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Bosnian-born Jenita Spirtovic is a Melbourne based singer and songwriter. Energized by rock, inspired by world folk and moved by acoustic soul, her music embodies her lyrical tales in the form of gutsy and soulful rock/pop. Initially engaged in acting, production and film, her stage endeavours would further coax out into the open her love of music, and subsequently spawn an obsession with Poe-inspired prose, strongly influencing some angsty lyrical endeavours. Nurturing a natural inclination towards the musical and creative process, she began marrying words and music together and became hooked solely on bringing original songs to life. The result saw her musical compositions create a solid presence, embraced by indie-charts and talk-back radio across the country.
Flashback to the early 2000s. Entertaining notions of a more inspiring existence in the Wild West, she graduated high school, packed some toiletries and a map, and set sail for the US, settling in Los Angeles. Her time there was humbly financed as coat-check girl at the legendary performance venue The House Of Blues, and proved worthwhile - resulting in the meeting of other musicians equally eager to hone their craft. She began collaborating, writing and performing with L.A. Guitarist Meria Kei, affording invaluable exposure to the heart of Californias vibrant live music scene. She travelled further through the US and parts of Mexico, soaking up local live music culture, sampling some authentic tequila, and generally blowing her massive $10 daily budget at Caesars Palace in Vegas.
Alas, all good things must come to an end (or at least collide with US Immigration). She therefore took her self-made mini-world-tour back to her hometown of Sarajevo, Bosnia. Whilst there, she continued to cultivate a sense of her own musical purpose, taste and sound, inspired a great deal by emerging local musicians who were generating original new blends of folk and world rock. Time spent there continues to be a motivating factor in one day realizing a long-cherished concept - the release of a musical project that will reflect her roots stylistically and linguistically.
Two years living out of a busting suitcase takes its toll, and 2003 saw Jenita return home to Melbourne to go on and study, completing her degree in Media & Communications at Monash University. Being back on home turf meant it was time to finally lay down some tracks. Initially recording with Tony Hunt of SonicBoy Records, she was referred by a friend to Melbourne producer Cameron McKenzie, who took over the production and mixing of her final recording with brand new tunes, leading to the release of the Queen Of Swords EP. Acoustic performances at youth events and small local venues followed, along with radio features and interviews, and the selection of Jenita's songs for various Melbourne indie compilations, a short film soundtrack, and retail at Leading Edge music stores in Victoria.
Forward to nowadays, and the aspiring journey to settle into her own artistic boots is taking a more organic direction. Jenita's time now is devoted to studying music full-time, getting better at guitar, writing for a record release in the near future, and resurrecting an appreciation for the simple truths in life.
