Today we’d like to introduce you to Jared Janzen.
Jared, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Music and nature have always been my spiritual lifelines. I grew up in Colorado next to the mountains, so I spent a lot of time getting inspiration from the outdoors, and then translating that to my music.
Before I moved to Nashville, I took a little time just focusing on this – I ski-instructed, then lived out of my van, and finally decided to come here full-time.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Hmm, yes and no. I’ve always been super lucky to have a lot of support from my family and had the privilege of growing up in a beautiful, safe place, but of course, there have been some bumps.
Most of my challenges have been more internal- some external as you’d expect as well, like a financial struggle, but it’s always been a battle for me to find the courage, motivation, and focus to put myself out there. I don’t like technology very much, so that’s been hard as well to try and promote my music on platforms that I don’t like to use.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve primarily been focusing on building my artistic career, but I also love to teach, write/arrange, and play with others. I specialize in fingerstyle acoustic guitar, and play a handful of other instruments- the most recent of which I’ve been gigging on is lap steel. I also specialize in handpan and music for the healing arts.
I’m proud of my writing and arranging, and always focus on the energy behind the music. I think this is what sets me apart. I’m mainly concerned with how it feels- not the perfect take (although sometimes easier said than done haha). Aside from music, I’m a server and odd-job sort of guy. I was in the outdoor industry for a bit as well. I also offer music for events, weddings, and for yoga/meditation.
Networking and finding a mentor can have a positive impact on one’s life and career. Any advice?
I think just being really open and as grounded as possible is the best way to find a mentor or network. In my mind, I of course have career goals, but I feel the best relationships and happenings come out of genuine connection and curiosity for others.
For example, I met two of my band members on the FB marketplace while I was selling my motorhome. We got chatting a bit, hit it off over rigs and music, and eventually decided we should get together. I can’t tell you how many things like this have happened to me in my life.
Pricing:
- 1hr guitar, voice, theory, or writing lesson: $100
- Wedding/private event: $500 and up
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jaredjanzen.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaredjanzenmusic/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JaredJanzenMusic
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-janzen-058793173/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jjanzenmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChWiqwjLm9r434h6NeJ8QcA
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/jared-janzen-159856892
Image Credits
Veronica Rosemarie and Ella Braff
