Songstress Jennifer Kennard

Photograph By Krista Lee Photography
Meet multi-talented Jennifer Kennard, a Toronto native who now calls Nashville home with her husband Brad and infant son Emerson. She is one of the many talented songwriters my husband has had the honor to write with. I first meet the energetic and radiant songwriter while she was working towards the release of her EP Lonely Girl in 2009. I was moved by the amount of passion and depth that was so seamlessly intertwined in songs like "Angeline" and "Higher Ground". Jennifer's songs are a true fusion of smart, powerful lyrics over well formulated tunes and delivered without straining the aim of her music.

In 2009, Jennifer found one of her collaborations "Virgina Bluebell" on country music sweetheart Miranda Lambert's award winning Revolution album. This year Jennifer began a new chapter in her songwriting career after signing with John and Martina McBride's 'Songs of Black Bird' Publishing Company, a division of Blackbird Studios. In just three short years, Songs of Black Bird boasts an already impressive roster that now includes Kennard. Keep your ears open, ladies and gentlemen, because I am expecting more big things and hits to come from the heart of this strong, young songwriter.
This sweet lady was kind enough to grant me an interview to discuss all things music and the balance of career and motherhood in the music industry.

Interview With Songwriter Jennifer Kennard

Question: What is the first song you can remember falling totally in love with?
Answer: Nothing Compares to You by Sinead O’Connor written by Prince.

Question: How long have you been writing songs?
Answer: Since I was 18 years old.

Question: Do you base any of your songs off personal life experiences?
Answer: Many of them are based on personal experience or the experiences of those I know. But most of them venture off into something more listeners can empathize with.

Question: Currently what indie Artist/Songwriter can you not get enough of?
Answer: Lucinda Williams.

Question: Out of all the songs you have written which one do you relate to the most?
Answer: As Long as the Kids were Alright

Question: Who do you look at for support and encouragement?
Answer: My husband, Bradford.

Question: How did you feel when you got your first cut?
Answer: Validated as a songwriter, accomplished as an artist.

Question: When you think of just the word MUSIC what does it mean to you?
Answer: An inhale for my spirit, an exhale for my soul.

Question: The music industry can be very tough. Are all the struggles worth it just to chase after the dream?
Answer: I think music was just the vehicle of accomplishing the ultimate dream of love and finding my husband. And I go into battle everyday with the industry because if I found him in the struggles imagine what else in waiting in for me in the trenches.

Question: What advice would you give a newcomer coming to Nashville to be a songwriter?
Answer: Persistence and perseverance is key, but always follow your heart.

Question: Has becoming a Mother changed anything when in comes to your songwriting/career?
Answer: It’s changed everything! From when I write to what I write about.
My son is my muse. He’s taught me that if someone puts a wall in front of me, I can climb it. I may fall, suffer some bumps and bruises, but I’ll get over it.

Question: Now that you are a mother what are your opinions of music education in the public school systems?
Answer: An absolute necessity! Children need to be exposed to all aspects of music.
From listening to playing, from learning to composing. Music has been such a positive and inspiring influence in my life, I can’t imagine never being introduced to it at a young age.

Question: Last question how do you balance it all motherhood and career?
Answer: Lots of prayer.

The Bluebird Cafe

Bluebird Cafe in the round brought to you by Music City Unsigned featuring Heather Bond, Robert Kelly, Marie Hines, and I am excited to say my talented husband Stephen Garrett. It is thrilling for us that Stephen was selected to be among this select group of talented songwriters to share his songs at the legendary Bluebird Cafe. On top of such an honor we were astounded to find out the venue's 20 table reserved seating have been sold out a little over a week before the show date. We are expecting a full house and a great show from all of the talent featured Thursday September 15, 2011 at 6:00pm.


If anyone is still interested in attending the show, I would encourage you to arrive around 5:30pm to get in line for access to bar, pew, and no show table seating. The bar and pew seats are available on a first come/first serve basis, and you must be at least 21 years old to sit at the bar. There is no cover charge for this show however, there is $7 food and drink minimum at the bar and tables.

I know Stephen is excited to share a few of his latest songs and what better place to do so than at Nashville's Bluebird Cafe surrounded by an array of talented songwriters and a full house of music fans that simply enjoy lending their ears for the simple love of raw, uncut, original lyrics and melodies!

Stay tuned to find out how the show went....

Verdict In

Tonight I found myself in a private family listening party as the boys and I check out the finished mixes on two new songs “Calling Your Name” and “Little Things”. The verdict is in and we love them. I can’t wait for everyone else to hear these songs that combine the song writing talents of Stephen Garrett and Jared Crump. Stay tuned for more excitement surrounding the new songs. Maybe even a few behind the scences stories about the birth of the lyrics and melodies that construct these songs.

