Meet Jennah Bayyan aka Jennah Bell in Hollywood

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennah Bayyan.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jennah. So, let’s start at the beginning, and we can move on from there.
I grew up in Northern California in the city of Oakland. At first, I fell in love with language. My mom had a healthy book collection, which included an unusual amount of dictionaries. I used to take tracing paper to one of the large table-top sized copies and etch the words and definitions. Something about seeing the letters all neatly lined up on a page thrilled seven-year-old me. What’s more, that they could summate in something meaningful and expressive, moved me towards writing poetry. Simultaneously, I was becoming a music fan. My parents would play everything from Nina Simone to The Beatles. Two of the very first records I learned from start to finish were Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band and Stevie Wonder’s Original Musiquarium compilation. I was a girl obsessed. My ears devoured everything that was played at home and on the car radio on the way to school.

Initially, my mom put me in piano lessons but, to no avail. She said I just made the piano teacher sing me songs I liked. In middle school, I picked up the flute which, I kept up with for about eight years before teaching myself guitar when I was 13. This was right around the time my poetry evolved into songs. By my sophomore year in high school, I was exhibiting a greater interest in music, so my mother started putting me in music-focused summer programs. One of which was called Grammy Camp. It was there I started to gain confidence as a writer and learned about Berklee College of Music. I applied and was accepted for the fall term of 2006.

After graduation, I decided to take a shot at pursuing my dreams in New York City. This is where I really cut my teeth as a performer and crafted many of the songs that ended up on my EP, Anatomy and my full-length record Anchors & Elephants. I made wonderful connections which garnered amazing opportunities that led to playing on the BET Awards, releasing music through OkayPlayer Records, touring in Europe, and opening for an array of incredible artists.

Right around the five-year mark of living in Brooklyn, I began to get the itch to move back out west. Throughout my residency in the city, I was working a full-time job to support myself and finance my musical endeavors. I kept getting signs that Los Angeles was where I needed to be which, manifested in a job transfer to a new location they were opening in West Hollywood. Within a month of making the decision to move, I packed up and headed for the next adventure. I remained at my job for a year before taking another plunge to work as a full-time songwriter. That brings us to today.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
To be honest, anytime something has been “smooth,” it’s been a sign, seek out a new challenge. Not in a chaotic way but more as an indication not to settle. That said, I’ve had a healthy mixture of both realities. The biggest struggle remains staying steadfast and confident that you are always one step closer to where you want to be.

What should we know about your work? What do you do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
I am a songwriter. I hope I’m known for my songs lol. If not, I might be known for my affinity for useless information and my love of all things vintage. I think I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve woken up every day and chosen to pursue my dreams. On the good and bad days. Everyone’s existence is inherently unique. I take solace in that fact and try to honor it by living out my truth.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.JennahBell.com
• Email: bookingjennahbell@gmail.com
• Instagram: @jennahbellmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JennahBellMusic/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/jennahbell

Image Credit:
Mallory Talty