Debut Artist Jennifer Machado Reveals Her Favorite Song Off Of ‘The Retrospective Heart’

This debut artist is amazing!

After releasing her debut single ‘Lorelei’, we are already convinced that Jennifer Machado is an icon in the making. She recently released her first EP ‘The Retrospective Heart’.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Jennifer Machado about Halsey, Taylor Swift, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in music?  

J: “Deep down I’ve always known that I wanted to be a musician. I’ve always loved to sing! I was humming melodies before I could speak. As I got older, I loved listening to music and singing karaoke. I used to watch Hannah Montana and say that I wanted to be just like her. In middle school I learned to play the guitar, and began singing covers at talent shows but I never thought that a career in music would be possible. I didn’t have any musical role models or instruments lying around to learn. But somehow the desire to make music was so strong that I always gravitated toward the right people. In high school, I had a music teacher that saw some talent in me and encouraged me to pursue music more seriously, and with the help of many mentors along the way, now in my 20’s I’m finally recording music. It’s my biggest passion and it makes me so happy.“

You released your debut single Lorelei! Tell us more about your amazing release.  

J: “Lorelei was the single from my EP “The Retrospective Heart”. It tells the story of a one-sided relationship with a person who can’t accept the love that they deserve from fear of judgement. It’s the moment of realization that you’re falling in love with someone who won’t reciprocate that love and wondering if you should fight for it or leave.“

Your debut EP The Retrospective Heart arrives April 14th! Can you tell us more about the EP?  

J: “The Retrospective Heart is really a reflection of my past relationships. Nostalgia can be very deceiving, and we tend to look back at things in a more positive light, and remember them as better than they actually were. It’s easy to wonder what could have been or wish we had done things differently. Every song (but one) reflects on past relationships with undertones of sadness and regret. Now, being in a happy, healthy relationship (I’m newly, happily engaged!) I realize that everything had to happen exactly the way it did in order to be where and who I am today. I wouldn’t have found my soulmate and I definitely wouldn’t have gotten such amazing songs out of it either. I’m nothing but thankful, and looking back now, I see things from more gentle and understanding perspective. This EP was very therapeutic for me as I realized all of this. It helped me grow and let go of old trauma. I hope that it can bring other people some hope and comfort, knowing that everything happens for a reason, as cliché as that may sound, it’s true!“

What is your favorite song on the EP?  

J: “Lorelei is 100% my favorite song on the EP. I think it’s the catchiest-sad song that makes you wanna dance and cry at the same time. The funny thing is that it almost didn’t make the cut. It wasn’t originally part of the recording schedule, but I couldn’t get the idea out of my head. I was supposed to be wrapping up the recording, but I came into the studio the next morning with a hook that persuaded us to add some extra time and an extra track. Lorelei demanded to be written, and I feel like it was meant to be. I quickly realized it would be my debut single.“

What is the music scene like in Winnipeg?  

J: “We have an incredible music scene here in Winnipeg, and I didn’t realize it until I started the process for this EP. I reached out to Adam Fuhr of House of Wonders, where we recorded the EP. He is also the lead singer of a band called Yes We Mystic and runs a record label as well. Together we wrote and recorded these songs, and then through a “Creative Manitoba” mentorship program, he worked with me on my release. He truly opened so many doors for me and I am very thankful. We have so many amazing musicians and bands that started here and some incredible venues and festivals. I got to perform at the Winnipeg Folk Festival as part of their “Stingray Young Performers Program” and it was a dream come true. I hope to play as part of their main lineup one day. It’s definitely on the bucket list.“

Who are your biggest music inspirations?  

J: “Halsey and Taylor Swift. I wouldn’t be who I am if they didn’t exist. Their music truly changed my life.  

Taylor Swifts songs were some of the first that I learned and covered when I started playing the guitar. I admire her song-writing and dedication to her craft. She really is a mastermind. She inspired me to start writing my own songs and to this day I love everything she does.  

Halseys story inspired me to record and release my own music. She taught me that you don’t need to come from musical families/backgrounds or have taken lessons to be successful. She was actually homeless after dropping out of college (because she wanted to pursue a career in the arts and her parents kicked her out for it). She recorded a song called “Ghost” in a friends basement, and when the song blew up she began her amazing journey in the music industry. I love her music, her voice and everything she stands for. She is my biggest role model. She’s my hero.“

What are some of your biggest goals for your music career?  

J: “Honestly my only goal is to write and put out music that is meaningful to me, and that others can relate to. It’s my therapy – both to write and to listen. On the bad days, it’s music that I turn to. I’ve always dreamt about what it would be like to sing my songs to a crowd of people singing my lyrics back to me. It must be such a euphoric experience. Music really brings people together in a way that nothing else ever could. I can’t imagine myself pursuing anything else.“

Where can we follow your amazing journey? 

J: “On Instagram, my handle is @jennifermachado.mp3 – that’s the best place! You can find my music on spotify, apple music, youtube, all the streaming platforms.”

Stream ‘The Retrospective Heart’, available on all music platforms!

Kylie Montigney-Music/Entertainment Editor– Kylie has been a Host/Producer for over a year with her Podcast Talk of Fame at only 14 years old. Kylie enjoys talking to all her guests that are in the Entertainment industry and learn more about their journey to where there are today and to inspire young girls & woman to feel represented in the media.