Get The Scoop On Country Artist Jenny Leigh
Jenny Leigh is a Baltimore based country artist who competed on the CW’s “The Next.” Her latest single “Let It Just Happen” is now available to listen to. Check out my interview with the talented Jenny Leigh!
How did you get started in the music industry?
I’ve been writing and performing country music for a decade now, sang in an a cappella group called “Twisted Measure” at Elon University, and was in a funk & soul band afterwards in Baltimore called “Old Man Brown” with Adam Wakefield before working with John Rich who encouraged my move to Nashville. Music is a full-time career for me now, which includes playing shows in town and on the road, touring with Adam Wakefield, working as a studio session vocalist, and most recently acting as Hayden Panettiere’s body double on CMT’s “Nashville.” It has been a privilege to work with such a talented and hard-working cast and crew in collaboration with a beyond respectable network. This town is a magical place where the energy you put out comes back to you and I am so proud to be a part of it.
What was it like pursuing country music in Baltimore?
Pursuing country music in a primarily rock and soul town had its difficulties. I was fortunate enough to partner with Baltimore’s country station WPOC 93.1 on events in town often including their “Sunday in the Country” Annual Festival which I opened with the Ntl. Anthem many times, along with St. Jude charity events, performing at their Hot Country Nights Series, and supporting artists like Dierks Bentley, Joe Nichols, Craig Campbell, and The Cadillac Three when they were in town. Ironically, singing in a funk/soul band while pursuing my country career actually made me a better country singer.
You were discovered on the reality singing TV show, “The Next.” How was that experience?
It was a great experience because I not only got to perform on the biggest platform that I’d ever had access to at the time, but I got real advice from John Rich, who is someone who has been in the industry a long time and has an incredible list of accomplishments. Michael Ray was amongst the finalists and went on to win the show! It’s been amazing to see his journey as well. John said he’d seen a lot of aspiring artists and assured me that I had what it took. He suggested I pack my bags and move to Nashville “yesterday” so I quit my job, sold my house, left my family, and began my journey in music city. It’s the best decision I’ve ever made.
What was it like touring along side Adam Wakefield?
Touring with Adam has been a blast. There isn’t a harder working person out there. He’s always been a brilliant songwriter and it’s been cool to see him transition from a for-hire musician to artist with grace and guts. It’s been so fun working on music together and sharing it with the world.
Your single “ Let It Just Happen” just came out. What influenced the song?
“Let it Just Happen” came out on Sept. 8th! I am thrilled to share it because I feel that it is a true representation of me as an artist and individual. It showcases a mix of my influences, having grown up listening to everything from country classics to motown to southern rock, and has a timeless feel to it. My goal was to capture some of that nostalgia when going into the studio.
Can you give us a lyric or two?
Here are the lyrics to the chorus which really drive home the message that life is messy and beautiful, and we don’t have to have it all figured out all the time:
“We could get in a hurry tryin’ to worry ’bout what we don’t even understand
What’s the point in rushing it when it ain’t even in our hands
I can’t make the flowers grow if the rain wants to turn to snow
This could be something worth lasting
If we let it just happen”
What can we expect from you after the release?
I will follow up by shooting a music video for it which we can expect a little later this fall and I will be hitting the road for a few shows as well. My next Nashville performance will be at The Country on Oct. 12th which is my birthday! Y’all are all invited to come celebrate with me! I am currently hard at work on a follow-up single, which I also recorded at Dark Horse Studios in Franklin, TN. It is a fun, upbeat tune that grooves!
What’s a day in your life like?
Life looks very different when I am at home verses on the road or depending on the season.
If I’m on the road, I am usually crunched up in a van trying to sleep at bizarre hours. Days consist of driving, load-in, sound check, show, load-out, hotel, repeat. Very glamorous! But the magic that happens on stage, the relationships you make with your fans and your team, and the opportunity to experience life in so many places is worth every minute of it!
When I’m at home, my wake-up time is up to my cat Lily…she usually starts head-butting me around 6 or 7am until I get up and feed her. My favorite thing to do when I’m off the road is to make coffee & breakfast in my apartment on the west side. I have a little patio with tons of plants that my mom came down and potted for me (she has the green thumb in the family – I just try to keep them alive) so I try to enjoy as much time out back as I can in the mornings to knock out some work and get focused. I spend my days writing, practicing, learning songs, coordinating bands/schedules, building set lists, etc. and I sing as a demo vocalist in town often. Even if I’m cleaning out the litter box, I’m listening to music, both new and old as if it was research. My evenings are usually spent somewhere in town performing or watching music – there is always a show to go see and/or a fellow artist to support. It is so important to get out and get inspired again and again in Nashville. It’s therapeutic and keeps me grounded and encourages me to continue growing and reinventing myself. I recently saw two shows that blew me away. Jenee Fleenor shared some of her own songs and fiddle genius at the Bluebird, while “The Girls of Nashville” including Caitlyn Smith and Mickey Guyton ripped a hole in the roof of 3rd & Linsley that will forever need repair.
When I’m not touring, I am working behind the scenes on CMT’s “Nashville” as Hayden Panettiere’s body & stunt double. From riding in stunt cars to learning songs & choreography, and supporting the actors on a daily basis, there is never a dull moment on set. I’ve been a long-time fan of the show and it would be a dream come true to be on camera someday!
What is your advice to aspiring artists?
Something that I’ve learned along the way is that everyone’s path is different. It is easy to get jealous and compare yourself to others but that will not get you anywhere. Get out there and do it. Say yes and figure the rest out later. Jump in and soak up everything that you can. Because after all, they say what you put in is what you get out of life, and I’ve found that it rings true, especially in Nashville.
Do you have a final message you’d like to share with your fans?
I’d like to end by saying THANK YOU to everyone who has believed in me and my music thus far. I am excited about things to come and can’t wait to share new music with friends & fans new and old. Y’all are what it’s all about!
Check out Jenny’s newest single here! Also, be sure to keep up with her on social media!
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