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Newlywed, Jennifer Peña, is getting ready for the next chapter in her life – motherhood! The Texas native said ‘I do’ to Obie Bermúdez this past June and the two are now expecting their first child together. With her acting star on the rise and the release of her latest CD, Dicen Que el Tiempo, Jennifer’s entourage is growing by the minute…

At the age of 11, you performed at the Selena tribute in Houston. How old were you when you first began singing/performing?

The first time I actually performed in front of anyone more than my family, I was 6 years old and it was at a local beauty pageant. I sang the song “Glory of Love” a capella. The movie “Beaches” and Bette Midler inspired me so much at that time and when I heard I had to do something for the talent competition, I just decided to sing that song. The judges did suggest I get music for the next time, but I still won! After that, from ages 6-10 (when I performed at the tribute,) I performed at any local event that had a mic and would let me!

Has your Texas background influenced your music?

Definitely. Starting my career in Texas and with “Tejano” music, I definitely learned a lot about the roots of my culture and of course, music. The more I performed my “cumbias con accordion” the more the music grew on me, and I began to really love it. When I started the crossover, I really felt the need and want to share certain elements of our music with other cultures, and now that I had the chance to get involved in the music on my most recent album, Dicen Que el Tiempo, I definitely felt the responsibility to fuse them into my pop music as much as I could and create something new with it.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

I am inspired by so many things-first, the support that I have always gotten from my fans. They have always been so loyal to me, and continue to be, and it has definitely helped me to feel comfortable in my own skin and take risks when I have felt necessary. On this album, since I wrote and co-produced, I drew almost all of my inspiration from my relationships with the people who meant the most to me-my family, and the stage of life that I found myself in at the time. It was a time of self-discovery, and figuring out what I wanted in life. And a lot of happiness came from the fact that I was finally doing part of what I had dreamed of for years.

How do you feel about being compared to Selena?

It is truly an honor. I think in the beginning, as far as comparing us musically went, it came down to the obvious-same manager, same genre, etc. I feel that that has changed along the way, and I now find that if I am compared to her, it is mostly personal. Our
personalities, smiles, decision-making, etc. And THAT’S a blessing. Selena was a wonderful person and a wonderful inspiration to many, and if I can do half of what she has, just by being myself, that’s a gift I will treasure.

How has your music changed over the years? How have you changed?

My music has just evolved. I think there are artists that change with time, and artists that stick to tradition. Starting out so young, and with music changing at the speed that it is, I felt and feel the need to continue changing, especially as I grow artistically, mentally, and spiritually, and experience different stages of life.

What artists/music are you listening to these days?

Everyone! I lost a lot of my older music a couple of years ago so I am really trying to dig up some of the older stuff from when I first started like Mariah’s older stuff, New Radicals, Blessed Union of Souls, Eve 6, stuff I remember absolutely LOVING when I first started out. And going back to it, one conclusion-good music is good music. I still love it.

What was your experience like recording Dicen Que el Tiempo?

It was a very satisfying and fulfilling experience for me to be able to co-write and co-produce on this album. I felt proud of myself that I had finally come to accomplish something that, for so long, had been only a dream. And proud of the work that I was doing. I felt it was a description of me and I was finally putting something out there that I felt truly represented who I was and who I am. I am a young, Mexican-American with music likes from both cultures, bilingual, capable, loving, happy and proud of being a
Latina. It was an even better overcoming of my fear, because in the beginning of the process, I started to doubt myself (just a little bit-haha!) and wonder if I could actually do this, but I took the risk anyway, and while it all came together, I saw that all that I had
learned over the years about music and myself had really helped mold me into the artist and person I am today!

How would you describe your personal style?

I am very organized! Even when it came to making music, I like clean sounds, I like knowing exactly what and where everything is. I think this speaks of my personal style because it flows into everything I do. The way I speak and what about, the way I keep my
lyrics, invoices, bills, the way I approach any and all situations and experiences-trying to avoid messiness. That’s why I always to find the positive side in everything! It keeps things neat.

Tell me about your movie projects. Is acting something you’d like to do more of?

Definitely. I have loved acting since I saw the movie “Beaches!” I have been involved in two wonderful acting projects – “All You’ve Got,” my first feature film and “Amexicano,” my first indie film. And I just love it more and more every time I do it. I don’t watch movies the same anymore. Now, I watch every scene and action with the desire to be behind the screen!

How will you be spending your summer?

Well, at the moment, I am expecting a baby. I started the summer off by marrying my soul mate, the love of my life, Obie and we are now going to start our family. So, I imagine the rest of my summer will be spent trying to take it easy, and preparing ourselves for this new stage of our life.

Any upcoming projects you can share with us?

The newest single from Dicen que el Tiempo, “Tuya,” is out now and the video as well. We will be updating Jenniferpena.com very soon also. Aside from that, at the moment, my main project and priority is the one growing inside of me! I know there will be plenty more projects in the future though, and am looking forward to sharing them with all of you when they do come up! So stay tuned!

Visit Jennifer’s website for up to date news and information.