Teen singer-songwriter Jenny Yim makes her way in the music business

Jenny Yim isn’t a household name yet, but that is about to change.

The 16-year-old singer-­songwriter has been popping up at notable shows on Oahu, including “Mele Kalikirocka” at The Republik. On Thursday, the Oahu native will share the stage with Lovelytheband and Flora Cash.

While this is helping Yim cut her teeth as a performing artist, her next focus is on recording her debut EP. In March, Yim will head to Bear Creek Studio near Seattle, where many notable albums have been recorded by contemporary rock and pop artists including the Gossip, Metric and Brandi Carlile. (Lionel Richie’s epic “Dancing on the Ceiling” was also recorded at Bear Creek. )

Not only will Yim be recording at a top-notch studio, she also has snagged a top-notch producer, Ryan Hadlock, whose track record includes working with notables such as Vance Joy, The Lumineers and Blonde Redhead.

The single that Yim has up on Spotify, “Angel on Earth,” was written when she was 14. Upon giving it a listen, it’s hard not to notice a lyrical depth and vocal maturity that belie her years.

We caught up with Yim as she made her way through regular 16-year-old projects, like wrapping up her SATs.

SONGWRITING, FOR Yim, is a necessity, she said.

“It’s the same for me as needing a glass of water, or needing to eat,” she said. “I write when I need to write.”

With a catalogue of 170 original songs under her belt, it seems this must be so. Writers that prolific tend to need to write to get their thoughts out into the air.

Yim was raised surrounded by music, as her father and his brother play music together. Her parents say she started making up songs immediately as a toddler.

Yim recalls writing her first real, fully formed songs around the age of 6 or 7.

Vocally, Yim has a very full, husky low end to her singing voice that she effortlessly melds with a clear, high falsetto. It’s very much her own sound and style. On Instagram (@jehneny), where Yim posts videos of herself singing, she’s got a vibe that draws parallels with that of classic female songwriters like Carole King and Dolly Parton, albeit with a modern, indie bent.

In terms of what shapes her lyrics, Yim says, “Stories and things that people go through are my major influences,” as well as “listening to what happens to people and giving them something to relate to.”

Of her nature and personality, Yim describes herself as carefree. “I have my head in the clouds mostly. I lose my shoes a lot,” she said, laughing.

YIM’S TWO WEEKS at Bear Creek Studio will come during her spring break from Punahou School.

“I can’t get my songs to their full potential with just vocals, guitar and piano (instruments Yim plays). Ryan’s production will help to make it bigger.”

The plan is to emerge from the studio with a five-song EP.

In the mean time, Yim will be performing at “Mele Kalikirocka” as well as opening for Joshua Radin at Blue Note Hawaii in January and for the band Mae at The Republik in March.

Much of the trajectory of Yim’s current career has been spearheaded by Bamp Project and Republik co-owner Matty Hazelgrove. Recently, Hazelgrove has taken a few local acts under his wing as a manager. (He also manages Kings of Spade, which opened for Guns N’ Roses at Aloha Stadium on Saturday.)

Drummer Jacob Marshall of Mae said Yim has already made an impression.

“Jenny may be young, but she effortlessly sings emotional nuance with grace and clarity,” Marshall said. “Her writing creates and holds space for everything that’s coming her way. We are really pleased to have her join us on stage.”