Jenna Andrews

Songwriter, Producer, Entrepreneur

Anative of Calgary, Canada, Jenna Andrews is a songwriter, producer, and entrepreneur. She co-wrote the #1 hit single “Butter” from South Korean superstars BTS. The song was one of the biggest global records of 2021, running for 10 weeks at #1 in the Billboard Top 100. Jenna produced vocals on the BTS Grammy-nominated global hit, “Dynamite,” and recently co-wrote and co-produced the song, “Permission To Dance,” with Ed Sheeran for the group which debuted at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts. She also co-wrote New Zealand pop artist Benee’s global hit, “Supalonely.”

As a rare female producer in the music industry, Jenna is the girl behind the hits. No stranger to movie soundtracks, she wrote the lead single off the latest “My Little Pony” movie which she co-executive produced. She wrote the single “Church” for the JLo film, “Marry Me,” performed by Jennifer Lopez. Jenna is currently working with Nelly Furtado. She was discovered by Chris Smith, the manager of Nelly Furtado and Alessia Cara. Looking back, she says she always knew she wanted to be an artist but didn’t understand the scope of other jobs involved in the industry. Jenna originally signed with Def Jam Recordings. In 2010, her debut single, “Tumblin’ Down,” became a hit after being featured on the show “Grey’s Anatomy.” After touring and working as an artist for several years, she began to realize her true love was with songwriting and the development of other artists.

Giving back to the industry is important to Jenna. She was named as a mentor for Milk & Honey’s

U.S. scholarship to guide female writers and producers from Australia and New Zealand. In addition to mentoring, writing, and producing, she also hosts her own podcast, The Green Room Talks, in association with the Jed Foundation, a nonprofit organization that protects emotional health and prevents teen suicide. Each episode combines her skills in both creative songwriting and psychology, inviting artists and therapists to discuss issues like anxiety, eating disorders, sexual identity, stage fright, and panic attacks.

Jenna is gearing up for new episodes with Dixie D’Amelio and Mickey Guyton. Additionally, she is stepping into the fashion world, starring in a holiday initiative for HOBO, a premium leather accessories brand. The female-founded heritage brand collaborated with like-minded artists for its music-themed holiday handbag collection. Jenna models the bags in the campaign and accompanying video and says she hopes to do even more in the fashion world soon. Most recently, Jenna has been working closely with artists such as BTS, Nelly Furtado, Jessie Murph, Micky Guyton, Rita Ora, Roy Woods and many more.

When asked who she credits as her mentor when she was starting out, she cites Nelly Furtado as someone who helped further her career. “It’s funny because I’m actually working on her album now, which is amazing and obviously such an honor.” It’s a full circle moment that she’s sure to give one of her mentees in the future.

Why do you think you have been so successful in a male-dominated industry?

I have always kept my head down and not let anything distract me. The key is not to let anything discourage you. When the industry gets you down, you just need to get back up and try again, and something will eventually connect. I have also found that being a female is an advantage in the sense that what a woman has to offer is so unique. I am able to connect with female artists on a different level which can bring a certain kind of emotion to a song, in both songwriting and vocal production.

Who are some of the artists that inspired you while you were growing up?

I was inspired by Billie Holiday, Donny Hathaway, Carole King, Brandy, and Mariah Carey.

Writing a song for Jennifer Lopez is much different than writing for BTS. How do you capture the essence of each singer or group you write for?

You really have to treat it like any other friendship or relationship. A lot of what happens in the conversation before writing the song ends up becoming the song. You need to pay attention to what makes each person unique and capture that in the song. Have you ever experienced writer’s block and if so how do you overcome it?

If I am stuck on an idea, usually going out and experiencing life helps. You have to consciously not try to force an idea. It helps to have the idea come to you naturally and authentically. The key is trusting your gut as to whether it feels right and not being impatient. I have found that the idea will come if you don’t force it. Are there any artists you haven’t worked with that you would like to?

I would love to work with Lady Gaga.

What advice do you have for young girls who want to break into the music industry?

Stay true to yourself and shine in your own light; don’t let anyone convince you that you should change or be something you’re not, even if it’s not connecting right away. If you are patient it will happen. What does the word power mean to you?

Power means strength and resilience. www.thejennaandrews.com

Dandelion Salad by Jenna Andrews

I think a dandelion salad is the perfect recipe for a busy working woman. It’s filled with an assortment of ingredients and dandelions are associated with strength and resilience by virtue of their ability to survive and weather through winter storms and come out bright and cheerful in the spring. The bright yellow blossoms evoke positivity and hope.

Ingredients

Drive - for dandelions and for drive I would add beans.

Authenticity - this is where you can add your own special splash of what makes your salad unique. I choose Cajun blackened chicken.

Emotion - I add avocado because it helps with depression. Will power - I use spinach because this is good brain food.

Diligence - I add some shredded low fat mozzarella to show that you are conscientious in what you are putting in your body.

Resilience - I choose mushrooms because they are one of the building foods.

Sparkle - lastly I would top it with olive oil to add sparkle, and because it is an antioxidant and has anti-inflammatory properties. Olive oil is also one of the best all-natural solutions available for cleansing the liver, and it’s great for skin, hair, and nails which is great for women.