Inside Jennifer Klein’s Songwriting Process

For Jennifer Klein, a song often begins when she’s feeling emotional. The words and music usually come together, with her guitar helping her work through both at once.

In her 2023 interview with DCR, the Poway, California singer-songwriter explained how she develops an idea. She might write most of a song, then return over the next day or two to see what else comes to her. That could mean adding a bridge or simply checking whether the song feels complete.

It’s a straightforward description of a process that leaves room for both the initial feeling and a little distance. Getting most of a song down doesn’t necessarily mean it’s finished. Coming back gives her another opportunity to consider what it needs.

Klein taught herself guitar at 12 and began writing original music in her early twenties. She credited Jewel with first inspiring her to try songwriting after seeing her perform at a local coffee shop before she became famous. What stood out to Klein was both the songwriting and the performance.

That early inspiration eventually led to a body of original work. By the time of her interview, Klein had recorded three albums in Nashville and, after a break, returned to recording original songs.

When asked what inspires her writing, she named her daughters, her husband, and spirituality. She also offered a specific example: “Talk To You” was inspired by her relationship with her husband. Those details give listeners some context for the personal experiences behind her music, without requiring every song to have the same meaning or message.

Klein also spoke openly about a challenge that comes after the writing and recording. At the time, she was still figuring out how to find an audience for her original material and make it a satisfying part of her performing life. She enjoyed the response to familiar cover songs, but said creating her own music brought her more joy.

That distinction helps explain why her songwriting deserves attention alongside her performances. Singing a familiar favorite offers one kind of connection. Writing an original gives her the opportunity to decide what she wants to say, find the music for it, and share it in her own words.

For listeners, her interview offers a useful starting point: the feeling that prompts a song, the guitar and lyrics developing together, and the return a day or two later to hear what might still be missing.

Explore Jennifer Klein’s original music at jenniferkleinmusic.com.