Jennalyn Ponraj began professionally acting at nine years old and began studio recording at age 13. At the end of 2014 she self released her first single, “Waiting.” A successful Kickstarter project soon followed, scheduling her EP “Dayton” for Valentine’s Day of that year. Following the release, Ponraj took a break to return to acting. In the summer of 2016 she had a stint with modeling; this turned into her main gig in the following months. A year from the release of her debut, she dropped her sophomore EP “The Emerald City.” This was met with mostly positive feedback and garnered a few appearances in indie blog features and podcasts, with the lead single of the record being “The Ocean.” In the fall of 2017 she announced “Smoke” which landed on iTunes in time for Halloween. At age 18 she relocated to LA to pursue film further.
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?I started top lining for a Polish label at the start of the pandemic and I worked on BLADE for about a year starting in November of 2020.
Tell us a bit about your musical direction.I’ve always been inspired by memorable lyrics and as an actress having a strong visual component to accompany my projects is very important to me! I want to tell stories sonically as well as visually.
When you first started did you have a sense of which type of music you wanted to make, or did it take a while to land on a sound?I started writing from a place of pain at a young age and so things were naturally dark. Personally my taste has always been edgy and slightly provocative so as I’ve grown into my sound more it’s continued in that vein haha
What was the inspiration behind your latest single, “Cruel”?
I had a rather tumultuous childhood and I grew up in a strict religious environment and was often villanized for self expression. Cruel was written to reclaim a narrative or label often used to demonize and take power in it. I took inspiration from the story of Marc Anthony and Cleopatra as well and there’s a reference to that in the bridge.
Who helped out making this song.
I wrote the song and it was produced and mixed by Devesh Dayal and mastered by Josh Woods.
What is it about music that makes you feel passionate?
My favorite part of music is the recording process and performing live. I usually get an idea that makes me really passionate and then I jump into creating a new story or concept.
Describe your favourite and least favourite part about being a musician
My favorite part of being a musician is performing live and writing songs that people can relate to or be inspired by in some way. My least favorite part is the instability of this profession at times. But I know that whatever is meant for you will find you!
Is there a moment or memory in your life as a musician that you always want to hold onto? Or a moment that has taught you a lot?
I’ll forever hold onto the memory of my release party for BLADE. I’ve had a lot of highs and lows over the years in this business but what I felt that night was pure love. And it was the affirmation that this is what I’m meant to be doing. There were so many people who came out to support and celebrate me who have shown me nothing but kindness and I’m so grateful for that experience.
Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with in particular?
I’d love to collaborate or write with EMELINE! She seems dope and I think we have similar taste in music and lyrical choices. There’s a million more people but she’s my latest discovery.
Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of music?
Absolutely. I love reading. I’m usually always reading a non fiction and fiction simultaneously. I love skiing, travel, art exhibits, action movies, vogue. I’m getting into Mixology right now as well!
When you kick back who are some of the artists you listen to?
Rihanna, The Weeknd, Tove Lo, BANKS, Dua. I found Naomi Wild and Hope Tala recently. It depends on my mood but it’s usually a mix of alt pop, trap, r&b.
Any fun facts or hidden talents you would like to share?
I’m an actress as well as a musician 🙂
What are your plans for 2022?
Hoping to continue playing shows! My next one is in LA at Adults Only February 8th! I’ll be performing BLADE as well as new material! One of which will be next single. We’re gearing up for the video and I’m thinking a summer release right now!!
