a new song with Lauren Christy and Theron Feemster that I plan to add to the collection. Each song draws from such a specific season of life for me that it's difficult for me to pick a favorite.

Q: How do you hope these new songs will impact the lives and faith of your listeners?

When my friend, cowriter, and mentor Lauren Christy and I began creating this project, it was our goal to create an album that honors God. We didn't listen to what other people  were doing, we came into the studio and had real, sometimes tough conversations about life that led us into songs we fell in love with. I listen to these songs and my hope is restored, I'm filled with peace, and have a renewed strength. It is our prayer that this music does the same for others, ultimately leading them to a closer relationship with Christ.

 

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