Detroit Native Jena Irene Asciutto is getting ready to make her way into the music scene.

Since the age of nine, she has been writing songs. She made her first recording at the mere age of eleven in her family friend’s basement. “Music was my way of communicating and getting my thoughts out.”

Later, she started a rock band which lasted a total of five years in which time she began writing more electric style songs. Her music influences include Amy Winehouse, Coldplay, and Lana Del Ray.

Then on a total whim, Asciutto auditioned for season 13 of the hit Fox Competition show American Idol. She sang Adele’s “Rolling In the Deep” which won the judges over. Since getting selected she survived seventeen rounds and became runner-up that season. “The show was a great experience in terms of developing my work ethic and finding out if I wanted to do this the rest of my life, turning a hobby into a career.  I was learning every single day, every day was a new adventure. It’s very stressful, but that’s what it’s all about- how you handle yourself when you’re under pressure like that.”

Asciutto soon realized that since being on the show, her voice was changing.  “I loved Paramore, Green Day, Blink 182, and then I found out about the greats about Elta James and Amy Winehouse and I thought maybe I could put the two together and make my own sound.”

Since then she returned to her home in Michigan and started creating music. In 2016, Asciutto released her EP entitled Innocence and is looking forward to the release of her debut album Cold Fame this summer.

“Floating Down the River” is her first single off Cold Fame.  She teamed up with Wonderland for the premiere of her music video. The entire album was written and recorded after she spent six months on Idol. “This album is the story of my becoming a woman and becoming an artist. The songs are very blunt, very raw and authentic. I think it’s a good thing for girls my age to know that it’s OK to be open and be yourself”

We here at PopWrapped are thrilled to get a first look and listen to Jena’s first single to come off her debut album. Check out the music video to “Floating Down the River” below:

The song is very raw and deep with emotion. When I listened to it a couple of times I started to get a deep connection on a personal level with the song. The simplicity of the music video made it easier to focus on Ascuitto’s beautiful and touching lyrics.  Whether you were a fan of hers on American Idol or just now discovering her brilliance I would highly suggest listening to more of her music.

Want to keep up with Jena? Check her out on all social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.