Jenna Bryson

"Holy f*ck! This is really good!" - JJ Kincaid, afternoon DJ at Z100 in New York, upon first hearing the new track, "Happy", by Jenna Bryson. - via text message

Did you know that "not all break-up songs need be depressing"? That's the philosophy behind LA singer-songwriter Jenna Bryson's song "Me Minus You." The tune tugged at all the right heartstrings of the OurStage community with fans voting it to the top of the Pop Channel charts last month. Jenna was sweet enough to fill us in on the backstory of the tumultuous relationship that inspired her.

I wrote "Me Minus You" in November of 2007. It was one of the first songs I wrote that was NOT related to or inspired by something personal in my life. Up until then, I had been very dependent upon my own experiences to give me inspiration to write.

And then one day, I was talking to a friend of mine who was trying to rid himself of a toxic relationship and failing horribly; she was no good for him, and he was totally wrong for her. But every time he had convinced himself that it was "really over this time," she’d come-a-knockin' and off they’d go again.

I remembered what it was like to be completely hung up on a person… you're so entangled in each others' lives that you just don't know how to be without one another. So, I wrote a song for him, the lyrics being the words I wished he would say to her once and for all. And to give the words strength and the song a positive spin, I kept the melody up-beat and fun; I figured not all break-up songs need be depressing. I wanted this to be a song about moving on from a relationship with a smile on your face, as opposed to wishing there was a way the sinking ship could be saved. And I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

"Me Minus You" was produced & mixed by Gary Tharp and featured the talents of some incredible musicians, including Craig Stull on guitars, Jamie Muhoberac on keys, Chris Chaney on bass and Matt Laug on drums. - OurStage.com

It's no surprise at all that this track ("Me Minus You") took the Number 1 spot on the Pop charts. It's destined for radio success, with honest vocals and a message so many people can relate to. - OurStage.com

From: Music Connection Magazine, January 2007

Material: Jenna Bryson's forte is sad love songs, which she sings with a voice that is fiery, sultry, sweet and sticky, almost like a hot August night. Performing in the style of Melissa Etheridge and Kelly Clarkson, "If I Stay" has hit potential, while "Sacrifice" is an upbeat country/pop song with crossover appeal. For the intellectual set, "One More Thing" offers all the things you wanted to say during a break-up. And, though sad, "Don't Lie" is an inspirational offering.

Musicianship: Bryson's tunes have good dynamics, with simple but efficient arrangements. However, some of her tunes could use additional instrumentation for a fuller sound. Bryson displays a good command of her guitar, especially on "Cut Me Loose," and her vocals are perfectly suited to these sad but, sometimes, sappy songs.

Performance: Celebrating the release of her new fully produced and orchestrated EP, Bryson gave a stripped down performance that spotlighted her expressive voice. The audience could literally feel Bryson's emotions as she brought forth songs of passion, full of memorable musical moments. She covered a multitude of genres that displayed her versatility as an artist and songwriter. Bryson was a master at audience interaction and response, and made the crowd feel they were an important part of her music. - Bob Leggett

Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter Jenna Bryson sent me her new single last week and I instantly fell in love with it. Her airy vocals sounds familiar and beg reference to fellow Californian Colbie Caillat, but with distinct personality. Her music has been described as, "If Kelly Clarkson and Sarah McLachlan had a baby and then sent it to be raised by Jewel."

Bryson's voice soars over the music beautifully on "You and I" and switches gears midway through the song with edgier percussion and more forceful vocals. It's unexpected and puts her in a category of her own. - Annie Reuter

Set to rise above the throng of female singer/songwriters is Los Angeles based Jenna Bryson. Jenna a multifaceted performer with a voice that is reminiscent of Jewel shares her thoughts on her music, what it is like to be a performer in a city full of performers, the music business and her desires for her art. Jenna’s songs are warm and intimate and talking with her is as easy as talking with your next door neighbor (the neighbor you like of course). - DaiBox Records