Growing up in La Canada, California, JNNA began to shape her craft at an early age by taking lessons with a vocal coach. At eight years old, JNNA’s passion for music was solidified with her first live performance in front of an audience. JNNA has always had this very eclectic taste in music, and it’s something that is showcased through her own music. Her sound draws inspiration from artists including Lauryn Hill, Amy Winehouse, Adele, and Little Dragon. She loves taking an electronic vibe and incorporating in organic sounds such as guitar, bells, drums, strings, and more. Her music can be described as modern and soulful, with a voice that will make listeners hang on every word and feel an overwhelming sense of powerful emotion.
JNNA is passionate about supporting charities such as Childhelp, ASPCA & Chrysalis – organizations that deal with issues such as child abuse, animal welfare and the homeless population. JNNA believes we are all ethically responsible to help those in need and takes time when she is not working to give back in these ways.
Please tell us a little about you?
Hello! Thank you for having me 🙂 Well I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I’m the youngest of 5 siblings. I currently live in the Valley with my boyfriend Doug, our golden retriever named Fig Newton, and our orange tabby named Leila.
What is your musical background?
I first started singing when I was very little, probably around 7 years old. I had my very first recital when I was either 8 or 9. Also, I sang in choir for a year in High School!
How would you describe your music?
I say this a lot but I think it’s actually pretty spot on… My music is soulful, vocally and lyrically and musically eclectic.
How did you get started?
I was taking classes at Santa Monica College, and I told myself that if I didn’t get into the schools that I wanted to transfer to then I would dedicate all of my time to pursuing music. Luckily, I didn’t get into the schools of my choice so I started doing covers on YouTube. I would cover a full song on piano, but since I don’t really play piano, it would take me a bit to learn each song. Eventually, I decided to start posting acapella covers on my Instagram. Not too long after that I received an email from Casey (Tyzo Bloom) and it all went from there 🙂
What is your next goal as a musician?
After I release a few singles of my own, my goal is to start performing in venues around LA, and hopefully if my music becomes successful I can tour around the country and then eventually around the world 🙂
Which artists would you like to collaborate with?
I would love to collab with Disclosure, Flume, Odesza, Little Dragon, James Black, Jamie XX, and Rihanna. And many more but we’d be here all night.
3 things you can’t leave your house without?
My lip balm, my rings, and my perfume.
Any loves, other then music?
My first love is my little family (my boyfriend Doug, our cat, and our dog), next is food food food, and then camping and backpacking, and last is relaxing at home watching tv and movies.
Who is your biggest beauty inspiration?
Alicia Keys. I’ve loved her since I was a little girl watching MTV and I’ve always thought she was stunning. She’s even more stunning without makeup on which is not hard to believe. Not only is she a beauty, but more importantly, she seems like an exceptional woman at heart.
What is your favorite beauty secret?
Avoiding products that contain parabens, sulfates, and any other harmful chemicals.
Who are some of your favorite designers, and why?
I have always had a love for clothes; ever since I was in Elementary School. I think it’s because I have three older sisters that always inspired me with their fashion sense. Today, I have a never ending list of designers whom I will always and forever love; a list of designers whom I also cannot quite afford. At the top of my list is Saint Laurent. Every single piece is just made to perfection 🙌🏼 Then there’s Gucci, Chanel, Celine, Chloe, Isabel Marant; the list really goes on and on. My favorite company for denim at the moment is GRLFRND Denim. I have never had a pair of jeans more comfortable and flattering on the booty ;). I happen to love Brandy Melville for everything basic and cozy; they have the best fitting T-Shirts EVER. As for shoes, I’m obsessed with Tabitha Simmons; she makes the cutest point-toe flats!
What are your makeup bag staples when traveling?
Eyelash curler, mascara, and an eyebrow brush!
What is your favorite healthy food?
Frrrrrrruits haha I especially love berries and grapefruits! And avocado…like everyone in California.
And your favorite cheat food?
Burgers and my boyfriend’s homemade cookies
What do you do in your free time?
I live with my boyfriend Doug, so we like to stay home and watch movies and cook, we also like to take our dog to the park. Other than that I eat constantly and watch an insane amount of tv. When we have time, which is difficult because he acts and goes to UCLA, we go camping, but it’s never for as long as we’d like.
What do you like to watch on tv?
When the most recent season started, I rewatched every season of American Horror Story. Doug and I like to watch The Newsroom together. Lately, I’ve been watching Gilmore Girls…guilty pleasure (Doug isn’t too pleased with this one)
Best advice ever given?
Work hard, never give up, and follow your heart. If you have a good work ethic and never quit, it’s impossible to not get the things you want in life.
Five years from now you will be…?
Hopefully doing what I love; making music, touring the world, performing, and inspiring others.
How’s a normal day in your life?
For my age, I live a pretty simple life. While majority of people my age are going out to bars and shows late at night and waking up at around 11/12, I’m usually just relaxing at home with my lil family. I go to sleep usually around 11:30 and wake up around 8am, workout for an hour, make breakfast, shower, and start my day usually by walking Fig (dog) or taking her to the dog park. Then Doug and I go about our day running errands, seeing friends, going to Farmers Markets, and then we usually cook dinner and watch a movie or tv. Now I want you to know I wasn’t always like this. I got started partying and pulling all nighters when I was much younger, so now that I’m in my early twenties I’m somewhat burned out from all of that, but I still go out with my ladies on occasion when they’re back from school.
Any news you want to share with us?
Well, I’ll be releasing a Kelly Clarkson cover and corresponding music video in a few weeks and then in the New Year I’ll be releasing my first original song 🙂
What do you think of Social Media?
I think it’s an awesome way to get yourself out there, make connections, and a great platform to keep people up to date with your life.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram, Facebook, Soundcloud, and most recently Twitter! All links can be found at my website:
Quote: “Don’t worry about a thing, ’cause every little thing is gonna be alright” -Bob Marley
Song: Kings of Leon – I Want You
Movie: Coraline
Travel Destination: Lake Tahoe
Sport Team: Lakers, Dodgers, and Da Bears
Celebrity Crush: Jamie Dornan, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Tom Hardy (had to pick my top 3 😬)
Drink: Root Beer and Tequila (not together of course…that would be disgusting)
Photo Credit: Douglas Newton
