We are pleased to premiere the single “All Heart” from country singer-songwriter Jenna Torres’ upcoming album All Heart. Born and bred in New York City, Torres moved to Nashville, where she spent her time writing and recording, but while visiting her family in NYC, the pandemic hit. “I was due to return to Nashville in just a few days, and then everything locked down,” she said. During this time, Torres has been busy working on new music and recently released “Wild Thing,” another single from her upcoming album.
During her career, she has written songs for Warner Music Group and Warner/Chappell Music, penning songs for Martha Wash of the Weather Girls as well as a Top 10 Billboard hit for the band For King & Country with her co-writer Ben Glover. She’s also released two critically-acclaimed albums, A Woman’s Touch and Wild Sugar, which featured the single “Heart On Wheels.”
“I wanted to write about that defining moment when two people are on the edge of intimacy.”
Jenna filled us in on the inspiration behind “All Heart,” the songwriting process, her background in music, and the musicians that inspire her music.
What inspired your latest single “All Heart,” the title track from your upcoming album All Heart?
I wanted to write about that defining moment when two people are on the edge of intimacy. To describe what happens on the other side of surrender, when feelings and emotions take over, and I allow myself to be vulnerable—when the door swings open, the walls come down, and it’s too late to throw the lock and pretend it didn’t happen.
I tend to want to jump in right from the start—to try on the future and let my imagination run wild. It might be with someone I am just getting to know, but there is still this urge to want it to be forever and to believe it could be love. “All Heart” is my way of saying, “Hey, look: I don’t know what this is for you, but this is what it means to me, so please take care of my heart because for the moment—like it or not—it’s all yours.
What was the songwriting process for this single?
The title “All Heart” came first, and because it was about a real-life situation, the chorus wrote itself. I tend to be a chorus-first writer, which means that once you have a strong chorus, you need to go back and think about how you got there. A lot of my songs begin as conversations I wish I could have. I could hear myself saying, “here’s something you need to know about me,”—and from there, the rest of the song unfolded.
I understand the decision was made to keep the production stripped down and simple instead of your original desire to have a larger, full-blown track and video. How did that decision come about?
I have a tendency to think more is more—more mustard, more mayo, more feathers, more fringe, more guitars, bigger drums, and lots of BGV’s! One of the most important things I have learned about recording songs is to respect the power of space and subtlety. To let the song tell you what it wants, and this song wanted to be stripped down. It was almost funny how I would insist we try to add something, and I could hear the song complaining, “Take it off! Let me be naked!” I sent the work tape to the producer and fully expected him to say, “Let’s get the band in here,” but instead, he said he wanted to stay as true as possible to the way I originally played it. We wrestled a bit, but I knew he was right. He said, “I want it to sound just like the work tape—just you and your guitar, sitting on the edge of your bed, singing your heart out.” I remember thinking, “How did he know I was sitting on the edge of my bed?”
When it came time to shoot the video, it was a very similar process. We did what came naturally. My wonderful friends at Duende Vision came over to the loft on Printer’s Alley in Nashville. I climbed on the bed, grabbed my guitar, and we shot it. Nothing fancy—just the singer and the song. Both the song and video for “All Heart” are exactly what the title suggests, and as it turns out, that is enough.
How did you get started in music?
I started singing in bands when I was in high school. We ended up playing the senior prom when I was just a freshman. It was not lost on me that I had somehow crashed the party by doing something I loved. It was a relief for me to discover that music and musicians managed to play by their own rules, and that was all I needed to know! It wasn’t until I started writing my own songs that I really understood the power of how transformative music was and is in my life. I truly believe I have been saved by a song on more than one occasion. I love nothing more than to sing songs that are born out of my life experience. Being both a songwriter and a singer go hand-in-hand; they are one thing for me. I like to say I live to write, and I write to sing.
Which musicians/vocalists have had the biggest impact on your musical style?
I have been inspired and impacted by so many artists. I would have to say that at the top of the list is the incredible Dolly Parton; her angelic voice, mind-blowing songwriting, and exquisite heart touch me so deeply. I was also profoundly impacted by Tina Turner; her passionate, soulful delivery, raw power, and sexual energy mesmerized and moved me. The message I got from the artists I admire is, “Be yourself and the rest will follow. Listen to your own voice and do it your way,” and that is what I try do every chance I get!
What do you hope your fans/listeners take away with them when they listen to your music?
I hope when people listen to my music, they hear more than just my voice and my story. I hope there is something in my songs that allows people to feel like they are not alone in their dreams and desires, their joy, and their pain. I have always been willing to risk being hurt because it is such an essential part of being alive and being human. When we share our stories, we find that we are not so different from each other after all. So if you are listening, please know that I know there is a pretty good chance you are just like me—“All Heart!”
Lyrics for “All Heart”
If this is just a game to you
I’m not playin’
You say that you want me too
is that something your just sayin’
I want so much to believe you
‘Cause believin’ sets me free
Do you have what it takes
To give that back to me
‘Cause I’m all heart
When I’m in your hands
I’m all woman and you’re all man
Just promise me you’ll finish what you start
‘Cause I’m all heart
I’m all heart
If put my faith in you
Will you be honest
If you say your love is true
Can I lean my body on it
I’m not trying to change you
Don’t keep in the dark
I’m ready to warm and willing
Just show me who are
‘Cause I’m all heart
When I’m in your hands
I’m all woman and you’re all man
Just promise me you’ll finish what you start
‘Cause I’m all heart
I’m all heart
You don’t have to mend my broken wings
You don’ have to fix my broken parts
‘Cause I’m all heart
‘Cause I’m all heart
‘Cause I’m all heart
When I’m in your hands
I’m all woman and you’re all man
Just promise me you’ll finish what you start
‘Cause I’m all heart
I’m all heart
I’m all heart
For more on Jenna Torres, visit her official website: www.jennatorres.com