What is your name?
Hunter Jergens
What is your genre of music?
Emo/Alt-Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
THE SS-SR have been jamming emo-alternative tunes from Nashville to the Midwest since Halloween night of 2018. The duo’s love for their cats is almost parallel to their love for skateboarding which they never quite mastered. The deep introspection of their first EP to their new, fun anthem, “I Don’t Need Another Fuckboi,” showcases the flexibility and growth to come from their sound in the upcoming year.
What made you go into music?
Growing up, it’s pretty funny because I never really found an instrument that really stuck with me. I’ve always written songs, but I never had music to put them to. Once I started finding music I really connected with in my early Midwest emo days, I wanted to recreate that story and sound. That’s when I began to teach myself. I’m self-taught on every instrument I know so that’s why I try not to focus too hard on theory. In all honesty (I know this might sound terrible coming from a musician), most of the time I don’t even know what chord I’m playing. I picked up the guitar seriously when I was 19 in my dorm room and the idea of sitting down while feeling like I had to “know how to play” the guitar before I could write my own songs was more discouraging than helpful. My process has usually been to listen and work things out by ear. Sometimes you just have to start by putting your hands somewhere on the neck and see where it takes you.
Who are your influences?
Amanda Palmer has been my biggest musical influence to date since I first began playing. The honesty and vulnerability she brings not just to her songs, but to her live shows has inspired the performer I strive to be. Being able to tell a story and connect with others who can also relate can be an incredibly frightening, but also very rewarding experience. I also really respect the work that artists like Mothica are doing to push the boundaries of what it means to be an independent artist in 2022.
Are you signed?
We are independent.
You released your new single ‘I Don’t Need Another Fuckboi’, tell us more about the single. What is the meaning behind the single?
The title says it all. I feel a lot of our past releases showcase the pain and vulnerability that can come from past experiences. I wanted our next release to be fun, upbeat, and a song that I needed in my life. “I Don’t Need Another Fuckboi” is a song for anyone, no matter your sexual orientation, to accept nothing less than what you deserve out of the relationships with people around you.
What was the writing and recording process like?
I randomly sat down with my guitar in December when I came up with the chord progression of this song. I posted a TikTok on the same night I wrote the first verse and chorus. This song was one of those songs that just falls out of you. It’s like your pen knows what you want to say before it even hits the paper. I’m super happy with how it turned out and hope it inspires others like me who needed that reminder.
Describe the track in two words.
Heavy Hitter
Who did you work with on the single?
It’s been really amazing to build a team of people I trust to work on with each of our releases. None of this song would’ve been possible without the kickass production team behind it. The song itself was produced by Eddie Depool with Bluetape Studios. All tracking and mixing was done by Faith Holt at No Subject Studios.
Do you have any live shows or a tour coming up and if so let us know where we can catch you at?
We do! You can keep track of all our upcoming shows on Bandsintown. Our next show is July 19 at Exit/In before we head out to do a weekend run in August.
What else can we expect in 2022?
In 2022, expect new music and one of the biggest, well-produced pieces of storytelling to accompany the release. I feel everything that has come together so far for this new EP is a miracle in the works. There have many setbacks, sure, but there’s an even bigger support system that really helps propel me forward in the moments where it can seem easier to give up. I know all the hard work that has gone into this release will shine through as people take their first listen!
Will we see any collaborations and if so, can you tell us more about them?
We don’t have any collaborations slated for the year, but I’m always open to collaborating with other artists out there!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Over the past couple of years, I truly have learned that life can completely turn course and it can still work out for the best. In 5 years, it’s hard to pinpoint exactly where I’ll be, but I hope that I continue to pursue the things that make me feel happy and fulfilled creatively.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
“It’s better to regret something you have done than to regret something you haven’t done.” From the conception of this project to each song we put out, I try to live by this motto. I’d rather look back and feel proud of everything we’ve accomplished in these past years than wish I could’ve done more during our time together. I highly encourage others to follow this quote as well. It really has changed my life and it’s something I reference often as a nice reminder that I am going in the right direction simply by doing the things that make me happy.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
- My Guitar
- My Laptop
- My Phone
- A pick (Though no matter how many I hide for myself, they always seem to disappear)
- Water (I don’t remember to bring this nearly as often as I should but it’s been a lifesaver every time I do)
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
You can find all our social media accounts here: https://linktr.ee/sssrbandtn
