Jenny JAM, photographed by Anna Azarov
The soul-pop artist opens up about the deeply personal story behind her latest single and the life-changing experiences that shaped its creation.
London-born, Los Angeles-based soul-pop artist Jenny JAM transforms heartbreak, loss, and personal adversity into powerful, emotionally charged music that speaks to resilience, healing, and self-discovery. Her latest single “Toy Proof” is a deeply personal release born from one of the most challenging chapters of her life, capturing the emotional impact of a relationship ending at the same time her mother’s leukemia returned. Forced to return to the UK to become her mother’s full-time caregiver following a bone marrow transplant, Jenny found herself navigating heartbreak while facing an overwhelming family crisis. The song explores the painful process of confronting self-delusion, disappointment, and the realization that a relationship may not have been what she believed it was. Yet, at its core, “Toy Proof” becomes a story of empowerment — a reminder of the strength found in reclaiming your voice, breaking free from emotionally draining situations, and refusing to accept anything less than the love and respect you deserve. Through vulnerable lyrics and soulful vocals, Jenny turns one of the most difficult moments of her life into an anthem for anyone who has had to rebuild themselves after heartbreak.
With a sound rooted in soul, pop, jazz, blues, and classic rock influences, Jenny JAM has created a distinctive musical identity built on honesty, passion, and storytelling. Her debut album Trains, Planes and Airports reflects a life shaped by movement, change, and global experiences, featuring songs written across different locations and emotional landscapes. Known for her dynamic performances and captivating stage presence, Jenny has performed at some of the world’s most memorable venues and events, including New York’s Freedom Tower for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Dubai Fashion Week, and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Through her music, Jenny continues to transform personal experiences into songs that connect with audiences worldwide, creating a body of work defined by authenticity, resilience, and the belief that even the darkest chapters can become sources of inspiration.
Your new single “Toy Proof” is such a deeply personal song. Can you take us back to the moment when you realized this story needed to become a song?
I had taken my Mum to the hospital to have a blood transfusion and was heartbroken over the breakup of my relationship. I always seem to write songs when I’m in a bad place, it’s like my therapy. The song just came to me – the chorus actually came whilst I was driving to pick up my Mum from the hospital. I had to pull over on the side of the road and voice record it. The melody and some broken lyrics just appeared!
The song was written during an incredibly difficult time in your life, as you were dealing with heartbreak while your mother’s leukemia returned. How did music help you navigate that period?
It was my outlet, my escape. I couldn’t go out and socialize with friends, as I was in another lockdown due to my Mum having no immunity after a bone marrow transplant. Music kept me somewhat sane.
The title “Toy Proof” is intriguing, what does it mean to you, and how does it connect to the story behind the song?
In the bridge, the lyrics go – “Yeah you picked me up, threw me down, messed me around, like a toy that has no say”. It’s about being treated like a toy you can just throw around. I felt like a rag doll in that relationship. Being ‘toy proof’ was about reaching the point where I refused to be treated like that anymore by anyone.
There’s a powerful message of resilience in “Toy Proof.” What do you hope listeners take away from the song, especially those who may be going through their own difficult moments?
I want people to know that just because someone breaks your heart, it doesn’t mean they get to break you. You can be hurt, angry and heartbroken and still come out the other side stronger. Sometimes the things that hurt us the most end up showing us just how resilient we actually are.
You have said that no matter how dark the story, there is always a positive twist. How do you find hope and strength during challenging times?
I definitely let myself feel it – I don’t try and bottle it up. But I’m always looking for what I can take/learn from it. Music has been a huge part of that for me. Some of the hardest periods of my life have given me songs I never would have written otherwise. I think turning pain into something creative is how I take some of the power back.
Can you take us back to the beginning of your journey as an artist? When did you first realize that music was something you wanted to pursue professionally?
I knew I loved music and singing from early on. I entered a few competitions when I was a teenager and would get solos at drama school theater shows. I knew music would always be part of my life, but it wasn’t until after a traumatic relationship that I realized I could turn the poetry I used to love writing into songs. Until that point, I had always acted or modeled. Then I suddenly entered a new chapter of singing and songwriting, which I took seriously after connecting with Ikuma Matsuda, a talented, Emmy award-winning music producer.
How did the transition happen from your musical theatre roots to becoming a soul-pop recording artist?
I got asked to send a demo into an agent at Simon Fuller’s 19 Management. I sent it in and was told I was “too musical theater.” I spent the next few years trying to find my own voice. I know this is a struggle for so many artists. In my early 20s, I met Ian O’Connell of Musion 3D holographic company (Tupac hologram at Coachella), who helped me discover the lower range of my voice and helped me learn how soul and jazz really suited my voice. From there on, I sang jazz, soul and blues. It resonated far more with who I really was.
Your sound blends soul, pop, jazz, and classic rock influences. How would you describe the Jenny JAM sound to someone discovering your music for the first time?
I’ve heard people call it many different genres, from R&B to pop rock for a couple of my tracks, to soul-pop. I would say – passionate music in minor key with soulful tones.
Your debut album Trains, Planes and Airports reflects a life of constant movement. Why was that the perfect title for this chapter of your career?
90% of those tracks I’ve written on the road, in hotels or in transient states. They are all about my journeys and people I have met along the way, which span across the globe. It made the most sense.
The album was created across different locations, including Los Angeles, Delaware, and Birmingham. How did those places and experiences influence the music?
Those are the three locations of my three producers I was working with on this album. The music I wrote in LA was mainly on public transport. I also wrote some songs on planes in the middle of nowhere. Writing in Delaware was interesting as I had a penthouse, which was lovely, and it was snowing, so I guess that brought some magical element to the writing! Birmingham, UK was where I recorded most of the album. I wrote the tracks in London, though, on my friend’s rooftop during Glastonbury Festival. This brought a level of fun and lightness to the album, and where “Friendzoned” and “Disco Ain’t Dead” were born.
You’ve performed at incredible venues and events, including New York’s Freedom Tower for the 20th anniversary of 9/11, Dubai Fashion Week, and NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Which performance stands out as one you’ll never forget?
Performing for the First Responders, National Guard and families of the victims of 9/11 was by far the most memorable performance of my life. To be asked to write and perform a song specifically for them was truly the greatest honor. We also performed in front of JD Vance, who was running for Vice President at the time (as it was held in 2024 due to Covid).
What’s next for you — what can fans look forward to in the coming months?
I have an album launch October 9th with lots of new tracks, a live performance in London if you are there October 15th, and then a second single coming out in January/February!
Describe Jenny JAM in three words.
Soulful. Fearless. Real.
About the Author
