 Jennifer Chung is a triple threat that the entertainment industry should be looking out for. She started off using her singing abilities in her church's praise band. In high school, she used her acting and singing talents to participate and star in her school's musicals such as The Wiz. Finally in college, she added on yet another talent, as she currently dances with her group MCIA (of UC Irvine). However, what she has become most known for, especially in the YouTube world (receiving over one million hits on some of her postings), is her singing.
Jennifer initially began to become the most known for her particularly-favored covers of hit singles. Even in acapella and often done in her own dorm room, she managed to win subscribers from all over the nation. Surprisingly, despite her popularity with her covers, Jennifer's strength arises in her writing and song-producing ability, often accompanied by her friend and fellow song-writer/producer, Johnny Yang.
Her music is genuine to her personality. She is neither too serious or too out there. As a result, she appeals to a much broader audience. Her sound is soulful in nature and in heart. Above all, she is not afraid to be who she is-a Korean-American Christian. While often singing of heartbreak and love, she never fails to incorporate a Christian sensibility to her lyrics.
Jennifer Chung is one of those few artists that are beginning to break the mold of what a Christian artist is capable of and what kind of listeners can be reached-both believers and non-believers alike. Her passion for music pushes her to pursue a career in the music industry seriously. Most importantly, though, is that she acknowledges God's working through her in all that she is doing.
1. Name: Jennifer Chung
MUSIC
2. Genre of music: Pop/Soul
2a. Sounds like: I’ve heard a fusion of Kelly Clarkson/Corinne Bailey Rae influenced by India Arie
3. Who influences your style of music?
I’m influenced by SO MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF MUSIC!!! I grew up listening to a lot of pop and R&B but it wasn’t until I started singing jazz and performing in musicals that I felt.. shall I say “complete”? I think it had to do with the fact I grew up with Disney movies. They’re so theatrical. Jazz in the other hand is so therapeutic and soothing to the soul. I remember when I was younger I used to just listen to Frank Sinatra in bed and pretend I lived in that era. To be specific though, my bigger influences are Jason Mraz, Rachael Yamagata, India Arie, and Brooke Fraser. Jason Mraz I’ve seen live at least 5 times. His raw talent is unbelievable and he’s never let me down when it came to live performances. I think that’s what makes or breaks people. There’s a line between an artist and a singer. Everyone sings, but not everyaone is an artist. I continue to thrive to be an artist. It’s an art to be able to entertain people and captivate them with your story. Rachael Yamagata is so powerful to me because you can hear her pain through the execution of her notes and storytelling. She bridges her stories with yours. India Arie is a hero to all. Her songs are so uplifting and her voice is phenomenal. She’s a musician who can do riffs and runs without EVER sounding like she’s over doing it. Brooke Fraser is also a new found love of mine. Not only is she AMAZING, but she does it all for God’s glory. It’s cool because she was able to go mainstream and keep her morals and beliefs. In her songs you can tell they were influenced by something (someone) greater than the world. I can see how God has used her in His plan and I hope that I’ll be able to do what I love for all the right reasons too. She’s solid because she has a great foundation. She’s a testimony as to how it is definitely possibly to make great music without having to compromise my faith.
4. What is your songwriting process like?
Basically when I have an idea or feel a certain way I have to jot it down immediately. With that thought comes a melody and I record it on a tape recorder. I carry around my songwriting notebook and ghetto tape recorder at all times hahaha! Sometimes I finish the songs as soon as I start them. Other times I have to leave it alone... maybe even for months (that’s how it was for my song “You Won”) As of now I can’t accompany myself but in my brain everything is orchestrated. I hear all sorts of music. I can hear the drum sometimes – a certain beat (I used to be in percussion section for my school band. RANDOM FACT OF THE DAY!) A certain melody tying in with a harmony. My mind just gets lost in the music. As fast as it comes, it goes away. So the tape recorder and notebook are musts.
5. Where do you get your inspiration?
Life. Just living life and taking every experience for what it is. God has set up my life in such a peculiar way. I’ve had my ups and downs but it was through music that I was able to celebrate or cope with the times.
6. How does your faith tie in with your music?
A lot of my songs are relatable. Christian or not, if you’ve had your heart broken, ever needed saving, felt joy, confused, frustrated – my songs portray different emotions in my life but there’s always at least a scent of hope. I pray that my songs invoke thought in people. But really, I feel like I’m able to share the music that I do because in every way it reflects my life, my life as a growing Christian. There’s a common misconception that make people think that the Christian life is supposed to be the easy life. But Christians are still human – we’re still sinners and we FEEL. Just because we’re saved doesn’t mean we’re not sinners. It’s like, “Hey, look. I know I’m not perfect, but this is how I’m feeling today. This is how I’m dealing with this situation in my life.” A lot of my worries or heartache is caused by my lack of faith at moments in my life. But it’s so gratifying to know that I can listen back to these songs or sing them again and remind myself that I have learned a lesson. I want others to be able to listen to them and learn something too.
7. Songs on repeat in your music player?
Brooke Fraser’s Albertine Album
Rachael Yamagata – Elephants, Collide, Be Be Your Love
Jason Mraz – Absolutely Zero
India Arie’s Voyage to India Album
PERSONAL
8. Favorites Season: spring is beautiful
Color: green most definitely but I love bright colors.
Item(s) in your closet: sneakers/flats/boots SHOES and coats/jackets. A couple of pants, leggings, and a lot of v-neck shirts.
Movie: Now & Then, Newsies, Hook, & Mean Girls
9. Hobbies:
I love to dance - I’m on an exhibition Hip Hop team called MCIA.
I love to act – I’m currently a drama major at UCI.
I love to meet people – I work on campus so being able to communicate with people is a must! Helping them is so much fun.
10. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?
10 years from now? Oh, man I’ll be 29. Hopefully I’ll be married with at least one child. I’d have traveled the world with my music doing shows everywhere, come out with at least one solid album, and then go on missions with my husband! I want to sing to children all over the world and share to them my love for music and God.
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