Jen Porter is an acclaimed Chicago singer, songwriter, entertainer, and a daughter to a preacher and Girl Scout leader. 

Growing up with parents who inspired people in the pews and around the campfire, Jen has stoked a fire in the bellies of thousands of fans with her irreverence, passion, and strong smoky voice. 

While she pays the rent with “Piano Man” and “Sweet Caroline” as a piano bar entertainer in Chicago, St. Maarten and Aruba, (It’ll cost you $20 to hear those songs!) she’s been steadily cutting albums and building a following for her own music for the past 10 years. Often, she’s backed up by a talented group of musicians, The Most Fabulous Band.

She’s been voted Chicago’s favorite local musician by readers of the Chicago Free Press. Critics often compare her live-show energy to that of Janis Joplin, her piano style and voice to Natalie Merchant, and the intensity of her song-writing to Fiona Apple. 

Closer to the Surface, Jen’s fourth album, is a significant step on her musical journey.

“I think this album brings me so much closer to where I want to be as a musician. Just as the title says, I'm closer to the surface,” says Jen. “This album is a testament to how far I've come.”

For this fourth effort, she brought on Grammy-nominated producer, Chris Steinmetz of Stonecutter Records. Steinmetz discovered her during a gig at Chicago’s Underground Wonder Bar and asked her to be part of his Acoustic Chicago, a compilation of the city’s finest musicians.

“He made me sound better than anybody ever had, so I knew — no matter what it was going to take —

 I had to make my next album with him,” says Jen.

Steinmetz has an impressive 20-year track record that includes work with Kanye West, Jay Z, Feist, Tori Amos, Kiss, and Smashing Pumpkins, to name a few.

“Jen Porter is a powerful performer who can bring down the house with her high energy,” he says.

“Closer to the Surface sets out to show the diversity of her talents as a singer/songwriter and push the limits of her creativity. This album gives fans melody, emotion, energy, and a sense of common ground.”

 Indie-Music.com reviewer Barney Quick says the record is exceptional.

“This is real music, wide and deep. It’s accessible but still invites you to take your time to see what’s really there. I don’t need any comparisons to get a handle on what she’s doing.  She’s setting a standard by which others down the pike will be compared.  READ ENTIRE REVIEW

SOME OF JEN’S OTHER CAREER HIGHLIGHTS:

·         Recently released her fourth album Closer to the Surface to critical acclaim

·         Named Best Local Musician by the Chicago Free Press

·         Featured on Stonecutter Records’ Acoustic Chicago compilation

·         Featured Chi-Tunes performer in Red Eye, a Chicago Tribune Publication

·         Regular performer of U.S. National Anthem for the nationally televised Chicago White Sox; has also performed for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Fire, and Detroit Pistons

·         Performed for an audience of 200,000+ people at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

·         Continuous radio airplay and interviews across the U.S. and Europe, including satellite and terrestrial radio 

·         Has written original music and had material solicited for film and television projects