Singled Out: Jenn Grinels' Always on the Run

Indie singer-songwriter Jenn Grinels just released her brand new single "Always on the Run," and to celebrate we asked her to tell us about the track. Here is the story:

This song is special, and, in many ways, kind of groundbreaking for me! I had never really worked with a co-writer before Alfred Howard sent me his lyrics. He reached out to me out of the blue during Covid. At first, I was just really flattered because I've always admired him as a poet and lyricist, but I wasn't sure how this would go since this kind of collaboration was totally new to me, especially long distance, as I was in Portland at the time and Al was in San Diego.

Then I read the lyrics, and I was immediately inspired. I wanted to write music for these words right away. The melody and chords for this version I'm releasing now came together really quickly, but then I second-guessed it. Because it had come so easily, I thought maybe the song itself was too easy? Too simple? That maybe it should be more complicated, so I wrote a second arrangement that was much jazzier and more intricate. I played both versions for my husband, and he immediately chose the first one. The simple one. The one we know now. No question. It was a good reminder for me that just because something comes quickly doesn't mean it isn't exactly right for the song.

I sent that first version to Al, and he passed it along to our producer, Mike Butler. Mike added all the instrumentation - that's him on lap steel - and brought in some incredible players to round it out. When he sent it back to me, I had no notes! It was honestly one of the easiest and most joyful production experiences I've ever had.

Around that time, I posted a little video of myself singing it at home in my pajamas, and the response on Instagram was kind of unbelievable. It reached so many people and brought thousands of new listeners my way. I had never experienced anything like that before, especially from such a simple video.

Not long after that, I was on tour and doing a soundcheck at City Winery in Boston. I played the first chord of the song, and the venue manager started clapping from somewhere in the back. Surprised, I asked if she knew it, and she said, "'Always On The Run!' I love that song. It's on Instagram." I'll never forget that moment!

That song ended up setting everything else in motion. What started as one collaboration turned into a whole album of songs with Al's lyrics and my music. Usually when you make an album, you write the songs, go into the studio, record everything, and wrap it up in a pretty straightforward stretch of time. This process was completely different for me, but in the best way. We did it all long distance, with everyone working around busy lives and other projects, so it took a few years to bring everything together. But now the album is finally ready, and it all begins with "Always On The Run."

Hearing is believing. Now that you know the story behind the song, listen and watch for yourself below and learn more here

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