Jennifer Tefft & The Strange cause a playful ruckus with ‘Going Out’
The Massachusetts alt-rock band soundtracks a wild night out with a rowdy new single out Friday, April 12 via Rock Garden Records
NOW PLAYING: Listen to ‘Going Out’ via Spotify
New album ‘Strange Beginnings’ set for release on May 17
BOSTON, Mass. [April 12, 2024] -- Jennifer Tefft & The Strange are going out tonight. Yeah, you’ve been warned.
The Massachusetts alternative rock band releases new single “Going Out” on Friday, April 12 via Rock Garden Records, exactly one week after appearing live at Fireseed Arts Studios in Framingham. “Going Out” is the follow-up to February’s “Caffeine” and last fall’s “Love and War,” and this raucous, boozy, barroom brawl of a tune is the third and final single before Jennifer Tefft & The Strange unleash new album Strange Beginnings on May 17, with the release party set for June 14 at Koto in Lowell.
While the adrenalized “Caffeine” was all about the end of the night – a closing song in The Strange’s lively setlist lovingly demanding to see everyone again at the next show – the rowdy and boisterous “Going Out” is all about the expectations and excitement at the start of one, as Tefft puts out a call to friends and family to hit the town and make the most of a carefree night out. As the lyrics playfully suggest, she’s put on that miniskirt (yeah, that one), busted out those killer shoes, and just might make the boys at the bar cry into their drinks as her favorite song blasts through the speakers across the room.
And as a mother, Tefft’s “Going Out” is particularly dedicated to all the other moms out there – the ones who may not be able to party like the old days, but know how to throw down when responsibilities and obligations drift away… if only for a few fun hours out on the town.
“This song is about, and goes out to, all my fellow moms!” Tefft says. “Especially those that have small kiddos at home and who are staying at home with them. Pulling from my own experience as a stay-at-home mother, as well as a musician who gets to observe people from the stage, there is no group of people who are more likely to go all in on their night out – and even go off the rails – than a group of moms finally getting out for the evening with their friends!”
“Going Out” was produced, recorded, and mixed by GRAMMY award-winning producer Bob St. John (Duran Duran, Collective Soul, Extreme) for PDQ Studios outside Miami, where Tefft spent five days finishing up Strange Beginnings late last year, with additional recording at Knyff Compound Studios. And like “Caffeine,” the song’s loud, invitational nature should further elevate the rising profile of Tefft, the acclaimed musician who has been nominated in both the Boston Music Awards and New England Music Awards while her compositions have been heard across international televisions on Cruel Summer, CSI, Stargate Universe, One Life To Live, The Young & The Restless, and elsewhere.
Maybe a film like Bad Moms is next, as “Going Out” sure wouldn’t sound out-of-place as Mila Kunis, Kristen Bell, and Kathryn Hahn cause a new kind of ruckus as guitarist John Parrillo’s mighty riff soundtracks the unfolding chaos playing out on the screen. Pour the riff on tap with Tefft’s lyrical wordplay and the driving rhythm section of bassist Stephen “Sharky” Beccia and drummer Chris Georgenes, and this sonic cocktail finds The Strange partying like tomorrow’s already been postponed.
“That riff is all John Parrillo,” Tefft admits with a laugh. “The riff I had for the song was much less exciting and cool. I told John that I had a vision for a Struts-like vibe for the song and without even blinking, he just pulled that one out of his brain and boom – that was it!”
From the ambitious lyrics to the infectious chorus to Parrillo’s high voltage riffage, “Going Out” was the obvious choice for Jennifer Tefft & The Strange’s new single. Its barnstorming nature and alt-rock explosiveness further help shape the forthcoming Strange Beginnings record, which was cited by WBUR, Boston’s NPR, as one of the city’s most anticipated releases this spring.
“We collectively agreed on this as the next single because it is raucous, fun, upbeat and energetic,” Tefft says. “Following the positive energy of our single ‘Caffeine,’ we wanted to continue the fun. I often take myself too seriously as a songwriter – digging deep and resonating in minor keys. I really wanted to challenge myself to write something upbeat, in a major key with lyrics that matched the vibe of the music.”
That vibe should resonate with the listener, who are feeding on the band’s vitality and turning out to the Jennifer Tefft & The Strange live shows. And with “Going Out,” they have an instant anthem to put on while getting dressed, fixing their hair, and reassuring their partner or sitter that nah, they won’t be out too late this time. Maybe, maybe not.
