With her genre blurring sound, Jenni Dale Lord has made a huge splash on the Texas music scene, through both her albums and her tremendous live performances. We recently had the chance to sit down with her and discuss her current single “The Bottle,” what you can expect from her latest album Sometimes a Girl Needs the Blues, how important it is to be getting back out on the road, how blurring genres has helped propel her career (and hindered it), and much more.

Single Review of "The Bottle"

www.jennidalelord.com

1. Tell us a little bit about your current single “The Bottle.”

“The Bottle” is a true story, like most of my songs are, and it's one of my favorite tunes on the album. While the song itself is sung through the eyes of a lover, in reality, it's about someone I considered a dear friend. I love waltzes and songs done in 3/4 or 6/8 time. There's just something about that beat that I find very pleasing. My absolute favorite guitar solo is on this track as well. When the band drops out, and the lead takes over, it melts me every time. 

2. This is the second single from your latest album Sometimes a Girl Needs the Blues. Why did you feel that this was a great follow-up to “He Loves Me More?”

I don't know that I really considered what would be a good "follow up." I just wanted to pick a strong song (in the country vein) that I hoped people would love. “He Loves Me More” was a really up-beat, fun, toe-tapping song. I usually try to follow the seasons when I pick the next single. Summer had ended, winter was going strong, and “The Bottle” just seemed like a good choice.

3. What about “The Bottle” do you feel are the qualities that have made it resonate with the listener so much since its release?

“The Bottle” is one of those songs that touches on a hard subject. Some people might be turned off by that, and others might relate. I knew we were taking a chance releasing this song. And honestly, I never really know what will resonate with a listener. I just write a song that resonates with me, and I hope that other people get it, too. I'm very grateful that it's done well. 

4. We mentioned a few questions ago your album Sometimes a Girl Needs the Blues. For someone who has only heard the two singles, what can they expect from the rest of the album that those songs don’t show them?

If you've only heard the two singles, you'll probably be a little surprised with the rest of the album. While I love country music, and always have, there's no denying that I love many different genres as well. Because of that, other influences bleed into my songwriting. I love the blues. I love rock and roll. Some songs emphasize those styles more than others. One of my favorite things about country music is the storytelling aspect - the way that you can pour your heart out. That aspect never goes away no matter what musical influence is taking hold at the moment. 

5. For your longtime fans, what major similarities will they find when they compare this album to your previous three, but also what are the differences they will hear?

Longtime fans will get the blurred genres they are used to hearing. They'll get the same soul-wrenching, truth-telling words that they seek out in a Jenni Dale Lord show. But I hope that they will also find lots of growth: growth in the songwriting, growth in the singing, delivery, arrangements, all of it. I always try to make the next album better than the one before, and I feel like we've been successful in achieving that goal. 

6. If you were having to choose, which one song from the album stands out as your personal favorite and why?

I always joke that choosing a favorite song is like choosing a favorite kid. I love them all for many different reasons, but if I had to pick, I would say “Go Do You” is my favorite. I've always loved the ballads the most, and that particular song just really tugs my heartstrings. Because of that, I think I sing it better. I feel it deeper, and I love the story behind it. It's sad but sweet all at the same time. It's almost a contradiction, and I kind of like that, too.

7. Being on the road and playing live shows is so important to you. Obviously, last year was a tough year for live music, but you’re back at it now with a packed schedule in the summer/fall 2021. What are you most looking forward to with being back on the road and playing live?

I am so excited to be back on the road. The first show I'm most excited about is in Uvalde, Texas. We're headlining at the Uvalde Grand Opera House which has its own really cool story and history. Sam Cox and September Moon will be joining us. But that's just one of many that I can't wait to play. Being on the road is something I crave. And yes, last year was really hard, but it also brought some hidden blessings.

8. For someone who has never seen you perform live, what can they expect from your shows that just listening to your music doesn’t give to them?

There's an energy in a live show that can never be replicated in an album, no matter how hard one tries. Seeing faces, feeling emotions - that really takes the music to the next level. Whether it's a ballad or a rock anthem, there's something about making that connection that is irreplaceable. That's why live music is so important. People need to make that connection, on both sides of the stage. 

9. Your style has always been one that blends genres and blurs the line from blues to country. In what ways has not being able to be put in a box so to speak been of the biggest benefit to you and your music?

Sometimes I feel like blurring genres can be more of a hindrance than a benefit, but I suppose there are some good things to come out of it. Personally, it keeps me kind of fresh in my songwriting. I'm not writing the same sound over and over. And professionally, it has allowed me to play different kinds of venues and different kinds of shows. I've done blues festivals, honky tonks, wineries, bars, and concert halls. Each of the venues require a different kind of sound, and with such a wide array of songs, we can pretty much mold ourselves to fit pretty much anywhere.

10. What is the best piece of advice that you can offer an aspiring songwriter/artist just trying to break into the music business?

Don't try to break into the music business. I know that sounds harsh, but what I mean is, make music because you love it. Keep writing, and singing, and playing because that's all you really want to do. If you do what you love, they say, you'll never work a day in your life. The business is hard. Eventually, it kind of happens on its own. Just keep honing your craft, getting better, get out there, and work, work, work. I'm still trying to "break into the music business." And some days, I wonder why I even try. But if I focus on my sincere love for making music, it makes the rest a lot more palatable.

Learn more about Jenni Dale Lord by visiting her official website at: www.jennidalelord.com

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