HSE Grad Jennifer Mlott Finds Success as a Singer-Song Writer
Writer/Julie Yates
PhotographyProvided
Since graduating from Hamilton Southeastern High School in 2014, Jennifer Mlott has made a name for herself, not only on the
local music scene, but also nationally and internationally. Her niche is modern country, a genre that combines old-school, traditional country elements with rock and pop. A singer and a songwriter, Mlott’s catchy lyrics and melodies have attracted a large following including fans in Japan and Germany.
Mott has won several awards. In 2021 Mott was named the International Singer-Songwriters Association (ISSA) Entertainer
of the Year. More recently, her image was on the iconic Nashville Sign, a digital display that towers over a busy intersection in downtown Nashville. Currently her single “Showdown” has a spot on the Indie and Major Mix Country top 20 chart. It was released by MC1 Nashville, a company of the Orchard/Sony Music family. Within the last six years, Mlott has been honored as ISSA’s Rising Star of the Year, Vocalist of the Year for the Kentucky Music Educators Association, and North American Country Music Association International’s Video of the Year for her single “Different Drummer.”
Mott credits her mom and voice teacher, Lynne Mott, for inspiring her to compete and perform. As a member of Royal Sensation, Hamilton Southeastern High School’s top advanced women’s ensemble, she sang many different styles of songs. Mott also participated in the Fishers Fusion Dance Team. After graduating from high school, she became a dance teacher, choreographer and national competition judge. In addition, she was part of a girl band, the Dazzlerz.
“The Dazzlerz were invited to be on Country Music Association Showcase Nashville Spotlight,” Mott says.’ “That’s where I met my first producer who encouraged us to record. As time went on, the members of the group decided to pursue other things and I began my solo career.”
The follow-up single to “Showdown” is the newly released “My Everything.” True to the modern country genre, it is a fun and upbeat love song. The gist of the song is that life is short, so if someone is loved, tell them. Mott says she loves all kinds of music.
“I like to try different things such as pop and alternative,” she says. “Whatever comes to my heart, I put out there. When I first heard myself on the air, it was a surreal moment. There is so much hard work that goes into this, so it was rewarding. This is a business as well. It is my job. I enjoy it and most of the time it doesn’t feel like work. I still have so much to learn.”
There are several places where fans can enjoy Mott’s music. It can be heard on platforms such as Apple iTunes, Spotify and YouTube, among others. Country radio stations across the United States are currently playing her singles. Plus, this October, Mlott is appearing in the northside Indianapolis area at fun venues. On Friday, October 6 at 7 p.m., she will be at Grand Junction Brewing Company in Westfield. The following Thursday, October 12 will find her at The Club at Chatham Hills, which is also in Westfield. FoxGardin Family Kitchen in Fishers will host her on Wednesday, October 18. She will make an appearance at Spencer Farm in Noblesville on Saturday, October 21. A complete listing can be found at jennifermlott.com.
“I love it when you hear a song and it takes you back to a memory,” she says. “You never know the different ways people will view music. A lady came up to me and said she had been in foster care, and how much a song I played meant to her. I want my music to heal people and bring them together.”
In November 2020, Mott initiated an organization called Mott’s of Love. The charity focuses on children in need, specifically children’s orphanages and battered women shelters. She has also performed at nonprofit fundraisers.
“The advice I would give someone is to never give up on yourself,” she says. “Just be you and be genuine. That’s how people will fall in love with the true you. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. You must get out of your own way. It’s never going to be easy.”
Jennifer Mlott is on Facebook, Instagram and X (formerly Twitter). For more information about upcoming appearances, visit
jennifermlott.com.
