Local Catch Of The Week: Jennie List From Reading

There's an ethereal allure to Jennie List's voice. It's has a lightness that feels almost otherworldly. Listening to her latest release, "Best Behavior," gives me movie soundtrack or even Broadway vibes. She is a charming story teller and has a gift for bringing you into her story. Hear her new music and get to know my Local Catch of the Week, Jennie List from Reading.

The New England singer/songwriter has been living in Nashville since moving out there to attend Belmont University in 2016. She has certainly had plenty of influences around, not just in the Nashville community, but in her family. Music has always been a big part of Jennie's life. There was music playing at home, whether it was being performed live, or just appreciated on recordings and radio. All that love of music is evident in Jennie List's art.

Awarded the New England Country Music Organization’s 2015 Songwriter of the Year and Most Promising Songwriter (2016), Jennie continues to hone her craft in Music City. Her hard work is paying off and is clearly heard in her new music. Hear the new song, learn more about List and get her social media links, below. It's a great way to support our local musicians. Meet my Local Catch of the Week, Jennie List from Reading, Massachusetts.

Listen to Jennie's latest release, “Best Behavior,” here.

List said she wrote it "with the amazing Kiersten Rummell. The song was inspired by our then-boyfriends (now fiancés) and narrates the trajectory a lot of relationships follow. At the beginning of a relationship, we want to present this clean and perfect image of who we are, to really be on our best behavior. But the truth is that love is really all about loving your partner for who they are deep down, their quirks, and who they are when they’re not on their best behavior.

* From: Reading, MA

* Now lives in: Nashville, TN

* Current single: “Best Behavior,” the first single off an upcoming EP set to be released in 2024!

* What lead you to music: I come from a long line of musicians, and my parents are avid music lovers, so I was always surrounded by all kinds of music growing up. My mom always jokes that I came out singing. As I got older and started writing songs, it became very clear to me that I wanted to pursue a career in music.  So, I applied to Belmont University’s songwriting program, and upon my acceptance, moved to Nashville in 2016.

* How long have you been performing: I was about 5 years old when I started taking music lessons and performing in recitals. And by age 9 I was singing in regional choirs. But I didn’t start writing and performing my own music until I was about 14.

* First country song you learned: It was probably Reba’s “For My Broken Heart.” My mom loved that entire album and we would listen to it all the time. It’s such a heartbreakingly beautiful song and I loved singing it over and over. Though the first country song I learned to plan on guitar and sing at the same time was Randy Travis’ “Forever and Ever Amen.”

* How would you describe your sound: My music is heavily influenced by 90s country and Americana/Roots. So it’s sort of a blend of grand instrumentation and sweet little melodies!

* Who inspires you  One of my biggest musical inspirations is Lori McKenna. Her writing is incredibly authentic and profound, but also so relatable at the same time. I’ve always admired that she has been able to maintain a career in Nashville, but also stay true to her Massachusetts roots. She’s managed to find that balance between having a career she loves and having a family, and that’s such an admirable and inspiring thing.

* Awards/accolades: New England Country Music Organization’s Songwriter of the Year and Most Promising Songwriter awards. (2015 and 2016)

* Dream duet partner: Hands down, Ms. Dolly Parton. I’m a huge fan of her writing, singing, and personality. What’s not to love.

*All-time favorite country song:: There are too many to choose from, but some of my favorites would have to be Miranda Lambert – “The House That Built Me,” Reba McEntire – “Whoever’s in New England,” Lonestar – “I’m Already There,” Patsy Cline – “I Fall To Pieces”

* First country concert:  Hunter Hayes, my mom and I had seats way in the back of the venue and I remember memorizing the lyrics to every song on the album ahead of the concert so I could sing along the whole time.

* If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing: I’d probably be a teacher or own a bakery. I love to help people and I love to bake/cook, so something along those lines would be very fulfilling!

*Day Job: I am self-employed within the music industry, and primarily help other independent artists to release their own music.

* Most proud moment: I think one of the proudest moments of my career was releasing my debut album, “How It Starts.” It was written and recorded over several years and really documented my growth as an artist and songwriter. And most of all, it was such an honor to work with all of the amazing and inspiring musicians and co-writers who helped me bring it to life.

* Crazy thing that happened in your music career: In college, one of my professors was Liz Hengber, who was actually the co-writer of Reba’s “For My Broken Heart.” To learn from a woman whose songs literally built the foundation of my love for country music and songwriting was one of the most beautiful and full-circle moments of my life. Not only is she an incredible writer, but she is one of the kindest and most genuine people I’ve ever known.

* Other things you like to do: Spend time with my fiancé and our dog, Harlan (named after the great songwriter, Harlan Howard), garden, craft, cook, spend time with friends, travel, and see live music.

* Fun facts: I am related to Clement Clark Moore who wrote The Night Before Christmas, I took two years of German in college, and I can do accents and impressions.

* Mantra: Learn to love the journey.

Keep up with Jennie's music, shows and more by following her on her social media.

Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.

*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com