Interview: Jenn DeSantis

Before diving into the full interview, let’s set the stage. Jenn DeSantis isn’t just a musician—she’s a force of nature behind the piano, blending classical finesse with the edge of electro-pop and rock. Her music is deeply personal, shaped by her experiences, identity, and an unshakable passion for storytelling.

In this conversation, we got to explore the heart of her artistry—her journey from a small-town pianist to a bold, genre-blending artist, her creative process, and the moments that have shaped her career. From her viral cover of Running Up That Hill to her powerful original track Don’t Give Up, Jenn opens up about what fuels her music, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what’s next on her horizon.

Get ready to step into her world.

Q – Can you tell us a bit about where you’re from, Where you are now, your age and how your background has shaped who you are today?
A – I’m from Danville, Pennsylvania. Currently I’m in Charlotte NC. I’m 29, almost to the big 3-0. I was raised in a Catholic family. Youngest of three. I have a brother and a sister. My mom and dad set really amazing examples of how to treat others. Even though they are religious, they have always been huge supporters of LGBTQ+ and aren’t on the extreme side of things. They also set a lovely example for a solid marriage which is why I believed true love exists from an early age. My whole family supported my musical career which I know is not very common in families. I was lucky to have that support. They always encouraged me to go for my dreams and that makes me a more positive than negative, care-free person with empathy, and a strong ambition.

Q – What are some non-musical things that inspire you or make you feel alive?
A – My wife and her words of affirmation and kisses. My family. Laughing with friends. A really good Latté. Iced most of the time. Seeing minority groups make strides. The beauty of people from diverse backgrounds and cultures coming together to be part of something positively transformative. Poetry. Art galleries. Traveling. Meditation. NATURE especially the ocean. I feel something very spiritual when I’m around nature. A damn good quesadilla with a lot of cheese oozing out of it. And The Bills. I’m more into football because of my wife so I thank her for that. 😝 I can go on probably…there’s lots of things that inspire me!

Q – When you’re not creating music, how do you spend your time?
A – Kayaking is so fun. I also love to take hikes in nature. I want to actually challenge myself and climb some mountains peaks this year. I like to sketch and paint too! It’s so relaxing. Meditating. Love being out or staying in with my wife, spending time with family/friends. Oh and eating really good food. I’m such a foodie. A hobby I really want to excel at this year is ice-skating so I plan on practicing a good amount!

Q – Is there a mantra or motto you live by that keeps you grounded or motivated?
A – one day at a time. For me, this one has stuck. I always say it too. Whether it’s because I’m too hard on myself, made some mistakes, or it’s because my adhd brain can’t handle all the things I have to do, consuming too much information- I pause and say this out loud or just in my head. One day at a time.

Q – Your identity as a lesbian is an important part of who you are. How has this aspect of your life influenced your musical journey, whether in the themes you explore, the challenges you’ve faced, or the connections you’ve formed through your work?
A – My identity as a lesbian has definitely played a significant role in my music, both in the themes I explore and the connections I form with others. A lot of my work is shaped by my experiences and the way I see the world through that lens—whether it’s about love, struggle, or finding acceptance. There have certainly been challenges along the way, especially in industries that haven’t always been welcoming or inclusive, but these experiences have pushed me to be even more authentic in my music. I’ve also found that my art has allowed me to build strong connections with people who share similar experiences, and that’s been incredibly rewarding. My journey is constantly evolving, and I feel like my music reflects that growth and exploration of my identity.

Q – How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music before?
A – Oh boy. This is always a loaded question and it’s changed over the years. But I usually describe it as Electro-pop/Rock with Classical and Jazz elements.

Q – Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your true calling?
A – Yes. It was when I performed “Imagine” by John Lennon for the 4th grade talent show. That was the first time I was singing and playing piano for an audience. I never really liked showing my family and friends myself singing, I’d always make them look away or I’d laugh. Before going on stage, I was shaking! I was so nervous. But I remember after I performed, the whole auditorium was clapping and cheering me on so loudly, it was pretty apparent after that, that that’s what I wanted to do. Before that moment, I would say “I want to be a nurse like my mom.” After that, I was all in. I wanted to be a musician.

Q – Who are some of the artists or albums that have influenced your style the most?
A – To name some: ELO, Queen, Kate Bush, Arkells, Tame Impala, Ani Difranco, Dora Jar, Fleetwood Mac, Alanis, Panic! At The Disco, and a bit of Daft Punk

Q – What’s the story behind your artist name, Jenn DeSantis, is this your real name or a stage name? Does it hold any special significance?
A – This is my real name and my stage name. My last name means a lot to me because I’m very family oriented and love my Italian/Sicilian heritage. I can also say to people when I’m performing at Pride Festivals that I’m proudly NOT related to Ron DeSantis (anti-LGBTQ politician) and that he did in fact steal the last name from ME. But I’m making DeSantis totally queer friendly once and for all.

