After spending the last few years writing, co-writing, raising a baby into a toddler and being inspired by her surroundings in Main Street neighbourhood in Vancouver, Jennifer Hershman wound up making a record of her very own with producer Joe Cruz, “It came about quite organically, actually, which is the essence of how we wanted to capture the songs on the EP, Joe was quite taken by the songs that I had demo-d, and thought we could string them to life with a talented band”. “We did just that, and had some excellent musicians play on the album. It’s nice, ’cause the album has a nice live vibe about it”.

Growing up Jennifer was influenced by her parents record collection...she listened to everything from Diana Ross, to Paul Simon, Kate Bush, ZZ Top, to The Judds, The Sounds of Motown, and David Bowie.

I had a chance to chat with Jennifer about her new album, being a single mom and clothes....

So I checked out your website....plus the dress in your video which I love...it's evident you have a definite style sense...any favourite clothing joints in Vancouver that you check out?
My fave clothing joints in Vancouver are ‘Spank’,’Front and co.consignment’,’H & M’ and I would love to be able to have a spree at ‘LuluLemon’.

You started singing at age 8 - what was it about music that drew you in?
When I started singing at age 8,i would say I started out of environment,I auditioned for a little part in a musical where I was going to daycare,they were keen and organized about putting shows on,so,I thought I’d try and when I realized that I could sing, I never stopped.

How would you describe your music?
I would describe my music as singer/songwriter with a boost. I think my new album has a nice fluid organic live sound and I write from the heart.

How are you finding the process of blending the career woman with life as a single mommy?
Oy,the blending of the career with life as a single mom is very challenging at times...it's definitely all about balance. At times it can get very hectic. I have learned and am still learning to go at a pace that is realistic. And if I take my grandmothers advice and take care of my daughter and myself first, this is a great mantra for how to conduct the juggling. Very tired at the days end, most of the time.

How did being a mom change how you look at your career?
Being a mom has changed the way I look at my career. My career in music is obviously a passion,I think I do things now more productively, that may also be because I’ve grown as an artist but I think my time is more precious now too. And more recently, I’ve looked at young artists, and I think,’they are someones’ lil baby. Sounds a lil mushy I know, but, for me before I had a child, I didn’t think that way so much.

Best piece of mommy/parenting advice you ever got?
Mmm…’BE PATIENT!!’

What is the most important thing you have learned about motherhood that you can pass on to other mothers?
’Do what is right for you and your baby/child'. It can be so overwhelming with a first child, not knowing what is the ‘right’ way to do things, when they should go to bed, etc. I think that if you do what works for your family, then it is the way…that it should be and will be the most peaceful.

What is it about your career you love?
I LOVE to sing…I really do. There are so many things to take care of that don’t involve singing and when I get to sing, I think yes this is why I do all this. Not to mention I do enjoy working for myself.

You have a free day to yourself...how do you pamper yourself?
Yoga, for sure. Followed by lunch or coffee with a friend would be nice and a massage followed by a steam. Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh...

What do you feel is the greatest gift a mother can share or pass along to her child?
Lots and lots of hugs and endless amounts of love.

What Top 5 artists are you listening to right now?

Diane Birch, Bahamas, She and Him, Corinne Bailey Rae & Ray LaMontagne.

And finally...Terrible 2s...reality or myth?
REALITY!!!

Jennifer Hershman 'Embrace'

Jennifer Hershman's album 'These are the Ways' drops on iTunes tomorrow [March 1st].