Queer Pop Artist Jennarie Sparks Soulful and Funky Revolution With “My Body Treats Me Better”
Burgeoning Montreal-born, Toronto-based queer pop artist Jennarie is ready to explode onto the scene with her debut single, “My Body Treats Me Better.” The track is a funky, upbeat, body-positive anthem defined by soulful, soaring vocals reminiscent of Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga.
Jennarie first cut her teeth in the Toronto music scene, where she gained a powerful stage presence by performing regular live shows all over town. She’s continued to make waves and build a strong name for herself in the years since, with renowned Canadian print and online magazine The WholeNoterecently hailing her for her “big voice, fearless delivery, ebullient sense of rhythm, and bubbles of humor.”
Now, with “My Body Treats Me Better,” Jennarie is ready to take her career to the next level. She enlisted producer Nick Tateishi for the project, who recently provided production to singer and songwriter Francois Klark’s JUNO Award-nominated 2022 sophomore album, Adventure Book, and is known for his work with the likes of Clerel, HILLARI, and Kiki Rowe, to name a few.
“‘My Body Treats Me Better’ is a funky pop anthem I wrote about body liberation, self-love, unlearning harmful societal scripts, and liberating ourselves from self-loathing and insecurity,” Jennarie explains of the track.
“It’s the perfect feel-good bop and features real instruments, including saxophone, guitar, bass, electric piano and drums. The music and the message are the perfect pick-me-up for any time of day, and the retro pop vibe is sure to catch the ears of anyone who listens.”
“My Body Treats Me Better” is an electric track packed to the brim with good energy, heartfelt lyrics, and a strong, positive message that speaks to the power of self-love and finding beauty in one’s own individuality. “Don’t you let those voices tell you what to do/Go on and break those walls, live the life you’re meant to,” she croons on the track. It’s a message she’s taken to heart — if “My Body Treats Me Better” is any indication, Jennarie won’t be slowing down anytime soon.
Care to introduce yourself?
Hello! I’m Jennarie, a queer pop, R&B, and jazz artist based in Toronto.
During my upbringing, our home was filled with music, immersing me in the sounds of Elton John, the Beatles, Michael Jackson, Supertramp, and more. My earliest memories of singing involve vocalizing to these incredible records and performing my versions of Spice Girls and Sailor Moon soundtrack favorites.
In my teens, I developed a passion for punk, grunge, and emo music. I learned to play the guitar and formed bands in high school, passionately singing angsty songs to a webcam while my parents slept. I uploaded these videos to YouTube, eagerly watching the comments roll in.
Transitioning from the rock scene in my late teens, I delved into jazz, blues, and R&B. The smooth vocals, instrumentation, mind-blowing improvisation, and stories of love, community, and resilience instantly captivated me. Moving to Toronto to pursue my dream of becoming a gigging musician, I’ve been performing at clubs and stages across Ontario and Quebec. I’m thrilled to have released my debut single, “My Body Treats Me Better,” a track celebrating body liberation and self-love.
Tell us about the process of recording “My Body Treats Me Better”?
The process of recording “My Body Treats Me Better” was both enjoyable and enlightening. It marked my debut collaboration with a producer, and Nick Tateishi proved to be an absolute gem. Beyond bringing a unique vision that revitalized my original composition, he generously shared insights into tracking and production. Inspired by the blend of production and live instrumentation on records by Emily King, Lawrence, and Stacey Ryan, Nick and I collaborated to achieve an ideal blended sound.
I had the privilege of working with some of my favorite local musicians on this track: Ewen Farncombe (keys), Jay Yoo (guitar), Caleb Klager (bass), Jon Catanus (drums), and Patrick Smith (saxes). I crafted this song as a body-positive anthem for my performance at Pride Toronto in the summer of 2022, and it has remained a staple in my live performances. Nick took the essence of my composition and infused it with an irresistibly groovy feel.
Since its release, people have consistently commented “VIBES” on my social media posts—those vibes are all thanks to Nick and his exceptional arrangement.
What’s it like being a musician in Toronto?
Being a musician in Toronto is a unique experience. I’ve dedicated years to exploring and participating in the local jazz scene, given my degree in Jazz Performance at the University of Toronto and my passion for the genre. While being a singer in these circles posed challenges, I’ve gradually connected with an incredible community—encouraging, supportive, and inspiring individuals who prioritize creating and maintaining safe spaces.
In the past year, I’ve endeavored to broaden my horizons, venturing beyond jazz clubs to meet R&B, pop, and gospel musicians. Though I’m still working on that aspect, the people I’ve encountered have been truly amazing so far. I look forward to witnessing how my performance career evolves and changes as I expand my circles, connect with new musicians, and release more music.
Who was the first and most recent Canadian artist to blow you away?
The first Canadian artist to blow me away is, of course, the matriarch of Quebec, the mother of live vocals and epic power ballads: Céline Dion! Lately, I’ve been loving the incredible new releases by my peers and local Toronto artists. So much of the music by independent artists coming out of this city and Montreal is mind-blowing. Some of the Canadian artists currently on repeat for me are: Kubla, EARTH TO EMILY, Claire Davis, Leith Ross, Erez Zobary, HAWA B, Lydia Persaud, Trash Panda Brass, and, of course, TikTok star Stacey Ryan and the queen of Canadian jazz, Caity Gyorgy.
You’ve been making music for a bit of time now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
Be open to inspiration from all forms of art: visit museums, art galleries, gardens, and explore photography and poetry. Inspiration is around every corner if you’re looking and listening closely enough.