Q – How do you approach your creative process? Is it structured, spontaneous, or somewhere in between?
A – My process is slightly structured but also spontaneous. Just depends. There are times where I legit wake up from a dream where I was performing a new song and at 6 in the morning have to rush to the keys, write as many lyrics and record as much of the melody I can recall. But if I don’t have a dream to start the creation process, I typically fool around on the piano, find a melody (usually the chorus) that moves me, and just start singing gibberish to see what words I’m feeling off of the music. From there, it just flows. Phrases start coming to me, and more of the melody comes. Then I can hear how to produce it all in my head. The recording process is where all the magic comes together. Thats where the vision really comes alive!

Q – What was the first song or project you ever released, and what does it mean to you now?
A – My first project ever released was actually while I was in 8th grade. It was an album called “This Is Me”. I started recording the songs on this when I was around 11 I believe. – about 8 or 10 songs on the album. Funds went towards the Child Advocacy Center to aid abused children and I sold CDs at school. I recorded the songs off the 4 track recorder my dad got me. So this marked the beginning of my love for audio production. The first song I wrote the lyrics for I’d say I was 10 but it didn’t make the cut for the cd!

Q – Can you share a breakthrough moment in your career where you felt you had levelled up as an artist?
A – Yes. This past year was a breakthrough moment. I was nominated for a WAVY award for my LGBTQ+ anthem “FREAKS”. I also got selected to perform at two major music conferences: LAUNCh Dallas and Springboard Memphis. Springboard Memphis only selected 50 artists out of 700 that applied to perform. During this specific music conference, there was an event where artists could play one of their songs for 30 seconds in front of a panel to see if it was sync material. Tom Perry was one of the panelists (producer on more than 30 gold and platinum albums. Jackson Browne, The Jacksons, Dianna Ross, Rick Springfield, Paul McCartney, Phil Collins and has won awards for mixing music for movies and TV) . He asked “you produced this?” And was taken back that I did which was a really good feeling and then says to me “sounds like a hit record to me.” About “Unrequited” .

Q – What’s been the most surreal or rewarding moment of your musical journey so far?
A – I sang the National Anthem for Monster Jam at the Tacoma Dome full of thousands of people. That was really surreal for me because I started singing the National Anthem for basketball games as a freshman in high school. And I sang the shit out of that song because it wasn’t really about how the country is now- that passion came through thinking of how the country should be. United.

Q – How do you balance staying true to yourself with exploring new sounds or trends in music?
A – I think I balance it pretty well! I only explore new sounds or trends that I can see blending well with my style or that I genuinely like. I’m not going to do something just because it’s a trend. If it’s trendy and I dig it, that’s different. I will always stay true to myself.

Q – What would you consider to be the main music genres your music fits into?
A – ElectroPop/Rock

Q – Your lyrics are deeply emotional and, where do you draw inspiration from when writing?
A – Yes! I always write from the heart. I draw inspiration from my own life experiences but also get a lot of songwriting inspo from different artists that push me to write in a more abstract way. Sometimes I don’t want my lyrics to be so straight forward. I want someone to be like “what does this mean?” so that’s what I’m trying to do a bit for my future songs. I absolutely love when artists make me go “I totally understand it yet I don’t. I’m so intrigued. This song gives me so many feels yet it is such a mystery.” That style of writing is genius.

Q – How do you approach collaborations? Is there a dream artist or producer you’d love to work with?
A – I’d love to work with Dora Jar. I think her music is brilliant. Recently I also discovered Remi Wolf and I’m obsessed!

Q – What’s your studio vibe like? Do you have any rituals or must-haves when recording?
A – I need to be comfy. Most of the time, I’m recording in my pjs or my robe. I also need water or tea – always!

Q – Do you perform live?, if yes How do you feel when performing live? What’s your connection with your audience like in those moments?
A – Yes I do! It makes me feel alive. I can feel the energy in the room when I’m making an impact especially when I lock eyes with someone as I’m singing my lyrics. It’s like you can feel their emotion when you look at them, they’re like “hell yeah this is resonating with me.” And I think that’s the greatest thing ever. It’s awesome when my music really makes people turn their heads and go well shit who is this?!

Q – You clearly know your way around the Keys, when and how did this begin, are there any other instruments that you play or want to learn?
A – was fascinated by the piano at the age of 3 when I’d listen to my older brother play piano practicing for his piano lessons which got me interested to take lessons myself. However I had a natural talent to play by ear so sheet music didn’t come easy to me. I’d actually get frustrated by reading music. So when my parents got me a little keyboard, I’d make my own songs and beats on it.

