Member Spotlight: Singer Jennifer Stuler

A powerful, catchy pop filled voice of sweetness, Jennifer Stuler has what it takes. We are honored to have Jennifer in our Myspace profile and all agree that she heading places in the music world. Jennifer, vocally trained, has performed before live audiences including performances with Barbara Streisand, Barry Manilow, and Russell Watson. She also had the opportunity to sing the national anthem for the NBA's Los Angeles Clippers.

We caught up with Jennifer this week after she returned from her busy schedule from the 2009 Durango Songwriters Expo in Santa Barbara.

Interview With Jennifer Stuler

KoW!:
Well hello there Jennifer Stuler!

Jennifer:
Hello! Thank you SO much for having me---I am truly honored!

KoW!:
Today is our fifth birthday on the Internet and what a better way to celebrate it.

Jennifer:
Happy, Happy B-Day! You are so kind! I just love B-Days & so glad I get to celebrate with you :)

KoW!:
When I first clicked into your Myspace profile, "Christmas In July" started up. It is a very catchy tune.

Jennifer:
Thank you! "Christmas In July" is about all the unexpected GOOD things that can happen. So often, I think we tend to focus on the bad things that take us by surprise. And this song is all about finding good in the most unexpected places. From simple little things, like your favorite song coming on the radio when you're on a long drive to finding love. Most often, it's when we're not looking, that great things happen!

KoW!:
Do you write your own lyrics?

Jennifer:
YES! I love to write & also co-write. The EP I'm releasing Spring 2009 I wrote with two amazing writers & friends, Doug Heffernan & Steve Giles. I started songwriting when I was 17 after a break-up--I didn't know what to do with all those emotions, so I wrote them down! And I've been writing ever since. I think that the beauty of songwriting is being able to share your life experiences & relate to others. I also play piano, so I really enjoy writing music as well.

KoW!:
My ears tell me you have been vocally trained. Did you attend music college?

Jennifer:
I began studying voice when I was 11 years old. I loved musical theater & did quite a few local and community shows growing up in Santa Barbara. Kind of a fun fact, as a kid I did Youth Theater with Katy Perry! I did attend music school, I studied classical voice & opera at California State University Northridge and then transferred and graduated from the University of Southern California in Music Industry with an emphasis in voice. I still love opera & actually you are the FIRST to get a SNEAK PEEK of some new music on the horizon where we're going to incorporate a bit of Italian opera & pop music. Stay Tuned!

KoW!:
Tell us about your performance at the Kodak Theatre. That must have been special.

Jennifer:
The Kodak Theater is one of my favorite places in LA! I had the amazing opportunity to perform there with Barbara Streisand, Barry Manilow & Russell Watson. It was truly a life changing experience to share a stage with these legends.

KoW!:
What an honor that must have been singing with three legends. Do you have any plans for an album soon?

Jennifer:
YES! We just had the photo shoot last weekend for the album with plans to release it this Spring. The latest single off the EP "Last Night In Heaven" is getting quite a bit of attention and currently up on my myspace page. The album will be released later THIS spring, 2009. And we’re in the works right now on a music video!

KoW!:
I read somewhere you were in the Miss Cal State Northridge Pageant?

Jennifer:
While I was attending CSUN I had the amazing opportunity to compete in the Miss CSUN pageant. I sang one of my favorite Italian arias of all-time "O Mio Babbino Caro," and in the end, won the competition. It was such a special night!

KoW!:
Anything else you want to tell our readers Jen?

Jennifer:
Growing up bi-racial, my Dad is from Mumbai, India & my mom is from Oregon, I struggled with really finding my place in this world. I loved my family & heritage, but still found it difficult to fit in because none of my friends shared such a unique background. And then I discovered music. That was where I truly found my own voice. Music has been my love since I was five years old & the few times I have tried to veer away from it, I find my life feeling like it's falling apart. And yet as soon as I return to music, I feel whole again. We all have a passion in us, and it may not lead us down the easiest of roads, but I truly believe that the journey is worth it. My favorite quotes are "Be the change you want to see in this world" by Gandhi and the Chinese proverb "The journey of a million miles begins with a single step." For me, I love that music continues to inspire. Just by keeping in mind that we have such an amazing opportunity to make a difference every day, and that all it takes is just putting one foot in front of the other.

KoW!:
Well you certainly found your place in music. Thank you Jennifer for having us today. We wish you much success!

Jennifer:
Thank you SO much! Please watch for my EP later this Spring!

Name: Jennifer Stuler
Location: Santa Barbara, California
Occupation: Singer/songwriter

• USC, Music Industry and Voice '06
• Studied voice since 11 years old
• Studied classical voice/opera at CalState Northridge
• Runner up Miss California State Northridge
• Performed youth theatre with Katy Perry
• Professional voice coach
• Jennifer Stuler's website