Check Out Jenny Slate Lee’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Slate Lee.

Hi Jenny, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Music has always played an intricate part in my life. When I was 7 my grandparents gifted me an upright piano that I would play whenever I was at their house. That was the year I began writing and composing music. Back then, I loved to write music to the things I saw on television. I would compose long pieces of music that I felt should be in the background. I was obsessed with film soundtracks and classical music even though I grew up watching my parents build an award-winning country music management and publishing company in the glory days of ’90s Country. I remember running up and down the halls of music row, listening to songwriters create and playing in the green rooms of recording studios where my Dad produced songs that went on to be hit. I soaked up every second of it. When I was 17, I signed my first publishing deal. I loved writing music professionally, but my songs were only scraping the surface of my deep passion for music. I didn’t connect the dots at the time, but country music, a part of my childhood, wasn’t what I musically had to say to the world. Later that year, I was cast in a professional musical theatre show in South Carolina, and with the support of my parents, I decided to fly out of the nest and graduate early. Missing out on the last few months of my senior year and a scholarship to a prestigious music school and instead jumping into work professionally. I grew from each show and went on to do national tours and cruise ship contracts, where I eventually met my husband from England. We settled back in Nashville, where I worked as a session singer and took singing jobs anywhere I could. I got to do the re-vamp of “Star Search” with Arsenio Hall, where I got a perfect score. I also had failures. I had a record deal that fell through, I’ve had music that was rejected over and over, and I worked hard on a television series for months that ended up being shelved and tied me up legally where I couldn’t sign any music deals for a year. Though difficult at the time, it led me back to my roots. I had two beautiful children. I started making music for my church, where I found my voice. I built my recording studio and started writing whatever came to my heart instead of what someone asked me to write. I have been fortunate to work with some amazing people in the industry and make some amazing music that has succeeded on the Billboard Charts. You will still find me in my music studio writing and producing Pop, EDM, Worship, and Contemporary Christian music these days. I recently returned to my “7-year-old” self and started composing for TV and Film synch catalogs. My current projects include a musical NFT series that will blend the Enneagram with music. I love where the music industry and technology are headed and am grateful to be a part of it.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The hardest part of my journey was 2020. I lost my passion for making music for a long time. Covid turned my world upside down. The music industry completely shut down, and I suddenly found myself caring for my dying mother at home in uncertainty and isolation. I also moved my special needs brother in with my family as we had lost my Dad a few years ago. My husband and children were incredibly supportive while juggling virtual school and working from home. Though heartbroken, we are stronger than ever from experience. Grief is tricky. But 2022 has been a year of healing and finding my voice again. I have lots of music released this year, and it feels good to be back.

What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The music industry is hard. You experience constant rejection. You never know where your next paycheck will come from or who you may be working with in the future as it is always changing but with that uncertainty, you learn so much about yourself. Those who make it in this industry are just ordinary people like me who decided not to give up. They aren’t driven by money or fame. They keep going because there is music inside of them that won’t let them find peace until they release it. When you have a clear vision of what you want and who you are as an artist, that’s when opportunity will find you, and success is sure to follow.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.jennyslatelee.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jennyslatelee/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jennyslateleemusic
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/JennySlateLee/featured
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6T37Qwra6GCcDfXldzDsdF?si=CHEauRfcRaaChbQUwrgttg

Image Credits
I own the rights to all except for the image of me singing from CBS. That is a public online photo.