A little family history: My grandpa plays really well. It’s always a treat watching him play the piano, it always gets me emotional. My mom plays a bit. But my great grandfather played by ear just like me (played for silent films back in the day) so I’m thinking that’s where I got it from. It’s a gift that I just naturally kind of had and can’t explain. When I was young, I’d have friends and family be like “play this song!” Or “play that song!” And I’d just figure it out by listening to it. I’d love to learn the bass, I think I’d be pretty good at it if I got the basics down!

Q – What’s the weirdest or funniest thing that’s happened to you during a gig or while making music?
A – My clasp for my crop top broke at Phoenix Pride – on stage, I kid you not. It was a rainbow sequins crop top. The clasp just broke off when I bent down. Luckily I had nipple covers on!!!

Q – If you could only listen to three albums for the rest of your life, which ones would they be and why?
A – Oh no. That’s really hard. I’m sure this answer would change in even a year’s time but here we go:

Out of The Blue – Electric Light Orchestra
Never For Ever – Kate Bush
Kendrick Lamar – DAMN

Q – Do you have a dream venue or festival you’d love to play at someday?
A – Oh man I’ll answer both: A dream venue would be Madison Square Garden. A dream festival would be NYC Pride, main stage baby.

Q – If you weren’t making music, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
A – I’d probably be an elementary school or middle school teacher…or counselor. Definitely not a math teacher though I’ll tell you that lol. I love kids and would love to teach them how to be a good role model, be someone they can talk to. Or I could see myself still sticking with the arts and really put my ambition into being a painter or an actress.

As you can see I’m not a one answer type of person lol.

Q – Tell us one thing that nobody knows about you?
A – I’d be lying to you if I told you my wife doesn’t know. She knows everything. But most people don’t know just how much I hate public speaking. You wouldn’t tell just by meeting me as I’m pretty outgoing if someone is giving me those good vibes but I’m the type of person that can’t just talk impromptu on stage. It’s not my strong suit. I can be awkward or fumble on my words due to my ADHD lol so I need a script. Although that only just makes me more human when I do mess my words up, I think people don’t mind seeing it happen. But it’s embarrassing!

Q – How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?
A – I can see myself becoming an award-winning artist. Not just an award nominated artist. I’ll be making some big moves putting my music into TV and Film within the next few years. It’s harder than it seems to get your music placed! I don’t think people realize how difficult it is in such an oversaturated market, but I really do believe my music will evolve so much within the next few years and get even more attention. I can definitely get some main stage slots too. It’ll be good.

Q – What’s one thing you hope people take away when they listen to your music?
A – I want them to hear: That you are beautiful the way you are. Exactly the way you are. You are worth more than you realize. So be a badass and never let anyone get you down.

Q – Are there any upcoming projects or releases we should keep an ear out for?
A – Not specifically but get ready for a lot of new music this year!

Q – What’s your biggest dream or goal as an artist?
A – To impact the world with my music, tour the world, and have people go “oh shit it’s that woman that shreds on the keys, synth, and keytar on stage! She’s dope!” I just want to be heard as much as possible, partially because I think I deserve that much but I also really believe my music can uplift so many people. And I’ve never heard or seen an artist quite like me. Cliche but honestly, it’s the truth. I haven’t. My style and vibe is very interesting.

Q – Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring artists trying to find their way?
A – Do not settle for the stars, reach for the moon. You need to believe in yourself 100%. Don’t compare yourself too much – I go there at times and it’s not healthy. Know your strengths, play on them, and get inspired by other artists out there. This is not a race. Your talent has nothing to do with success. It’s a lot of luck and who you know. Sadly. That has nothing to do with your music. Your music is who you are. Keep playing. Remember why you create in the first place.

Q – Is there anything you want to share with us that has not already been covered above?
A – My dad got me into a bunch of classic rock bands as a kid which helped inspire my style. I’d listen to his cd and tape collections in the attic. Elton, Pat Benatar, Fleetwood Mac, The Beatles, Pilot, Chicago, etc

I started writing my own songs when I was around 10 or 11. Realizing my love for songwriting, I had a yearning to create an album from scratch. So my dad got me a little 4 track recorder and I made my first album on it in middle school. From there, it just became a passion.

So here I am at 29 still doing my thing. Producing my music, writing my songs, performing. Can’t see myself ever stopping unless something happens to my fingers lol

Jenn DeSantis Spotlight post

Read more about Jenn DeSantis on our Spotlight post by clicking HERE