Meet The ‘Crazy 4 u’ Songstress Jen Berkova
Oxford-based emerging artist Jen Berkova is delivering fresh heartfelt music for R&B lovers everywhere. Coming from a multicultural background, the songstress was constantly surrounded by the arts and music from her Congolese and Russian heritage. With her love for music starting at an early age, the rising artist began to actively pursue her singing career at 16–honing in on her craft and writing songs. With a sound that expertly encompasses the R&B and Soul genres, Jen Berkova is confidently opening up her heart and mind with her debut track ‘Crazy 4 u’. Supported by BBC Introducing in Oxfordshire and performing 100 gigs, including Are You Listening? Festival, the singer-songwriter is only beginning her upward trajectory.
We were able to chat with Jen about everything from her sound, writing intimate music, her goals, and so much more…
So in love with your track ‘Crazy 4 u’ what inspired the record both lyrically and sonically?
I was just about to get into my first relationship but felt vulnerable in taking that step. And I couldn’t stop thinking about him. The song projects my indecisiveness at that moment “la di da di da” but also me confronting and embracing my feelings hence the “crazy 4 u” part.
What’s the scariest thing about being in love, and what do you consider the most beautiful aspect?
Not knowing if that person is actually worth the risk. Taking the risk and it growing into something beautiful.
Do you find it challenging to write about intimate feelings?
Not at all, that’s what inspires everything I write. I have another song, “Save Me” which is about me coming out of depression and into faith. Writing that was therapy for me, but not challenging.
So let’s bring it back a bit, when did you realize you wanted to pursue music?
All my life, I’ve been passionate about performing and writing, but when I turned 16, it got serious with it because I found myself blessed to be around people who believed in what I was doing.
You come from such a culturally rich background – with your parents being Russian and Congolese, what type of music were you surrounded by growing up?
I moved to Oxford when I was very young. My parent’s culture always followed me in Congolese parties/ Russian movies and music channels. Nearly always upbeat and rhythmical with plenty of energy. The more I write, the more I can see these influences coming out. Especially in songs like “Feel like” and even “Crazy 4 U”
What do you love about the R&B genre?
The music grabs me and my feelings and always gets me moving.
Describe your upcoming music in five words or less.
Edgy, soulful, heartfelt, and genuine.
What do you want to achieve as an artist?
I want to be open and share experiences with audiences through my songs, a two-way conversation. I’m all about connecting people together and maybe changing or inspiring a different atmosphere.
Make sure to check out Jen Berkova perform ‘Crazy 4 u’ live and listen to her track here…
