The Creative Process of Jennifer Alvarado's EP 'Lately' and her latest single, 'Something 'Bout A Boy '

I recently had a conversation with Jennifer Alvarado about her life, career, and her latest single, Something ‘Bout a Boy. When I first heard Something ‘Bout a Boy, it was clear that she was influenced by ‘90s country music. The song fits comfortably alongside tracks by Martina McBride and Trisha Yearwood of the '90s. I love the energetic lyrics and the nostalgia they evoke. Jennifer’s incredible vocal delivery brings the story of first love and the raw heartache that comes with realizing it’s over to life, while holding on to the memories peacefully.

Jennifer Alvarado and I discussed some of the hard stuff, which was the catalyst for her EP, Lately. Each song takes part in her testimony of faith and experiences with having a distorted self-image, depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder, which nearly robbed her of her music career. Rebel With a Cause and Dear Ana are both representative of the struggles Jennifer has faced with those things. Dear Ana is, in essence, the conversation Jennifer had with an eating disorder as she struggled to be free of it. Lately, is all about having a destructive self-image and the thought process of the anxiety in it. Jesus in a Bar talks about faith and healing as it confronts judgement and what compassion should really be towards others.

Chorus- Jesus in a Bar

I met him in the stranger

Who didn’t look away

He cared enough to listen

When I said I’m not okay

In the wise bartender

Who told me I should stay

He said I’ve been where you’ve been

As he took my keys away

I finally found His amazing grace

In the glow of neon lights

Yeah, I saw Jesus in a bar last night

Jennifer Alvarado emphasized that music serves as a ministry, and she hopes that those who hear her songs can relate to the lyrics and find comfort in them. She explained that we are not alone in our struggles. With her experience in leading worship and working in a church environment, Jennifer recognizes that it can be easy to feel comfortable among like-minded individuals. However, it's crucial to remember that there is a broader world of people who need to learn about Jesus. She realized that those outside the church also need to understand how Jesus brings healing and offers comfort in the everyday challenges we all face.

Jennifer Alvarado's husband was a key motivator in convincing Jennifer to pursue her musical gifts. He is her biggest support, and she is grateful for his honesty in giving feedback when she needs it. Jennifer said she is learning to divide her time to book shows, promote herself, write music, and all of the other things it takes to be an independent artist. Jennifer Alvarado plays about 200 shows per year and is active in Celebrate Recovery, prison ministry, and other ministries that help women overcome addiction and homelessness.

Jennifer Alvarado on Facebook

It was a pleasure to talk to Jennifer Alvarado, I am excited to share what this EP stands for as she brings awareness to mental struggles and mental health. Thank you, Jennifer, for allowing me to have you as an Artist Spotlight, In A Country Minute.

Jennifer Alvarado on Instagram

Sky's the Limit, a 6-song EP by 15-year-old Liv Hatfield

*Sky's The Limit*

song list

1 When I Fly

2 Familiar Stranger

3 Yet

4 Unbreak A Heart

5 Not For You

6 Illogically

I connected with Liv Hatfield a few weeks ago. Liv was preparing for a volleyball tournament and finishing the week of school following her EP release party. Liv has a busy schedule as she juggles sports, music, and writing while enjoying her freshman year of high school. Yes, you read that correctly, high school. She began taking singing lessons at the age of 9 and added guitar about a year later. Liv has also been enjoying her time singing in the school choir, taking AP classes along with Spanish class, and aspiring and preparing herself to incorporate volleyball and music into college when that time arrives. Liv has learned there is a correlation between music and sports in terms of demand and discipline; you push your limits and experience the satisfaction of finishing at your best.

Liv’s first EP release definitely added to the excitement of her freshman year. Liv admitted at first that having her friends show up to school wearing her merchandise and seeing her face on their shirts was somewhat embarrassing and awkward, but now she is over it and enjoys seeing the support from her family and friends.

Sky's the Limit consists of six songs. Liv explained that she couldn’t settle for just the five tracks that were originally planned. She proposed adding an extra song, resulting in Illogically as the final track. Liv feels that this song perfectly completes the EP and that she has a strong connection to Illogically. Liv Hatfield collaborated with several songwriters to complete this project. Corey Lee Barker, Liv, and David Norris, who is also the producer of Sky's the Limit, co-wrote When I Fly. David Norris and Liv also collaborated on the song Familiar Stranger. The track Yet was written by Neill Skylar, Ronnie Grimes, and Liv Hatfield. The fourth song on the album Sky’s the Limit is Unbreak a Heart, co-written by William David Holladay and Liv Hatfield. Annie Vander, who has become a friend and mentor to Liv Hatfield, co-wrote Not for You alongside Liv and Brian Muelen. The final track, Illogically, was written by Liv Hatfield and Ericca Latza.

Whenever possible, Liv attends open mics; some of these have been with Annie Vander, giving Liv even more experience and exposure. Liv is attending CMA Fest with her family for the first time in a couple of weeks and preparing for 615 Live on June 5th during CMA Fest. In between volleyball travel and training, Liv says she will be writing more music this summer, and seeing where that lands. She's had a great start to a promising music career ahead.

Thank you, Liv, for chatting with me about your EP and summer plans. I hope you have a great time at CMA Fest, In A Country Minute.

Keep up with Liv Hatfield on her socials linked below.

Liv Hatfield Instagram

Liv Hatfield TikTok

Liv Hatfield Facebook

Liv Hatfield YouTube

FLAME - A Sassy Anthem by Billie Jo Jones

Billie Jo Jones is a Texas Country Artist who seamlessly blends traditional and modern country styles. Billie Jo recently released the title track to her upcoming album, Flame. Flame is the handiwork of Billie Jo Jones, Bobby E. Boyd, Leonard Sniegowski, and Tammy Marler. Flame was produced by Kent Wells. Flame is a fantastic song to kick off the summer, featuring a sassy 90s country style. It tells the story of a woman trying to get her man's attention, but instead, she captures the attention of the man's wife, who is not amused.

"I can tell that you think

You're gonna take my man

You think your grass is greener

But let me help you understand

I can see right through your demon ways

I put that ring on his left hand

You're a master of deception

A champion of lies

You won't catch him looking around

He stays lost in my eyes

If you want to push this thing

Can cut you down to size"

Billie Jo and I had an in-depth conversation recently about her life growing up, her last ten years of touring, and her journey to fulfill her music dreams. Billie Jo has an incredible story that demonstrates how one can overcome difficult circumstances in a positive environment.. Billie Jo's mother battled drug addiction, leading her father to place Billie Jo in the care of his parents for her upbringing. Her grandparents raised Billie Jo and supported her musical aspirations. Billie Jo began performing mini shows for her grandparents as a child, singing 90s country songs by Shania Twain, Trisha Yearwood, and the Dixie Chicks. The encouragement that Billie Jo received provided her with the confidence and drive to begin her career as a singer-songwriter. She stated that her grandparents' support has helped her through the ups and downs she has faced. Billie Jo talked about how her father taught her how to play the guitar and how those special moments left her with great memories. Billie Jo Jones has been performing for the last ten years and sharing the stage with artists like Shenandoah, Diamond Rio, Neal McCoy, and Deanna Carter. Billie Jo said she enjoys opening for bigger artists so that she can showcase herself and gain some instant fans.

Thank you, Billie Jo, for such a great introduction to your music and stories.

Billie Jo Instagram

Billie Jo on Facebook

Billie Jo on TikTok