Auckland-based singer-songwriter Jenni Smith is leaning all the way into her “girl next door” era with her playful new single, “Shopping.”
Rooted in her signature pop-country sound and diary-style lyricism, the track turns an everyday supermarket moment into a tongue‑in‑cheek story inspired by a real checkout operator from her hometown. With previous singles “T-Shirt” and “Stuck On You” already making waves on the Official NZ Singles Chart, “Shopping” marks the start of an exciting new chapter as Jenni gears up for her debut album, Girl Next Door, and a nationwide tour that’s set to bring her warm, relatable storytelling straight to fans across Aotearoa.
What first drew you into the world of music?
Taylor Swift—I always had an interest in music, but it didn’t become a big part of my life until I heard Taylor. I remember being 7 or 8 years old, watching C4, and Taylor’s “Love Story” came on. I then proceeded to beg my mum to buy me “the CD with the Romeo and Juliet song.” I never stopped singing after that, so my grandma bought me my first guitar, and I never put it down.
Are there any pre-show rituals or routines you can’t go without?
Not a pre-show ritual, but I do have a POST-show ritual: I always get a hot chocolate after my shows to celebrate.
Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with, and why?
I think this is where most people would assume I’d say Taylor Swift, but I’d actually love to work with Kelsea Ballerini—I love how insightful her lyrics are, and I think I could learn a lot from writing with her.
If you could open for any musician or band, who would you choose?
I’d love to open for Kaylee Bell someday. I look up to her and adore all the amazing things she’s done for New Zealand country music, so it would be an honor to be her opener.
If you weren’t making music, what path do you think you’d be on?
In the alternate universe where music doesn’t flow through my veins, I think I’d be a writer. I’m very drawn to words, so I think I’d go into either journalism or be a novelist.
Which song do you love performing live the most, and what makes it special?
My song “T-Shirt” is my favourite to play live! It has a fun call-and-response part in the chorus and I love teaching it to the audience – there’s a running competition with all my shows to see which city / show is the loudest!
Are there musicians you particularly admire or look up to right now?
There are so many musicians who are smashing it in the music scene right now: I’m forever a fan of Maisie Peters, Gracie Abrams, Conan Grey, Olivia Rodrigo, and Sabrina Carpenter. The poetic and clever lyrics these artists write are admirable. I also admire Cassie Henderson for all the great things she’s doing for New Zealand music.
Do you have any upcoming releases, videos, or shows fans should know about?
On November 14th I released my first NZ On Air funded single called “Shopping,” and I’m so excited for everyone to hear it! Beyond this release, my debut album, “Girl Next Door,” comes out March 2026, followed by a nationwide tour so 2026 is going to be amazing
If you could be any type of tree, which would you be and why?
I think that I would be a Red Maple tree because red is my favourite colour.
If money were no object, what job would you choose to do anyway?
Music, of course! I’d still want to be a songwriter and performer. I wouldn’t feel happy doing anything else.
Are you more of a cat person, dog person, or both?
I love all animals but adore cats more. Specifically, large fluffy cats like Maine Coons or Norwegian Forest cats.
If your life had a theme song, what would it be?
“There She Goes” by The La’s because I’m always on the go and doing something
What’s something that always makes you feel nostalgic?
Music from the early 2000s—any time a top-10 song from that decade comes on, I’m suddenly 7 or 8 years old again, watching C4 music videos