Exclusive Interview: X Factor's Jennel Garcia Unveils New Music and Musicians She'd Love to Work Wit

Jennel Garcia is a talented 20-year old pop singer/songwriter from Rochester, Massachusetts. Sound familiar?  You might recognize her from when she appeared on Season 2 of The X Factor USA. On the show she was part of the Young Adults category and was mentored by Demi Lovato, reaching 11th place!

Since being on The X Factor, Jennel has been busy getting ready to release her debut album. CelebMix recently caught up with her to talk more about the album, her favorite songs off of it, her style, her fans, what musicians she’d love to work with, and more.

CelebMix: Many people know you from The X Factor’s second season, what’s the first step you took once you got off the show in order to continue your career?

Jennel: After The X Factor I was determined to get in the studio and get some original music out.  I unfortunately lost everything I had worked on after the show, but I believe everything happens for a reason!  So I pulled myself together, I started writing again, I went on a tour, recorded my first record and I’ve just been trying to connects with fans and build my support team.  It hasn’t been easy, but everything I do is worth it.

CelebMix: Do you think that The X Factor helped you gain experience for the career you’re now officially pursuing?

Jennel: The X Factor as for sure taught me so much.  There’s things that no type of schooling could ever teach you the way The X Factor taught me things like it did just by me experiencing it hands on. Even after the show and continuing my career I’ve learned things that I never even thought were “things.”  It’s a work in progress, I’m still learning something new everyday.  Every day counts.

CelebMix: Just this past September you released your first official music video for “The Only One.” How was the filming process like for you?

Jennel: The process of shooting a music video for “The Only One” was a dream.  I walked into this building that so many inspirational celebrities had recently just shot videos in, like Annie Lennox’s video for “I Put A Spell On You” from 50 Shades of Grey and Sia’s video for “Chandelier” (which is my fave ever,) and it was just good vibes all around.  There was an entire crew working on the set and everyone was there for me, so it just felt like the princess life!  I loved it, I loved it, I loved it!  I was exhausted by the end of the day, but it was one of the best experiences of my life.

CelebMix: Did you have any input on how you wanted the video to be like? If so, which ideas were yours?

Jennel: Actually 90% of the video ideas were mine.  I had ideas for the songs video since the day I wrote it which was when was around 17.  The white room was my idea, everyone was a little skeptical about it, not knowing how it was going to look but I knew that it was going to be sick.  It’s just a representation of my mind.  It’s supposed to be my thoughts and me practicing what I’d say to the guy at this party that I eventually attend in the video.  The party scene was a collaborative thought between me and the video director Ryan Turner. Then the band shot was a MUST because I live to stand behind a microphone and in front of a band.  That was a given! As for the sets and my outfits and all, I put a lot of thought into that and it came out great so that’s something I’m extremely proud of myself for.

CelebMix: What does the song mean to you, and did you write it?

Jennel: I actually did write the song all myself lyrically and melody wise.  It was just something I was going through at the time with a guy and the relationship being so hot and cold all the time.  It was a very quick writing process for me cause it was what I was feeling and it was natural.  I had the voice memo of it on my phone for years before I showed it to anybody.  It was just a simple acapella recording of me singing the song.  I showed it to my producers at ZK Productions and they just took it and ran with it cause they believed in it and it was awesome.  It was a perfect example of teamwork.

CelebMix: Are you thinking of making another video for your latest single “Life Starts Now?” If so, do you have an idea of what the video should be like?

Jennel: I definitely want to shoot a video for “Life Starts Now!”  I want something with just a bunch of my friends and young adults owning the night and living life to its fullest.  I have too many ideas!  But I want something wicked cool and fun.  I’m totally excited for that project.  That’s one of my main goals for this spring/summer.

CelebMix: I heard you’re working on a new album, what would you describe the sound to be like?

Jennel: I’ve been writing for forever now.  I really want to stay true to my colorful pop rock sound but I wanna add a bit of that 80’s vibe that’s really in right now.  “Life Starts Now” kinda has that vibe and I love it because 80’s music is my favorite.  This record I have done already, I was very strict with using ALL real instruments that were manually played and recorded but I think I may want to experiment a little more out side of the box the next time around.  I haven’t fully decided on it all yet but I definitely want to change things up a little bit!

CelebMix: Do you have a favorite song yet? If so, which would it be and why?

Jennel: I don’t really think I have a favorite song off of my record yet.  They all mean a lot to me and I put my all into each and every one of them, writing and even singing wise.  I got this song I did on there that was actually originally written for Paramore’s Riot album back in like 2007.  It’s extremely relevant for that time era and the music that was hip back then and I’ve always wanted to do a song that’s really punchy like Paramore was then.  So that was really cool for me.  I sang the crap out of that song.  So I’m really excited about that one and to eventually perform it.

CelebMix: If you could feature one musician on your album, who would it be and why?

Jennel: One artist that would kill to sing with is Steven Tyler.  But that’s just a dream. I would also love to do a song with like Jared Leto or Hayley Williams.  I mean, I’m really always just honored to sing with anyone who loves to sing as much as I do.  It’s always amazing to collaborate.  Maybe one day Johnny Depp will play guitar on my record and even sing a little on it too. But that’s just a dream too!

CelebMix: We have to admit, we love your style! Who would you say is your style icon or icons?

Jennel: Thank you!  I wish I could tell you who my style icon is haha!  I kinda just see something I like and I wear it.  I always have an eye out for a cute shall and fringe-y stuff and things Stevie Nicks would wear.  But my style goes from girly, to plain Jane to some really interesting get ups at times… So I guess I just like to play dress up!

CelebMix: What are some of the most rewarding things a fan has told you when it came to your music? (If any, or multiple fans)

Jennel: It’s always rewarding when fans can relate to my music.  Regardless of this crazy gypsy, traveling musician life I live, I’m still just a young girl who goes through things like everyone does. That’s what I write about and it’s always a good feeling when someone can relate because not only does it make them feel like there not alone, it makes me feel like I’m not alone.  Like I’m not the only one who goes through things and feels certain things.  It makes me feel closer to fans and I really like that.

CelebMix: Do you have any advice for your fans who want to pursue a career in the music industry?

Jennel: Get ready, get set, and go go GO!  Once your heart is in the music business, you can never get out.  But your heart HAS to be in it for all the right reasons.  Not for fame, not to be friends with celebrities, but for the love of music and creating art.  It’s a hard industry, you have to be tough as nails!  You have to be mentally prepared as well as having all your duckies in a row and get ready to constantly move forward no mater what. To me, a true musician never gives up. So you have to be ready for the long haul of ups and downs, successes and failures because it’s a constant roller coaster.  But it’s also the most reward thing I could ever experience.  So I guess I’d say all that, give them a hug and a pat on the back and say “GOODLUCK!!”

If you love Jennel as much as we do, let us know why in the comments below or tweet us @CelebMix!

Check out her latest single “Life Starts Now”:

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