Nashville-based Christian singer-songwriter Jenn Bostic is about to start a 12-date UK tour. Having lost her father in a car accident aged 10, Bostic has drawn strength and musical influence from her faith and her most famous song, Jealous of the Angels, about her father, has resonated with people around the world who are struggling with grief.
She was invited to play on BBC Breakfast in 2012, and the song went straight to the top of the charts. That year she won five Independent Country Music Association Awards and was the first American independent artist to have her first three singles playlisted at BBC Radio 2.
Her latest single What love feels like is out in the UK on Friday and features a full gospel choir. Ahead of her tour, Bostic spoke to Christian Today about how she just wants to "spread a little love" through her music.
Can you tell me a bit about how you came to faith?
I've been going to church for as long as I can remember, we always went every Sunday and it has always been part of my family's life. When I went to college it was the first time I had to make my own choice about where I went to church and where I would sing, so I started to look for different churches and see where I was growing the most. I bounced around a little and sang in gospel choirs. When I moved to Nashville around eight years ago, I found the church that I'm at now, Oasis, and it's been such a great place for me to grow and learn, and become stronger and be blessed in community. I lead worship there, and it's really changed my life. We study the world, and I've got a great girls' Bible study. I'm on tour now and the two girls I'm travelling with are from my Bible study back home, so it's great to have them on the road.
Thankfully my church streams online every Sunday, so I can be part of the service virtually – that's nice. And there's a chat programme set up too. And then it's about being diligent about getting up every morning to read devotions and spend time in the word. Getting to travel is such a gift and an opportunity, so I pray and say: 'Lord, whatever your plan is for the day...'
How has your faith influenced you as you've pursued music?
Well, I wouldn't have this gift if it wasn't for God, and I'm very aware of that. I think it's my responsibility to share that gift with the world, and doors have been opened in the best way both in the States and here, so it's all over my music. If a Christian listens to my songs they'll pick up on the biblical references, but I think it's important to share the principles of the Bible so that when I'm in a venue singing people can hear that love and feel God's love through the music I'm performing.
You're a country singer, but your faith obviously comes through in your music. Is that a natural melding of the two for you?
Yes, I love all different styles of music, and my newer stuff has some bluesy influences, but it's hard for me not to write about something that crosses over into that realm [of faith], because that's what I live. That's what my heart beats for, that's what I root myself in and where my foundation is, so it naturally blends together.
You say you want to spread a positive message of God's love. How have you found music helps you do that?
The gift of music is such a beautiful thing to have in this world, it's so powerful and can bring people so much joy. So I think it's doing my small part in writing something that will bring love, positivity and talk about subjects that people need to hear and hope that God gets it where it needs to go.
You've just released your latest single, What love feels like. Where did your inspiration for that come from?
Well during the tour of the last record [Faithful] I got to come over here and that was amazing. My song Jealous of the Angels about my dad helped me to connect with people on a level I never thought I would and I heard people's stories of loss. People need to hear from others who have gone through the same thing and understand them. When I look back at when I lost my dad, those were the things I needed to hear – I was desperate to find someone else who knew what I was going through. So it's been such a lesson and a reminder that all human beings, no matter our background, how we were raised, or what our beliefs, all want to feel loved, appreciated and valued. That's the chorus of the song, and that's where it's coming from.
'Jealous of the Angels' has especially touched those dealing with grief. How has it felt to know that you've been part of the healing process for so many people?
It's incredibly humbling. All the songs I write are gifts from God, I'm just the vehicle that's getting them out in the world. There's been so much healing for me as well, through sharing the story on stage and playing that song over and over again, it's been really good for me. There was definitely a season where I didn't deal with what had happened – either because of shock or because I was so young – so it's personally healed a lot. I still get weekly emails from people saying 'This song helped me because I lost this person' or 'We used this song in a funeral' and there's no greater gift to me than to know I've touched hearts or helped someone at a difficult time. It's why I do this – it's to express myself, or to help other say the things when they can't find the words.
So what's next for you?
After this tour I'll head back to the States where I've got a grand piano tour across the Mid West in November. And on October 7 I'm opening for Richard Marx, so I'm looking forward to that.
Jenn begins her 12-date UK tour this Saturday in London and will perform on Good Morning Sunday on September 11. For more info on dates and her latest single, click here.
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