Interview: Jenn Chenoweth
Acclaimed singer/songwriter, worship leader, and SEU Worship alum Jenn Chenoweth talks to Louder Than The Music about her recent single 'Fingerprints', the inspiring story of how she came to terms with a chronic health condition, and her plans for a new album next year.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Hi, I’m Jenn Chenoweth. I live in Florida and have been married to my husband, the love of my life, for 10 years. I gave my life to the Lord at the age of 7. I had a genuine experience with Him that changed me forever. Growing up in a ministry family I was surrounded by pastors and musicians all my life, and I was called into ministry when I was around 12 but started leading worship at 9 years old (in kid’s ministry). As I grew in my gifts, I continued to lead worship in my youth group and then in the main services.
I started writing songs at 15 and began to see new possibilities for the path God was leading me on. During my time at Southeastern University, I grew even more in my gifts and in the ministry God was leading me towards. I was a part of Southeastern Singers and SEU Worship and fell in love with the collaboration and creativity of working with a team.
I continued to lead worship and pastor after graduating. In 2023, after a really difficult time with my health, I started writing songs every day after work. My husband encouraged me to do something with it, and I’m so thankful I did. We reached out to our friends and mentors, Seth & Nirva, and they gave me awesome advice and guidance, and Seth Ready became my producer! Working on and releasing this music has been such a joy and I love hearing how my songs have impacted and helped other people - that’s the best part.
Tell us about your new single 'Fingerprints' and what the inspiration behind it was?
“Fingerprints” is about the way God can seem hidden when He’s actually at work. It’s the tension between what we know about God and what we feel when life becomes uncertain. It’s the perspective shift, when striving becomes surrender. Instead of giving up, we get curious about what God may be doing in us, through us, and around us in the process. It’s a song that can help us see the evidence of God’s presence already written across our lives.
There is beauty to be found in the mystery of God and the knowledge that we don’t have Him all figured out. I remember moving from striving to surrender in the middle of a situation I couldn’t control and taking the time to notice the Lord’s fingerprints all throughout my life. When I hear this song, I think of summers and winters with my Nana and Papa in Worcester, Massachusetts. I consider that one of the major fingerprints of the Lord on my life.
Psalm 42:7 says, “Deep calls to deep in the roar of your waterfalls, all your waves and breakers have swept over me.” The Psalmist feels overwhelmed by life, comparing it to crashing and roaring waves. He calls the waves God’s waves because even the most difficult of circumstances are under His control. God may seem far at times, but He can be found right there with you, no matter what you’re going through. He is closer than you think, so I hope this song encourages people to keep looking for His fingerprints.
That song and your recent single 'Still Small Voice' are taken from your forthcoming album, what more can you tell us about the album?
The album is coming in 2027 and has 10 songs! There’s a lot of mention of the weather throughout these songs, which is a huge example of something we have no control over. It was inspired by the season I was coming into, after years of chronic pain and emotional struggle. I found hope and joy, and you’d think it would be easy to accept that joy, but sometimes we get used to our pain and we have to learn how to walk out joy in our lives. You’ll hear the pain and the joy in this project.
A few years ago, you were diagnosed with a chronic condition that affected your ability to sing - that must have been incredibly difficult - how did you come to terms with that, and how is your health now?
The pain in my jaw started small in 2019 and grew to chronic, everyday pain. I was diagnosed with TMJ disorder. It took a while to come to terms with it. I felt like it was taking everything from me. I couldn’t sing at that time, so I couldn’t lead worship and do ministry in the same way. That’s ultimately what led me back to writing songs. I had surgeries and every kind of treatment you can imagine. It felt like it would never end.
One night, I found myself feeling so burned out and sorry for myself. I was folding laundry and for some reason, the TV was on. There was a man named Nik Wallenda walking a tight rope on a live broadcast in New York City. He was praying to the Lord as he walked and listening to worship music. At that moment, it’s hard to explain what happened, but I felt the Holy Spirit speak to my heart and say, “That’s you, Jenn. You’ve been walking a tightrope all your life and it’s time to get off the tightrope.” I cried so much that night and wrote everything down as I began to try and make sense of it. I was making life with God so much more complicated than it needed to be, trying to do everything just right and be as perfect as I could be – I had been striving. My intentions were good, but I was a mess. That’s why I thought my health condition took everything from me. God didn’t just want to change my situation; He wanted to change me. His grace overwhelmed me that night.
Near the end of 2022, I noticed major changes in my health. Though the pain comes and goes at times, it is no longer every day, nor is it chronic. I can sing, speak and eat without issues. I have to be cautious and aware, but I am so much better, thank God!
What lessons have you learned through that experience?
I learned that I am a child of God before I am anything else. Jesus endured the ultimate pain and knew so deeply how to respond to my pain and help me through my grief. I can be Jenn and let God be God.
I learned that my feelings aren’t always the best indicators, and when I thought God wasn’t there, He actually was right beside me.
I learned what it meant to truly trust God and let go of what I could not control. It took me a while, but I eventually loosened the grip of control on my life. I never had the level of control I thought I did and thank God for that. God knows how to take care of us better than we do.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
There is hope in Jesus. Keep looking for Him, no matter where you find yourself. Do not give up. Instead, get curious about what God might be saying to you through what you are facing. What could your suffering be telling you? How might the Lord be changing you? The enemy is a liar, and he can’t take away the peace the Lord gives us. There is pain but there is also joy. Seasons will come and go. Keep loosening the grip on what you cannot control and place your trust in the Lord. You are never alone.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style of music is a mix of indie pop and worship and sometimes some country. My influences are Aubree Archibeck, Abbie Gamboa, CeCe Winans, Kari Jobe, Lauren Daigle, Lizzy McAlpine, and Ariana Grande.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Oh, I love this question! In the Christian music space, probably Jason Ingram because many of my favorite songs were written by him. Outside of that space, probably Lizzy McAlpine. I love the way she writes, it’s so detailed and every word is deeply meaningful to the song.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
I would define success as creating music that reaches the people who need to hear it and makes a meaningful difference in their lives. I know how deeply certain artists and songs have impacted and encouraged me, and I hope my music can do the same for others. I especially have a heart for the brokenhearted and those struggling with mental health, chronic pain, or just difficult seasons of life. Ultimately, my desire is for everything I create and collaborate on to serve the Kingdom of God, pointing people to Him.
What is your favorite album of all time?
This is a very hard question to answer, so I may have to say multiple! Riot by Paramore was a huge influence and turning point for me. It was such an inspiration musically and Hayley Williams just sings so unapologetically. Also, Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys; Where I Find You by Kari Jobe; and How Can It Be and Look Up Child by Lauren Daigle are awesome! Currently, my favorite album is Angel by Lizzy McAlpine.
.jpg&width=180&height=180 "Mary-Clair")
