Artist Spotlight: Jennette McCurdy
Jennette McCurdy was born June 26, 1992, in Garden Grove, CA. She was inspired to pursue acting after her older brothers had her watch many movies to get her mind off of their mother's cancer diagnosis. After her mother recovered, McCurdy made plans to pursue an acting career. She appeared in many television shows and films throughout her childhood. In 2007, she got her big break by landing the lead role of Sam Puckett on Nickelodeon's iCarly staring opposite Miranda Cosgrove. Her wild and intense character gets into a lot of trouble, but she still is there for her best friends. In 2009, she performed in Fred: The Movie staring Lucas Cruikshank, known best for his popular YouTube channel featuring his character, Fred. The made-for-television movie premiered on Nickelodeon in 2010.
In 2009, Jennette McCurdy signed with Capitol Records Nashville and released her debut single, "Not That Far Away" in 2010. Her EP, Not That Far Away, features the songs: "Not That Far Away", "Stronger", "Break Your Heart", "Put Your Arms Around Someone", and "Me With You." McCurdy also supports St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and other charities.
Jesse recently contacted Jennette about her new music and the transition from Hollywood to Nashville. Read the interview below:
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Country Music Treehouse: How long have you been interested in country music?
Jennette McCurdy: As far back as I can remember. I always loved the lyrics and messages of country songs.
CMTH: Who are your musical inspirations?
JM: Keith Urban, Shania Twain, Carole King, Hall & Oates, Lee Ann Womack, Trisha Yearwood, tons more. I get inspiration from every good song I hear.
CMTH: What is it like to balance your acting career and iCarly with your new country music career?
JM: I always like to equate this to how parents balance family and work. Somehow they manage!
CMTH: Who is one artist that you would love to work with?
JM: Country-wise, definitely Keith Urban because he is amazing in every way, shape, and form. And otherwise, I have a strange obsession with the Barenaked Ladies. I love their irony, philosophical comedy, their rhythmic placement of words, and creative melodies. Ironically, Ed Robertson (lead singer) said in interviews that he grew up listening to primarily country music!
CMTH: You were recently in ''Fred: The Movie,'' what did you like best about working with Lucas and the other actors?
JM: Lucas is one of my best friends, so getting the opportunity to work with him on his own movie was a thrill and a pleasure for me. I had a blast with him on set every day! We crack each other up.
CMTH: Tell us about your new single, ''Not That Far Away.''
JM: I had a lot of fun writing "Not That Far Away" with Blair Daly and Rachel Proctor. We were sitting around in Blair's basement and I mentioned how, though I loved making country music, it's a career that constantly keeps you away from your family. I thought it would be great to have a song that was kind of symbolic of that.
CMTH: How was filming the video and working with Roman White?
JM: We filmed the video in Watertown, Tennessee, a little town with lots of character. Roman was awesome - he's a hilarious guy, very quick-witted, but he's also very professional and helpful to everyone around him.
Thank you Jennette for taking the time to talk with us. We wish you the best in country music! We will stay updated with your latest music, and we hope to speak with you again at Country Music Treehouse.