Jenny Don’t and The Spurs Talk New Album, Musical Influences And More

Portland, Oregon-based four-piece Jenny Don’t and the Spurs will release their fourth album ‘Broken Hearted Blue’ in mid-June 2024. Jenny Don’t spoke to us about the album and future plans:

Who is in Jenny Don’t and the Spurs, what do they play and how did you meet?

Jenny Don’t and the Spurs consists of Jenny Don’t (vocals/guitar), Kelly Halliburton (bass), Christopher March (guitar), and Buddy Weeks (drums). The band began as a two-piece project between me (Jenny) and Kelly, who is my partner in both music and life. I was drawn to Kelly after seeing him play with Pierced Arrows and we started dating soon after (now 15 years strong!). We both had separate musical projects, but wanted to create something together. We added Sam Henry on drums, and later Christopher March on guitar, after our touring schedule became too much for some previous players. Christopher has been with us for about 8 years now. After Sam’s passing, we were recommended Buddy Weeks by everyone in Portland, and he’s been with us for over a year now. We’re thrilled to have him on board and love playing together and it makes touring really fun.

Your new album ‘Broken Hearted Blue’ is released in mid-June 2024. How did you want to approach the making of the record?

With this record our approach was a little bit different than the previous ones. This is our fourth full length! We really wanted to put out an album that showcased a lot of our different influences but still had a cohesive feeling behind it without sounding exactly like the others but not too far of a deviation either. Kelly and I really collaborated a lot more together during the writing process and it led to having some really dynamic songs.

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

We recorded with Collin Hegna (Federale / Brian Jonestown Massacre) at his studio, Revolver Studios – he also produced it. It was our first time working with him but we really enjoyed it!

He was able to capture the essence of the recording, providing each instrument with its own space while maintaining a cohesive and rich sound. The vocals particularly stand out, showcasing a level of clarity and resonance that enhances the overall sonic experience. It’s like we’ve finally hit that sweet spot we’ve been aiming for but couldn’t quite reach until now.

One of the new tracks is your new single ‘Pain In My Heart’ which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the song?

Inspired by the writing style of Johnny Paycheck and his classic delivery of telling a story while the band keeps it rollin’ on. I love how some of those old classic country singers charm their way through a song where even though they might be in the wrong you still want’em to win in the end. Yeah, I know, I’m a jerk and I treated ya bad – but I love ya. Come on, come back home (not me personally! but you get the idea….)

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals etc?

We’re all about vintage gear and unique finds. Our recording process is centered around older, vintage instruments – too many to list! I personally love my Harmony Rocket, which dates back to the 50s or 60s (it doesn’t have a serial number, so I can’t pinpoint the exact year). Christopher is the only one who really uses effects or pedals, and he mainly used a single tremolo pedal, the Guyatone VT-X Vintage Tremolo, throughout the entire album. He’s had it for nearly 20 years and hasn’t been able to find anything else that sounds quite like it. We prefer vintage gear for its warmth and character, but we’re open to using anything that gets the job done right.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

I grew up between New Mexico and Washington… The majority of my youth was spent in a super small logging / farming rural town called Acme, Washington (yeah just like the cartoon… you gotta watch for anvils falling from the sky). Five words that describe it would be – small, quiet, green, rainy, small..

Do you have any plans for live shows in Europe/UK in 2024?

We’ve got some exciting tours lined up for 2024 in Europe. In July, we’ll be playing at Sjock fest in Belgium, along with a few other stops in Germany, the Netherlands, and Spain. Then, in September, we’ll be heading back to Scandinavia. We’re also planning a tour in the UK for early 2025.

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Hmmm… that’s a great question. I think I’d want to write the score for Cormac McCarthy’s “Blood Meridian”. It would allow for us to infuse a gritty energy into the novel’s rugged storytelling, blending traditional western music with punk-rock intensity to evoke the lawless spirit of the frontier and resonate with McCarthy’s themes of brutality and redemption. The novel lends itself to Morricone-esque soundscapes which would be an amazing challenge to write

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

My happiest song on the album would be “You’re What I Need” because it expresses my deep appreciation for everyone who supports us and enables us to pursue our passion for touring and making music. On the other hand, “Bones In The Sand” is the most reflective track for me. It encapsulates the emotions I experienced when we lost our friend and former drummer to cancer. It was a challenging time, but the song reflects our determination to keep pushing forward despite the difficulties. Interestingly, none of the songs on this album stem from feelings of anger.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

While my usual inspiration when it comes to songwriting tends to lean towards the female icons of the genre, for this album, I veered towards more male influences such as Chris Isaak, Lee Hazlewood, Johnny Paycheck, Buddy Holly, John Fogerty and Link Wray. These diverse songwriters contributed to the inspiration behind the album.

Was it a difficult album to write?

Every album presents its own set of challenges. While this one wasn’t particularly difficult to write, it also wasn’t a breeze. The main challenge was finding enough time to rehearse and work out the songs amidst our busy touring schedule. With limited free time, we had to be disciplined in ensuring we made the most of our rehearsals.

Who designed/created the album artwork?

Our trusted graphic designer, Scott Sugiuchi, created this really fun cover. He’s got a ton of experience doing cool art with Northwest Record Label Estres Records, so he’s got a great style that really matches our aesthetic. We’re happy to have started working together a few years ago!

How do you look after your voices?

In 2019, I had to undergo vocal cord surgery, which is not something I’d ever want to re-experience. It wasn’t due to my singing, though – turns out, working in a noisy nightclub and yelling over blaring music took its toll on my vocal cords, causing polyps. I was hoarse all the time, lost my vocal range, and couldn’t project at all. Thankfully, after the surgery, and a 12-week recovery, my voice came back stronger than ever. Now, I make sure to steer clear of yelling / talking over loud music and prioritize hydration and sleep (when possible), especially during our marathon tours. Gotta keep this voice in tip-top shape for the stage!

What makes Jenny Don’t and the Spurs happy and what makes you unhappy?

Touring and performing brings us joy: connecting with new people and bands, reuniting with old friends, exploring new places, and indulging in well-stocked green rooms! On the contrary, not being able to do these things leaves us feeling a bit “Broken Hearted Blue” haha.

Feature Image Photo Credit: Jen Noel 

Jenny Don’t and The Spurs’ fourth studio album is released on Friday 14th June 2024 on Fluff and Gravy Records as Vinyl LP, CD and Download.

Pre-Save/Add: https://orcd.co/odjpk2b 

Bandcamp Pre-order: https://jennydontandthespurs.bandcamp.com/album/broken-hearted-blue 

The single ‘Pain In My Heart’ is out now.

For more information visit their official website: https://www.jennydontandthespurs.com/