All this month I will be talking to Jenn, from the Boston based band Jennifer Tefft & The Strange. Today we will be finding out about the Boston music scene, how the band started and music heroes.

Hello Jennifer Tefft and the Strange! Lovely to meet you! Tell us all three random facts about yourselves!

Jenn: 1. I have three dogs, a cat and a blue tongued skink, 2. I hate coffee and peanut butter 3. I once waitressed in a club where we were required to dance on stage to the “Tequila” song with a real live donkey wearing a sombrero and mexican blanket – poor thing. I routinely tried to rescue him and sneak him out the back door… unsuccessfully.

How did you form?

Jenn: John Parrillo (guitarist) and I met a million years ago when his ex-girlfriend was dating the bartender at the restaurant that I worked at. I used to sing with the piano player there in between waitressing shifts. She saw me one night and then brought John in to meet me. We have been playing together ever since. Chris Georgenes (drums) and I met through mutual friends on Facebook and I always knew I wanted to play with him, the universe finally cooperated. Sharky (bass) was introduced to us by another bass player friend of mine, he came by for one rehearsal and I knew we had to keep him! 

“I really feel like this album is something special. The songs are strong, and you can hear the love and excitement that went into recording this project…”

Jenn

Tell us a little bit about each member of the band?

Jenn: I’m a single mom of two kids who are way smarter than me. Born in Syracuse, New York but I grew up in Massachusetts. I like animals more than I like most people, love snowboarding and horseback riding and I am a book junkie.I listen to sports radio but don’t watch sports other than football and figure skating. And I wish people would just be nice to each other.                                                    

You are based in Boston – what is the music scene like there?

Jenn: Well, it has been tough for us indie bands. The smaller venues have been dropping like flies, replaced by larger venues owned by Live Nation which makes it very difficult to find good places to play. That being said, there is a pretty great community of bands that are super supportive of each other and really try to lift each other up. Since signing with Rock Garden Records, we’ve really found so much support from the other bands on the label and around the city.

Where are the best venues to perform in the area?

Jenn: I love Fireseed Arts, The Magic Room, The Fallout Shelter, The Burren and I would sell my kids to play MGM Music Hall in Boston [laughs].

How would you describe your ‘sound’?

Jenn: I like to call it gritty lush altr-ock.

What is the best thing about being a band?

Jenn: These guys make me laugh so much during rehearsals and gigs. I absolutely love playing with them and they have all become great friends of mine. I think friendships form more quickly and run a little deeper when you create something together.

“…there is a pretty great community of bands that are super supportive of each other and really try to lift each other up…”

Jenn

Who are your music heroes?

Jenn: Janet LaValley from the Boston band Tribe and Pat Benatar for singing. Eddie Vedder for his passionate performances. Frank Turner who owns his crowds. I’m pretty sure they would stand on their heads if he told them to. Patty Griffin for storytelling-songwriting. 

What is the best advice anyone has ever given you about the music industry?

Jenn: Don’t give up, don’t chase trends, do what you do and if it isn’t fun anymore – then it is time to move on

Finally for this week, three reasons why people should check out your music?

Jenn: I really feel like this album is something special. The songs are strong, and you can hear the love and excitement that went into recording this project. I am lucky enough to play with incredibly talented and creative musicians who have given their best to this album and give everything they have on stage.