We talked with rock/pop/blues singer Jenny Teator, check out what she has to say about her new single and video for "Surrender" - Read it HERE!

What's Love Got To Do With It?
Interview with Jenny Teator
by: Greg Spar

Greg Spar: Right out of the starting block lets discuss "Surrender"... is this a personal story or self-discovery?

Jenny Teator: Personal story AND self-discovery actually haha. I had never felt this way before, it was a foreign feeling to me which inclined me to write about it. It’s about lust and curiosity. I met someone who left me wanting more, but also recognized the learned behavior of “Oh I shouldn’t feel this way, that's dirty”. I want to urge people not to use the word “should”. That limits so much. 

Greg Spar: Do you feel women are more inclined nowadays to take the lead when it comes to the pursuit of affections?

Jenny Teator: I don’t want to speak for other women, because I honestly don’t know if it’s changed or not but I know from how I was raised I just didn’t see a lot of that growing up. So from personal experience, I know I held back because we were taught to EXPECT the guy to make the first move. But now, I’ve learned that when you don’t have expectations, you won’t get hurt. I don’t mind making the first move or paying for myself. Spoil me with loyalty, I can finance myself. :)

Greg Spar: Is there more to the song and the video than pure sexual prowess? A deeper message or is this just fun?

Jenny Teator: There’s a deeper message for sure. I think most females are raised with the mentality that men should make the first move, or be the dominant one but I’m saying if you want something go get it. The lyric “My momma taught me always be a sweet pea” derived from that. Don’t wait for someone else to make the first move, that doesn’t get you very far, holistically too! It’s definitely sassy and fun too, but the deeper message lies within the lyrics as well. 

Greg Spar: Nashville has some strong religious roots- how has it been received there?

Jenny Teator: I haven’t had any backlash about it (yet). There are definitely crowds that I won’t play it too, depending on the venue and type of show. 

Greg Spar: Did you find yourself having a favorite part in the video production? Was there a part you found to be most challenging?

Jenny Teator: My favorite part was the smoke bombs! That was so fun, and seductive I felt like I was in a fairytale haha. The most challenging part for me was probably singing to the camera. I felt awkward at first, it was my first music video so I was lip-syncing at first but my manager was like yelling at me “SING IT I CANT HEAR YOU!” haha. The second take I got more comfortable and just had fun with it!

Greg Spar: Was this one of your first music videos as a soloist?

Jenny Teator: Yes! First music video ever.

Greg Spar: How did your team/crew help you get comfortable with filming? 

Jenny Teator: Planning really helped, I asked a lot of questions so I could mentally prepare but also they just directed it very well. Jim Foster would tell me what to do as we filmed and Mark really helped me with the singing parts getting me into it and talking me through it! Now I feel like I could do anything, that was a great learning experience. 

Greg Spar: We were looking at your social pages and noticing it looks like you have been doing 'house parties' talk to us about how that is working?

Jenny Teator: Yes! These are so fun. I’ve been going on tour with two other Nashville based artists Meg Williams and Sheridan Gates. They also happen to be my two best friends here so it works out PERFECTLY haha. We started reaching out to friends and family for hosting these shows in their houses and it became a huge success! We bring a Nashville style “Writers Round” show to the comfort of their own home at no cost to them. It’s donation based so there’s also no venue cost or “middle man” which gives the artist 100% profit! It’s become an amazing business model for us and we get to travel as well so it's a win-win. We truly get to connect with the audience in this intimate style show sharing our stories behind the songs we perform. We love it and will continue to do them!

Greg Spar: Writing, playing, performing- which one seems to suit you best Jenny?

Jenny Teator: Dang, that's a hard one. I love them all! If I were to choose though, I love performing the most. I just put my heart and soul out there when I perform, something takes over and I’m okay with it.

Greg Spar: Lastly, has there been the right guy yet waving his white flag at you? 

Jenny Teator: Not yet haha. The best meme I’ve come across ( and I love memes) thus far best depicts this: 

"Me dating at 21: So what do you like to do for fun?
Me dating at 27: How aware are you of your past traumas and how actively are you working to heal them so that you don’t project that shit on me?"

Too. Real… but hey I’ve written some great songs out of it! xoxo