When she was four years old, Jennifer Alvarado‘s grandfather gave her a guitar and, at that moment, her love for music was born. Growing up she sang in the church choir and school performances and loved to write songs, but her desire to bloom and chase her dreams were stunted by bullying from her classmates. Such cruelty lead to Alvarado writing in secret as she dealt with crippling anxiety. It was when she began to lead worship with her guitar in hand that she finally felt free to be herself and put pen to paper again. Over time her confidence grew, and in 2020 she submitted her music to Indie Star Radio to high praise. One year later she was named Country Artist of the Year in 2021, and Alvarado has not looked back.
We recently caught up with the Hickory, North Carolina native to discuss her musical journey, her latest autobiographical single “My Daddy Doesn’t Like You” and more.
CN: For our readers who may not be familiar with you, can you tell us a little about yourself?
JA: I have been surrounded by music for most of my life. I always gravitated towards Country Music, but started pursuing worship leading and Contemporary Christian as a teenager. After a few years of pursuing my backup plan of Law, I found myself back in music and in 2021 left my job to pursue music full-time. I made a switch back to Country Music and started releasing my country singles in 2020 and they took on their own life.
CN: Which artists have influenced you both personally and as an artist?
JA: I have been influenced by so many different artists and genres. I think my top 3 influences were probably Reba McEntire, Celine Dion and Deana Carter. The Eagles, Tom Petty and Patty Griffin have also influenced my songwriting and style.
CN: Your current song “My Daddy Doesn’t Like You” is out now. Tell us about the background story of this song.
JA: This is a very true story about my husband’s relationship with my father. I am an only child and starting about a month into dating my now husband, tensions begin to build between my father and him. My dad didn’t come to our wedding…actually he tried me talk me out of marrying Josh the day before the wedding. To be fair, I don’t think anyone would have ever been “good enough.” But sometimes in life, you have to make decisions that are best for you, even if others don’t understand or approve.
CN: You have written many of your songs. Can you take us through your songwriting process?
JA: My process has evolved over the years. I started writing songs and stories when I was four years old. I think during childhood and even up until college, songs would come sporadically. At this point, between solo hours of songwriting and co-writes, I typically have a list of ideas or phrases already considered. I start generally with a hook or phrase and build around it. For me, my songs are more like a conversation or a story unfolding, so that is how the flow of the song also comes together.
CN: What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned stepping into this industry?
JA: All that glitters isn’t gold and most things aren’t as they appear. There’s a lot in this industry that is manipulated….kinda like an influencer’s Instagram feed. You see the highlight reel…not the hard work…blood, sweat and tears that create the “overnight” success.
CN: If you could collaborate with any one artist, who would it be and why?
JA: I would love to just meet Reba McEntire. They say you should never meet your heroes, but I really think what you see is what you get with Reba and I think her wisdom on how to navigate this industry would be life changing.
CN: What was your first concert you ever attended?
JA: First concert was Reba McEntire and every other concert has always been compared to the theatrics of that first concert.
CN: You already played The Viper Room and numerous other stages. What is your dream venue?
JA: My top 3 bucket list venues are: The Bluebird Cafe, The Ryman, and The Grand Ole Opry.
CN: If you could describe yourself in one word, what would it be and why?
JA: Stubborn. I think being stubborn has proven to be helpful in cases where others would’ve given up. If you tell me it can’t be done, I’ll set out to prove you wrong. But being stubborn has also gotten me in trouble. My husband will be the first one to testify about my stubbornness.
CN: What else can fans look forward to this year?
JA: Definitely more music! I have a new EP coming out in May and I will be touring in a few new states this season. Eventually I want to play all 50 states, but until then I am trying to add six or seven new states each year.
For more information about Jennifer Alvarado, visit her website www.jenniferalvarado.com and follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.