All this month I will be talking to Jenn, from the Boston based band Jennifer Tefft & The Strange. Today we will be finding out whats it like to prepare for a show.

How do you warm up your voice for a show – do you have a specific routine?

Jenn: I have a very specific routine that involves a lot of gentle humming, lip and tongue trills and exercises. Some days if my voice is tired or I am under the weather, it can be several hours long while I’m driving or doing other things. I steam my voice a ton and always do cool down exercises after the gig.

How long do you have to rehearse new songs before you perform them live?

Jenn: That depends. I like to know what is going to happen; so with the band, if things come together quickly and I feel good about where I am. And everyone agrees, we will play it right away. Other times I will hold off until I feel confident. I always consider myself the weak link in the chain [laughs]. So I have to feel really good about what I am doing before I will put it out there live.

Tell us about your fans – what are they like? What is the vibe like in the audience when you perform? 

Jenn: We have some very devoted fans who attend everything. They value live music with real instruments and a solid performance. It’s a diverse crowd in age and we love every single one of them!

What is your favourite song to perform live and why?

Jenn: right now it is “Caffeine” off our upcoming album. I love the energy, the vibe, the melody, the groove – I just love everything about it and how it makes me feel when I sing it.

What is the hardest song to play live?

Jenn: for me it changes night to night depending on how my voice is feeling. Also, anything that has a more complicated guitar part for me I like to get lost in the song while I’m singing and sometimes I forget that I need to play guitar too [laughs].

What things do you ask for in your rider for shows?

Jenn: Rider? I’m happy if I don’t have to change my clothes in the car [laughs].

The best thing about performing live?

Jenn: The exchange of energy between us and the people in the audience.  And then, the silly moments that happen between us on stage.

“ I love the energy, the vibe, the melody, the groove – I just love everything about it…”

Jenn

The most challenging thing?

Jenn: Making sure I can hear everything I need to while on stage. 

Where are you performing in the next few months?

Jenn: Our album release is coming up on June 14 in Lowell, MA, then we have shows around the Northeast part of the United States for the summer. We are hoping to hit the road more extensively in the fall!