Heart of Worship

My family's lives are filled with music on a daily occurrence. Each day a discovery of things like a new melody, a voice that inspires, a lyric that moves us, a song that enkindles our feet to resort to dance. Music is simply put, a significant part of The Garrett family dynamic. It affects all of us.

Our family's Christian faith is no different. Music plays a vital role in our relationships with Christ. Over the past several months I have witnessed my family, along with my church family, grow with a fresh and fruitful connection with the Lord during our praise and worship times.

My husband, who has been obediently stepping into a worship leader role within our church family, joins an array of talented musicians and vocalists serving the Lord and His people with their gifted talents. Their responsibility as God's servants is to lead God's people into a time of celebration, worship and praise. A Holy Spirit called job that they do not take lightly. It has been awe inspiring as the body of Christ has been using worship as a tool to pull away from their carnal nature and rising closer to El Shaddai "God Almighty"(Gen. 17:1).

On a more personal level it has been truly inspiring to watch my husband using his musical talent to bring glory to the Lord. I believe his act of obedience to the Lord was the first step in leading this family to a closer connection to the Lord. My heart is forever grateful to have a spouse that is sensitive and obedient to the Holy Spirit's leading in his life.

There is absolutely a beauty and a freedom that is being washed over this family now that we have allowed another form of music to deeply take root in our lives and this family. A music that is used to glorify and praise, a music that equips us for spiritual warfare, a music that offers up thanksgivings, a music that feeds our souls, a music that is all about our Heavenly Father. This music is the heart of worship.

Therefore, I urge you brothers in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living scarifies, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but transform by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is- His good, pleasing, and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2

Pajama Jam

Inside the walls of my home on any given night this is always a possibility of normal activity for Carter the eldest son in the Garrett clan. A little late night pajama jam. Carter taking a few pointers from his dad, and learning a few chords on his bass. I can only imagine in my son's head he is pretending to be Sir Paul McCartney. However we did recently get him to buy some music that is unrelated to The Beatles or Paul McCartney. Looks like Michael Jackson is joining my young son's music collection.

Late Night Pajama Jam


On The Road Again

Russell Garrett
Today is my favorite brother-in-laws birthday. So I thought that makes this the perfect day to tell you a little bit about the multi-talented little brother of my husband. Oh and a big Happy Birthday to you Russ!

Like I have stated in prior articles, the Garrett family is littered with an array of musical talent and the youngest son of Marty and Lounetta Garrett, and younger brother to my husband, is no exception. Music comes as naturally as breathing for Russell Garrett.  You will often hear the duo of Stephen and Russell referred to as the Garrett Brothers. Both brothers are musically talented and are gifted with singing voices and the ability to strum a guitar. However, Russell has also been gifted with the mechanics of music and the ability to grasp how music should be made. Russell or Russ, as he is known by friends and family, has been as comfortable behind the sound board as he is on stage performing in front of it since a young age.

Russell and Steel Magnolia Ft. Loramie, OH 
After moving to Nashville to study at Belmont University in the Fall of 2001, Russell began digging out his own little niche in the music world behind the scenes by engineering, stage managing, guitar teching, and producing.  Within around two years time after making the move to Nashville, Russell found himself on the road touring with the likes of Chris Tomlin, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Barlow Girl, Steel Magnolia, Big Kenny, Steve Earle, and most recently country music rising star Luke Bryan.

Russell's skills go beyond live sound productions as he brings his keen listening ear into the studio world as well and has a brilliant eye for spotting Nashville youngest and brightest studio musicians.

A Little Teacher Appreciation

Life can throw some pretty incredible people in your path and in this case the path of my oldest son Carter.  My sons, Carter and Wesley, attend Cole Elementary School where you will find music teacher Mr. William Laarz.  As the mother of three boys interested deeply in music and a husband who not only works in the music industry, but also contributes to the indie artist/songwriting end as well, you can only arrive at the conclusion that music education is an important element to the public education of our children.  Both to us and the children themselves.

Mr. Laarz During An After School Music Program

We have been so very pleased with Mr. Laarz's dedication to not only educating our children in music, but also the way he encourages and supports the children. My sons, both Carter and Wesley, react in such a positive way to Mr. Laarz's approach on teaching.  Carter particularly lights up with every complement Mr. Laarz pays him and I believe this causes a chain reaction in my son to work harder to improve his musical abilities. Certainly this could play a vital role in my son’s future, both as a musician and as a person functioning in everyday society.


Mr. Laarz is most certainly part of what makes Cole Elementary a stand out school in our Metro Nashville public school system.  Thank you Mr. Laarz for everything you have done and are doing in my child’s life. Also thank you to the Cole Elementary staff and faculty!   Every single one of you are appreciated and the work you do in the lives of this community's children does not go unnoticed.  I am happy and proud that my children get to be part of such a supporting and active school.  Thank you for caring about my children's education almost as much as I do!!!