 Credit: Sara Kauss On March 2, critically acclaimed singer- songwriter Jenn Bostic released her brand new single, Revival, a powerful pop/gospel track which features a Nashville gospel choir. “Revival is an awakening of the soul, whether spiritual, or the awakening of a dream, a hope, or desire,” says Jenn. “It’s about the power of positive thinking and knowing that your best moments are still ahead of you.” Produced by six-time Grammy award winner, Paul Salveson, Revival is the first single and title track from Bostic’s highly anticipated fourth album due May 4th. Recorded at House of Blues Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, the album features world-class musicians, including Jenn’s older brother, Jeff, on bass guitar. In anticipation of the release, Bostic kindly took the time to answer her Essential 8 and talk about the upcoming project, recharging on the road, Royal Albert Hall, and much more. What’s the story behind your album’s title? Revival is an awakening, a renewed strength, a force. This album is the most authentic piece of art I’ve ever created. For the first time, I confidently stepped into the studio and knew exactly what I wanted to record. I drew from my influences of Bonnie Raitt, Bill Withers, Marc Broussard and Tedeschi Trucks. I didn’t think about what the radio might want to play, I focused on writing and recording music that inspires me. This album breathed new life into my lungs and it is my prayer that it revives dreams and hope to all who hear it. Why did you chose to anchor the album with the songs you did? The 12 songs I chose to record for the Revival album are songs that I love singing. They suit my voice in a way that feels effortless. The message behind each song is one that I want to spread into the world, and every single co-writer on this album is a dear friend of mine.  With “Faint of Heart,” was there an “a-ha” moment when you knew the song was completed and perfect? Faint of Heart is a deeply personal and vulnerable song that I wrote about the honest challenges of being a singer/songwriter and entrepreneur. I can usually spot a good song if I end up with a few tears while writing it. I could barely get through this song when I wrote it, and I still struggle a bit. The day I felt it was complete I just had this sense of peace as I sang it all the way through. I did, however, feel it might be a little too specific for anyone to really connect with. That evening I went to an event in Nashville and hit songwriter Tom Douglas was speaking. He was sharing his story to encourage young writers, and one thing he said was “The more specific you can write a song, the more universal it will become.” When he said those words I had that “a-ha” moment. It was an affirmation that “Faint of Heart” was in fact complete and it gave me hope that this song might touch hearts around the world. Are there any touring tips you can share? I’ve been touring in various ways for the last decade, and one thing I have learned is that you have to make time for yourself to recharge. That will look different for every arists, to some it might mean a bubble bath and a good book, to others that might mean making time to run every morning. Whatever it is that keeps your mind and heart focused needs to be done. You will be at your best when you’re taking care of yourself. What’s your favorite food on the road? I try to eat healthy on the road, although that’s not always easy. Most of the time I live on protein bars, fruits, vegetables and coffee. When I’m in the UK if I get a chance to sit down for a relatively quick meal, I’m usually hunting for a Wagamamas. I think I ate there three days in a row on one of my tours! How do you kill the long hours in the van? Audio books and podcasts, I have a good friend who calls it “windshield university.” Spiritual and personal growth are so important to me, and I often find a motivating or faith filled podcast to listen to. One of my favorite books to listen to was “A Light Between Oceans.” I drove all the way from New Mexico to Tennessee listening to that book. What’s your dream venue and why? Royal Albert Hall. I’ve been touring in the UK for the last six years and that space is just gorgeous. The acoustics are incredible and my fingers are crossed that I get the opportunity someday. Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off? I would LOVE to support Bonnie Raitt on tour. She has been my favorite singer for years, and I would love to learn from her out on the road. Her story is inspiring and when she sings, you can feel it in the depth of your soul. Website/Facebook/Twitter/Purchase
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