Jenna Paulette is a Texas cowgirl at her core – her Independent demeanor and unwavering dedication intertwined with grace, are qualities of a rancher's granddaughter. When she decided to pursue music, her main priority was to keep one foot on the ranch and the other in the entertainment industry.

While sitting in a dingy basement of Mercury Lounge, a Manhattan concert venue established in the '90s, Paulette recalled when her identity was stripped away – making it difficult to balance her double life. 

Her redemption story about reclaiming her identity is told through "The Girl I Was," the title track of her debut album. Although Paulette is relatively new to the scene, she flocked to Center Hill Lake in Tennessee with some of Music Row's most established writers to pen the emotionally-soaked track. She was fresh out of a strained marriage, where their values did not align. During that time, she struggled to be creative. However, an old photo from her grandmother's coffee table book inspired her to move forward and channel who she was before they tied the knot. 

She described the snapshot for Jessie Jo Dillion, William L. Bundy, and Jeb Gipson, who helped string together the words to express her transformative journey back to her true authentic self. 

"I had been in a relationship that was terrible, and that really robbed me of my identity, and I was in it for a long time. I remember just missing something and not being able to put my finger on it," Paulette told Fandom Daily. "I was on this trip, and we had been writing all day, and a picture of me as a little girl that I loved popped into my head. It was me sitting on this white fence helping my granddad sell my Uncle Hick's cattle. I had an orange Gatorade in my hand. My freckles were in full force, and my hair had sun streaks because it was always in a ponytail or braid. I just saw that picture and was like, 'Oh my gosh. I'm just getting back to the girl I was.'" 

The track showcases Paulette's rich, nuanced vocals against a backdrop of gently strummed guitars and a steady, comforting rhythm section. The instrumentation is layered and polished, with elements of traditional country music, such as the melancholic twang of a steel guitar, interwoven with modern pop sensibilities. Lyrically, the song navigates themes of personal growth and transformation, capturing the bittersweet essence of looking back on a former self with both fondness and a sense of detachment. The overall sound is both uplifting and introspective – inviting listeners on a journey of self-discovery and renewal.

The fast-rising star has navigated the challenges and temptations that come with success and exposure. Since losing herself, Paulette refuses to compromise her identity or values for fame or acceptance. Her self-worth and confidence is not only evident in her music, but her stage presence. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JENNA PAULETTE 🌙 COUNTRY MUSIC 🐴 COWGIRL (@jennapaulette)

When she took the spotlight at the East Village venue, she wore a wide-brimmed hat and a belt buckle as big as the Lone Star State. While many artists nowadays would have changed their approach to tackle New York City, where the fast-paced lifestyle and cosmopolitan attitudes contrast sharply with the themes of rural life or the simplicity often found in country music – Paulette stayed true to her roots. 

Concert-goers packed into the intimate venue like sardines, some buttoned up to the nines in their workwear attire and others in flannels. The diverse attendance was jawing, but was a testament to her crowd appeal. Her songwriting soul resonates with all walks of life, proving that she's an up-and-coming star with the influence of a country mainstay. 

"I think for me, it was always the goal to make people in my life feel like they have a place in country music, and then people outside of it to get the most genuine peek inside," stressed Paulette. "I think the only way to do that is being as honest as you possibly can be in your writing. It's not made up in any way, and I think it's a gift in my own life and then hopefully for my fans as well." 

Paulette's energy was contagious, as fans belted popular tracks from her impressive catalog in unison. The LEO33 artist opened for Aaron Watson on The Armadillo Dance Hall Tour, where she effortlessly transported fans to the countryside no matter which city she was in. Paulette delivered hits such as "Country In The Girl," "We Know How To Friday Night," "Stop And Smell The Horses," and even a chilling cover of "Wide Open Spaces," a timeless track she frequently would sing on the farm. When asked about her time on the road, she said the word "surreal" doesn't do the experience justice. 

"Being in front of people and feeling an audience, you can't buy that. You can't fake it either. It has to be something you learn, and it's very organic," she explained. "I look at my following on TikTok and Instagram, and it's just a number to me. But when I meet somebody who actually turns my music on and buys a ticket on purpose, then stands in the front row, it makes me feel so seen. Seeing fans singing songs, especially deep cuts, is so touching. That's the whole point of what I do." 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JENNA PAULETTE 🌙 COUNTRY MUSIC 🐴 COWGIRL (@jennapaulette)

Paulette released her debut album in March 2023, which quickly amassed over 30M on-demand streams. The fast-rising artist is now gearing up to drop a deluxe version of "The Girl I Was" for her devoded fan base. Paulette did not reveal the official date, but confirmed that her new track "Darlin" will arrive on March 1. 

"'Darlin' is coming out very soon," she uttered with a beaming smile. "On top of all of that, we are working on a deluxe version of "The Girl I Was," which is so exciting – just a bridge between the music that's coming and what was. It's a nod to the roots that made me who I am. Then, there will be more touring throughout the year and another record. There will be singles leading up to a record release." 

Paulette will appear next at The American Rodeo Tailgate Party on March 9 in Arlington, Texas. For more information, visit Jennapaulette.com. 

Photo Credit: Al Feliciano, Aint Tellin Photography.