Today we’d like to introduce you to Jen Tal.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I sang in church with my family as a child.
My parents moved from Virginia to Wyoming, the church we found didn’t have a choir. My mom volunteered our family.
Fast forward a few years, I started singing the national anthem for school events and semi-pro baseball (The Staunton, Virginia Braves).
I wrote music through grade school. I co-founded, directed, and arranged music for my high school a cappella choir. I made some friends and joined a band my senior year. I never looked back… it was music for survival ever since then.
My first original band was alternative rock. The next was a jam band. Now, we play soul, funk, reggae, jazz, and R&B.
I won a vocal competition and performed as a member of EnVogue with Maxine Jones. My bandmates and I have recorded 4 independent albums and 3 EPs. We play originals and cover tunes. Music is art therapy for us. We do it because we love it and because it keeps us alive.
Fortunately, our hometown supports us and keeps us pretty busy. I’ve also been blessed with the opportunity to work with producers online from Africa, as well as hometown artists that would like my vocals on their recorded projects.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The struggles are a part of the journey. Just like childhood, you don’t get through your music journey without some bumps.
Bandmates are like family members and no one is perfect. You have artistic differences, personality differences, spirituality conflicts and you have to learn how to navigate it.
Venues also make mistakes, how you handle those situations can alter how much work you get or where you get to play.
Answer everything with love. You’ll need a lot of patience and very little pride. Music is art and you will not be everyone’s cup of tea. You’ll experience lots of rejection. Trust though, there is someone who NEEDS your contribution so keep going.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer, songwriter, and bandleader. I am most proud of still experiencing joy in music.
For me it’s about giving thanks to my creator with the gifts he has given me.
Every performance, project, song or ministry is my praise and thanks for life.
Are there any important lessons you’ve learned that you can share with us?
Music is a service and a gift. It’s an honor to be able to serve. It’s sacred. People are trusting you and inviting you to celebrate or take part in their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jentalmusic.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/jentalvibe
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/jentalmusic
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@jentalmusic?si=7UyY6W7Bu3iUBYbE
