An Interview With Jennifer Alvarado
A fresh single from Jennifer Alvarado is a righteous and warming love letter to rock n' roll and it comes with a great edge and a lush sound that takes on the form of a major rock banger but with both pop and southern undertones that shine through the entire time.
"Rock This Way" is an instant classic and has that adass guitar tone that goes right along with Alvarado's character riddled and soulful vocal approach and it all hits just right.
The track boasts quite a singlon attitude and shows such an intelligent songwriting style that has maturity but a youthful energy to it that can't be shaken.
You do get that almost Americana or just southern classic rock undertone mainly because of the artists swagger and chic feel.
This was a damn fun single and this really gives the impression that Avlarado is here to stay.
Her songs show tons of heart over all else. They are about things that mean something to her and have been a part of her life. These things come through in the music and the kind of performances you get from her.
It's all part of what makes her such a contender. She's smart and soulful with it.
Her songs always kind of borders on Country tonality and she does that gracefully as the songs get these tastes of it that you get to hear but it's enough for a country or Americana fan to love these songs as well.
It's also that attitude she's got. It's perfect. Or, maybe it's just her! Either way, it works all too well with the songs and it helps create this feeling that you're listening to someone that's been a start for years now.
With such a great release, we wanted to talk to Jennifer about "Rock This Way" and find out where it came from.
Here's what went down.
TSWS: Okay so let's start with "Rock This Way". This record has a great southern and classic rock feel to it! Where did this single come from?
Thank you! I actually wrote this song while I was going through a time of writer’s block. As a challenge to myself, I decided to see how many of my favorite classic rock songs I could semi-reference and the song still make sense. I grew up listening to classic rock, but I have for the most part remained very country in my sound. I wanted to throw some of those references into this song.
TSWS: I'm hearing some great styles on this release. Who are some of your biggest musical influences?
Reba McEntire is probably my biggest influence. I’ve always respected her as a business woman. She is smart and able to transition into every possible sector of the entertainment industry. Musically, I’m all over the place. I still love all the ladies of 90’s country music. I grew up listening to The Eagles, Tom Petty, and Chicago. I was too young to really be part of the grunge phase in the early 90’s, but bands like Nirvana and Soundgarden are still part of my daily playlist.
TSWS: So how did this all begin for you really? When did you fall in love with making music?
I think I’ve loved music since birth. I was singing before I could actually talk. Music has always been my natural way of self expression. It started with writing little songs of my own from a very early age. Music became my safe place when I reached middle school. I was the quiet girl and was bullied for various reasons, so I clung to music. It was how I expressed everything that I couldn’t share with people.
TSWS: What's next for you as an artist?
I am finishing up my next album “Songbird.” I have decided to release it in two parts. Part One will be coming out on July 24th…which happens to be my birthday.
TSWS: What inspires you to write a song?
I tend to write the most and the quickest when I am upset or angry. However, everyday life inspires me. It may be a simple phrase or it may be something I have seen in a movie. For the most part, I write to understand people and relationships.
TSWS: What are you doing when you're NOT working on music?
I am actually a Minister of Music for a local church, so when I am not working on my own music, I am planning music for a church service or having a rehearsal. I am also involved in a couple recovery ministries, so I like to volunteer and serve the community.
TSWS: Who are you listening to right now?
I have been on an eighties and early nineties kick lately. To be honest when I am working on my music, I try not to listen to a lot of outside influences. I have learned that I need to focus on my sound and what I am doing until I am satisfied with my project.
TSWS: Are you doing live performances?
Yes. I am trying to play at least 2 to 3 shows a week. I have services on Friday and Sunday most weeks, so I try to fit a shorter show in during the week and a 2-3 hour show in on the weekends.
TSWS: This single seems like a big undertaking. What kind of advice might you have for other up and coming artists out there?
With every release you learn something else. You become better at translating the vision in your head into reality recording wise. You become better at telling your story and knowing the why behind your brand. You become better with marketing and promoting yourself. My advice is keep going. Don’t compare your journey to someone else’s. People get discouraged when they try to copy someone else’s success and it doesn’t work. It’s not supposed to. You’re story and journey are unique to you. It is what makes you different and people can tell when you are just “faking it until you make it.” And I think especially in society today, being fake just doesn’t work.
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
From the bottom of my heart, thank you. I appreciate every stream, share, save and interaction I have with you. You are loved 