The minute “Colorado” hits your ears, it becomes an adventure journey into Jennifer Alvarado’s music universe. A classic blend of pop sensitivity with country soul that hooks you throughout. It is easy to tell that Alvarado has the right musicality – the guitars twinkle, the beat swings, and the voice saunters through a fresh yet somehow familiar terrain.
Jeniffer Alvarado shares in an exclusive interview her journey, reasons that drive her, and the meaning in her music. Music was not only a passion, it was also a confidant and an outlet for a shy girl to talk through things. Her musical DNA ranges from familial melodies to the iconic voices of Mariah Carey and Reba McEntire that represent the 90’s grunge and storytelling 90’s country.
Creative process by Alvarado draws diverse inspirations from the words, melodies or emotions that seek clarification from different sparks. Just like in her life, her music is always about being open and vulnerable while trying to understand the world around her.
This discussion goes into some details about her artistic development, the struggles of an already crowded industry, and the indomitable spirit one must possess whenever one operates in the hostile music circles. Nevertheless, his message to her followers speaks about toughness, imploring them to remain faithful to themselves while listening to the voices telling them to be somebody else.
Join us as we delve deeper into the life of the songstress,
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What is your stage name
Hi! My name is Jennifer Alvarado.
Is there a story behind your stage name?
Alvarado is my husband’s last name. His family is originally from Costa Rica.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration from everyday life. Relationships and people’s actions have always made me think. I usually write to process how I feel about a particular situation.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
I am an only child, so in my early years, music almost served as a best friend. It was my escape. I was the shy kid that expressed myself through music and writing. I felt like I had a voice and could be honest when I had music.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Sorta. My Pappa was especially musical. He played several instruments, and there was always music at his house. My Nanny loved music and was always making up songs and creating rhymes. My parents, while they appreciated music, were not particularly musical, but I was exposed to many different genres of music and I am grateful for that.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
I don’t know that anyone inspired me. I think music was what I knew. From a very early age, I wanted to sing. I started making up songs when I was about four or five years of age. It has always just been how I express myself.
How did you learn to sing/write/to play?
By imitating others. I learned how voices blend and harmonize by listening to groups like Chicago and Wilson Philips. I learned to sing by imitating Mariah Carey, Celine Dion and Whitney Houston. I learned the importance of the words you use and the impact they have by studying my favorite songs. For me, music has always been like a puzzle.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
My first concert was Reba McEntire.
How could you describe your music?
I would describe my music as 90’s country storytelling meets the aghast of 90’s grunge….kinda like Deana Carter (“Strawberry Wine”) and Alanis Morissette had a baby.
Describe your creative process.
Honestly, my process is different for each song. Sometimes I start with a phrase of melody that I can’t get out of my head. Sometimes I have all the music written and go back and fill in the lyrics.
What is your main inspiration?
My main inspiration is trying to make sense of the world. If I’ve been hurt by a situation or a person, I write about it. If I am in love and trying to wrap my head around it, I write. If I am anxious with everything I am seeing, I write.
What musician do you admire most and why?
The musician I admire the most is probably Reba McEntire. She is a phenomenal entertainer, but she is a brilliant business woman. You have to be to have any longevity in the music industry. I’ve always wanted a long career not 15 minutes and done.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
I think just like me, my style has matured. I think as you get older, you look at life differently. I think I am less afraid to say what I feel now. When I first started, I was very afraid of saying the wrong thing even if it was my truth. I am more willing to go there now.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
Me. If you are comparing yourself to everyone else, you will always be miserable and unsatisfied. I compare to what I did last year, the last record, the last show. That is what I have control over.
What are your interests outside of music?
Helping others. I used to be really involved with recovery ministry. I still help some with a prison ministry when I have time. I believe we are supposed to leave this place better than we found it.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
I would be doing something in recovery ministry.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
There are two things. I think there is over saturation in the market. Literally anyone can release music and I think so many artists are just trying to copy someone else’s success and product…which longterm will never work.
I also think money talks. Money can sometimes buy success in this industry. Talent still matters, but many times it takes a backseat to money and who you know.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
That people care more about branding than artistry.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
I actually have no issues with Colorado. It simply flowed the best when I was writing the song.
What are your plans for the coming months?
I am continuing to work on my next project that is a throwback to 90’s country storytelling and style. 90’s country is what made me fall in love with writing and I really want to revisit it with this project.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
I am always open to collaborations. I don’t currently have any plans other than for co-writes with some other artists, but I will always entertain the idea.
What message would you like to give to your fans?
Never give up. I’ve been told no more than yes. I’ve been told I can’t sing. I’ve been told I’m too young…or too old. Not blonde. Not thin enough…then lost weight and was too thin.
Don’t lose yourself and your unique sound trying to be what someone else wants. It won’t work. I’ve tried. Instead embrace your uniqueness….be willing to learn and take criticism, but no the difference between those wanting to help you and those only trying to hurt you.
And to those that have and continue to support me and my music, thank you! I couldn’t do it without you.
