Jeni Varnadeau is always moving. After a hefty morning workout with free weights at the Uptown YMCA in Downtown Nashville, when most of us might be tempted to wind it down just a little, Varnadeau is picking up speed.
"I love to walk," Varnadeau said climbing aboard a treadmill. "I love this because I can read and workout at the same time. I get more done that way." She laughs - but she isn’t joking. This five-foot tall bundle of kinetic energy gets more done in less time than your average person.
Although the steps she takes on this treadmill seem to go nowhere, her resolve in completing this workout is symbolic of the determination she demonstrates on a tremendously more significant journey - one that will transport Varnadeau wherever she chooses to go.
What you notice first about Varnadeau, at home in Nashville, taking a rare break from a concert tour to promote her latest project, is the shockingly red hair, the bright eyes and flashing smile. But when you spend some time with this gifted singer/songwriter, you get the sense of the emotion, compassion and desire that drive her. She sees clearly where this journey is taking her, and she won't let any detail along the way - or reflection from the past - go unnoticed.
As demonstrated on her new album Something Changed, songwriting continues to be one of this artist’s strengths and the backbone of her appeal. "The more I write," Varnadeau muses humbly, "the more I realize how far I have to go as a songwriter, but that’s good. There's always room to grow. I always want to be growing, learning and getting better at those things that I'm passionate about. When people listen to a singer/songwriter - in person or on a record - they want to take something with them. With every song I sing or write, I hope that the listener is somehow encouraged, and challenged to think- whether it's through a lyric, a story, or just a sincere smile. I hope that others with be encouraged that they're not alone. When someone tells me how a particular song has touched him or her, that touches me and makes me feel like God is using me to be His hands and feet of love and joy to the world. And that's pretty mind-boggling- in a cool way."
With all the accomplishments and successes of her career - five albums, major national tours, six top-ten radio hits, two movie soundtracks and two number one videos, Varnadeau has experienced some painfully low lows.
By far the worst was the unexpected death of her older and only sister in 2001. It was due to a virus, and it’s sudden attack rocked Varnadeau's world. "It was a huge loss to all of us- her husband, her four young kids, our parents, and myself, among many others. She was a huge role model and influence in my life. I still miss her everyday.” Varnadeau sings about this loss on the last song on Something Changed, “Miss You.”
Still, the loss has galvanized Varnadeau's faith, her commitment to her art and an earnest determination to pursue the passions ignited by her sister's influence. "I hope I can influence teenage girls in the same way my sister supported and encouraged me. My sister was a tremendous inspiration in all areas of my life," Varnadeau said. "Many of my passions - building my faith, the love of travel, life, performing, and the French language - were encouraged by her."
Each of these loves are wrapped up in Varnadeau's ChikChat®. ChikChat® is a workshop/seminar for teenage girls where Jeni speaks on self-esteem, inner and outer beauty, and spiritual, emotional, and physical health. Teens who attend ChikChat® leave with a solid belief that they are loved and beautiful. A message teens need to hear over and over again. Varnadeau has also created several books and projects for teenage girls through ChikChat®, in hopes that the ChikChat® themes will be reinforced.
And of course, Jeni’s music reinforces those positive values and themes in her newest project, Something Changed. Her rock/pop style with fun alternative nuances speaks of love, hope, dreams, freedom and life- in an honest and real way. "This album is a great tool to help me reach a broader audience than my previous projects - both musically and lyrically," Varnadeau explains. "I grew up singing in church, but there is a huge world outside the church doors and I want to be able to influence people all over the world."
Whatever country she is in, Varnadeau packs energy, honesty, vulnerability, intensity and professionalism in her shows - making an incredible connection with her audience. “We need each other. Life is hard, but exciting. Let's be there for each other and go through this together."
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