Jen Lowe

About Jen Lowe

How did you get your start in music? Did you grow up in a musical family?

I did not grow up in a musical family. My family was talented in other areas like dance, painting, and poetry. However, I was a little bit of the black sheep when it came to being a musician. I always had ideas and songs in my head and heart. Song flute (similar to a recorder) and trombone were my first instruments, but drumming was my true love and I dove head first into drums and percussion when I was 16. I performed in drum and bugle corps, which laid the foundation for all of my musical endeavors. I did not start singing and playing guitar until 2007.

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Who are your influences, and how do they have an impact in your music?

My favorite songwriters are Brandi Carlile  and Jason Isbell. I think they are the best songwriters of my time and I would say that I am influenced by them. Many times I listen to something they sing or wrote and wish I had written it.  Their songs are inspiring and touch me deeply. 

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What made you decide to pursue music professionally?

Drum corps lit the fire for performing live for me. The thrill of connecting with an audience was something that was instilled in me from both watching my dad speak in a courtroom (he captured his audience with his charm and ability to deliver words eloquently) and performing with the drum corps. 

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What was one of your biggest obstacles in your career and how did you overcome it?

"Girls don't play drums" was something I heard time and again. No matter what the career, we are consistently in a man's world. I have been told that I am "pretty good for a girl," been sexually harassed, bullied, told to "shut up and play," it goes on and on. At some point, I had to live my life for me and quiet any advice or criticism I was receiving. This is something I work through daily. 

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If there is one thing you wish you knew before you decided to pursue a music career, what would it be?

I wish I would have had the confidence to sing and write songs at an earlier age rather than listen to everyone who told me I could not do these things.

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What is your writing process?

Lyrics first. Most times it is something I am struggling with or a phrase that will hit me right in the feels. After that I take it to my guitar and write music that fits what I am feeling. 

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What is the backstory behind your song “Hell”?

That song was one of those that was there in the ether. I was standing in a line with my dad and the song fell in my lap. I had to go sit down and write it on a napkin immediately. I scribbled it all down, had the melody in my head, and put it all together when I got home. Ultimately, it is about the split with the love of my life. That split hurt like Hell - good news is we are still really great friends today. 

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You are very involved in the community, collaborating with local musicians. Tell me about your monthly Songwriters Round series with Stephan Currence and Songwriter Showcase. How did you get them started? 

I used to host Songwriters In The Round when I lived in both Atlanta and West Hartford. As I started to get to know the community here in Lake County, I found that there was nothing like it. Stephen and I put our heads together and reached out to so many incredible singer/songwriters in the area and it all collapsed into place. Now I am also working with Chris Sauter and we have created Curated Collective - 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/839116270670526/

A little bit about Curated Collective

Over the past few years, our community has become a hotbed for talented musicians and songwriters, drawing artists from across Central Florida and beyond to be part of something truly special. Collaborative events have blossomed into unforgettable performances reminiscent of big city music scenes. Well into its second year, our "Songwriters in the Round" series is a world-class musical experience that sells out every performance.

Our goal is to continue to build out our vibrant local music and arts scene, offering new performances and experiences that bring together local and regional talents. We encourage everyone to use this group to connect, share our talents, pitch ideas, and support each other.

How do you think the music/entertainment industry can improve with representation and creating an environment for women to flourish?

We can continue to support each other. A rising tide raises all ships. A win for one of us is a win for all of us. Let's continue to invite each other to be a part of all the cool events and projects we are creating. You are doing a remarkable job here - so thank you. 

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If you could give any advice to an aspiring musician, what would it be?

Do NOT play for free. Please! Go to an open mic, hone your skills, and when you are ready to play your own show, get paid a reasonable fee to do so. Performing for free or for a reduced fee only hurts our entire industry. 

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What project or music can we look forward to in the future? 

I will be getting back in the studio to record; this is way overdue. I am playing more drumset and percussion these days. It’s fun to get back to my roots. Curated Collective will do another Classic Album Night in Sept. We took on U2's Joshua Tree last month and it was a huge success. I also plan to travel again and get back on the road to play more music. I have added Ukulele to my mix and I am obsessed with it, so you will definitely see me playing more Uke out there. We will continue to create events for our talented, artistic community. Recently we have added a sponsorship package for local businesses, definitely keep an eye out for more of that.