“I want the listener to feel our energy, our excitement, and our love for this project,” Tefft concludes. “I want them to come out and see us live and experience it all with us – and I want them to wear their killer shoes while they do.”
Yeah, you’ve been warned.
Jennifer Tefft & The Strange are:
Jennifer Tefft: Vocals and guitar
John Parrillo: Lead guitar
Stephen “Sharky” Beccia: Bass
Chris Georgenes: Drums
‘Going Out’ single artwork:
Original artwork by Stephen “Sharky” Beccia
Graphic design by Annika Swalley and Jennifer Tefft
‘Going Out’ production credits:
Written by Jennifer Tefft
Produced by Bob St. John for PDQ Studios
Recorded and mixed by Bob St. John
Recorded at Knyff Compound Studio and PDQ Studios
Mastered by Adam Matza for Magic Ears Mastering
Original artwork by Stephen “Sharky” Beccia
Graphic design by Annika Swalley and Jennifer Tefft
Released on Rock Garden Records
Jennifer Tefft short bio:
Newly signed to Rock Garden Records and New England Music Awards 2021 “Female Performer of the Year", Jennifer Tefft is a fired up, energizing presence who creates earthy music from its roots and breathes fresh, rock and roll life into them. Her music combines kickin’ rock songs with melancholy textures and vocals that wind easily from ethereal to outspoken. With her new band Jennifer Tefft & The Strange, a pair of singles, February’s “Caffeine” and April’s “Going Out”, hit the streams ahead of new album Strange Beginnings, released on May 17.
Media praise for Jennifer Tefft & The Strange:
“If you don’t think there’s striking original music being played outside of Boston and Cambridge, Jennifer Tefft will prove you wrong. Tefft has been belting out unadorned roots and straight-ahead rock at roadhouses all around New England since her 1997 debut, and on her sixth studio album her creative energy seems to be flowing more than ever, with Grammy-winning producer Bob St. John adding a sonic crunch. The single ‘Caffeine’ has already proven to be a live favorite.” _WBUR Spring Music Preview
“Jennifer Tefft & The Strange manage to bring back The Pretenders from the beginning of its career and joining it with a far tougher sound. …Tefft and band play rock with a sweet pop tooth in the singing and the hooks. The guitars are so nicely layered. The drumming is very prominent. Chris Georgenes plays as if he’s in a duo instead of a full band. He really drives the Strange. … ‘Caffeine’ is a strong song. Very powerful and good.” _WoNoBlog
Alt-rock can be a widely used term to describe a variety of different genres, but there’s a certain style of music popularized in the 90's. That sound your hearing perfectly describes the latest from Jennifer Tefft & The Strange. ‘Caffeine’ sounds like it’s a track you forgot about from a random 90's soundtrack, but when every single comedy came with a collection of killer alt-rock singles. It reminds me a little of a harder and more shoegaze based version of Belly or Jen Trynin. The song would have been a local radio hit if it had just come out thirty years ago, and possibly even the MTV Buzz Bin if it had a quirky enough video.” _If It’s Too Loud
“‘Caffeine’ is the amalgamation of every song we’ve ever loved from the initial ’90’s Alternative boom. It’s got a little bit of Sugar giving it some heft, takes the aesthetic of The Crow soundtrack but weeds out the heavier moments in favor of the moodier elements (Oh hi, Medicine!), and nicely merges a little bit of The Cranberries’ more mercurial numbers.” _Rock And Roll Fables
“Listening to ‘Caffeine’ from Jennifer Tefft & The Strange is as magnificent as watching a beautiful fireworks display on the Fourth of July… [it’s] text book rock perfection.” _The Whole Kamese
“Jennifer Tefft is one of the great undiscovered secrets around Boston. She has a belter’s voice, a theatrical flair, a knack for melody, and a hard-driving spirit that infuses her original material as well as her offbeat covers.” _The Boston Globe
“Jennifer is the New England Music Awards reigning Female Performer of the Year and you’ll see why with this song. An epic, sweeping ballad of sorts with influences firmly rooted in Americana, Pop and Alternative. The song feels practically stadium-ready and features a powerhouse performance from Jennifer.” _Graeme WXRV 92.5 The River
“Her earnest lyrics are delivered with both power and grace. Where some singers are compared to wine or whiskey, Jennifer’s voice is like a deep cordial that needs to be savored sip by sip. Her style has an edge that has not gone dull over the years and her newest songs, especially after the pandemic, are stand-outs in the Boston music scene. " _Cat Wilson, Cheap Seats on Ocean 104.7 FM
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