Former Gamecock premiers first jazz album
Jenna McSwain spent last weekend back at her alma mater performing for friends and fans at venues like Momo’s and SpeakEasy. Although her original lyrics and jazz tunes are close to the level of a well-seasoned musician who regularly tours, this was the USC alumna’s first time performing her debut album on the road. Luckily for McSwain, performing in Columbia was just like coming home.
“I get to perform in front of friends that feel like family, and there’s always a warm reception from everyone,” she said.
It hasn’t been long since the singer left Columbia to start her music career in New Orleans. McSwain graduated from USC in 2009, then completed her master’s degree in Colorado before coming back to USC to teach in 2011. After lots of inspiration and a drive to take her music career to the next level, she moved to New Orleans and began to work on her first album, “Wax and Wane” which is out now. McSwain describes the music off of her album as original jazz work with a fresher flow.
“I used the seasons as imagery,” she said. “I wanted it to describe suffering and rejuvenation.”
McSwain is not new to writing her own music, but said New Orleans gave her the inspiration she needed with its rich musical culture. There is a vast difference between the music scenes in New Orleans and Columbia, though, she said, but it has helped her widen her range of performing skills.
“New Orleans relies on tourism for their performances many times,” she said. “Columbia doesn’t have that. We entertain the people and appeal to what the people want to hear. It has a raw intensity.”
Regardless of whether McSwain is in Louisiana or South Carolina, she said her writing process always varies. Sometimes she creates songs in front of the piano and other times in complete silence.
“Some of my best writing is done without my piano, when I’m driving for very long distances,” McSwain said.
A USC undergrad not too long ago, McSwain remembers all she has worked for and said she has learned a lot about the music business. She hopes that current USC students with the same dreams may take some of her advice.
“Business skills are very important in this business,” she said. “Columbia was very good to me and taught me about media marketing which gave me a leg to stand on. You really need to understand the music first, though.”
McSwain said she hopes that she will be able to travel more and book more tours in support of her first album.
“I want to travel the world,” she said. “I’m just excited about music.”
To see her upcoming shows and to get information on her music, check out her Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/MusicianJennaMcSwain