Jen Foster Goes All the Way with New Single

By now we have all heard the news – Katy Perry kissed a girl and she liked it. But for those out there who were left less than impressed by the singer’s admission, award-winning singer/songwriter Jen Foster has stepped up with a single that takes things to the next level. “I Didn’t Just Kiss Her,” is a sassy, witty, tongue-in-cheek response to the smash hit, “I Kissed A Girl,” and something Foster’s strong lesbian fan base will certainly appreciate.  The new song is a bold musical adventure for Jen, who, until now, has been best known for her heart-wrenching folk and rock ballads. Cherry Grrl recently caught up with the Nashville musician to discuss her latest endeavor and how it is already stirring up conversation and controversy at every turn.

Cherry Grrl (CG):  When and why did you decide to write your new single “I Didn’t Just Kiss Her?”
Jen Foster (JF): I had another song actually, that had a similar guitar riff…but totally different lyrics.  (I never recorded it, by the way.)  It was a cool song but when I played it live people always seemed puzzled and asked what it meant.  It was more of a political song – and I wondered what it would be like to put very clear, obvious lyrics to that music.   The words just came to me, and it felt like something that would stir up some conversation, for sure.

CG: What is the story being told in the song?
JF: It was totally a response to the Katy Perry song.  Like, oh, you just KISSED a girl?  There’s more to that story most of the time, you know…

CG: What have your feelings and opinions been about the Katy Perry song – especially from the lesbian perspective?
JF: Well, as a songwriter, my first thought was, “brilliant gimmick.”  It’s soft enough to not threaten most people, but controversial enough to draw huge interest.  She doesn’t commit to the whole experience – she just dances on the periphery of it, which is both safe and dangerous in a way that the mainstream can handle.  I get it.  I just felt like telling the other side of the story, and I knew my lesbian fan base would appreciate it!

CG: What has the reaction to the single been so far?
JF: Wildly positive for the most part.  But I’ve had a few letters from people who thought I take it too far.  And I get that – I honestly wonder at times if I did take it too far.  It’s certainly not in my usual comfort zone to sing a song like this, but the music felt right for a topic like this, and I went with it.  The song really wrote itself. And it was just irresistible to take it where I did.  I mean, if you’re going all the way, you have to commit!

CG: What else are you working on right now?
JF: Well, I’m always writing and co-writing new songs – and not just for my own artist career.  I began co-writing in Nashville last year with some of the top writers in country and pop music – with the goal being to pitch songs to other artists.  I just wrote a song with Liz Rose, for example, who co-wrote a lot of the Taylor Swift songs with Taylor.  I’m also hosting a songwriter series in Nashville to benefit various charities I’m involved with – there’s more about that on my brand new website…www.jenfoster.com.  Just spent a lot of time getting that site designed and up and running, so please check it out!  I do also book house concerts and clubs still, and I am performing on the Sweet Cruise to the Caribbean in November.  I advise all you girls out there to come – Sweet is an awesome company and this cruise will be fun.  I wear a lot of hats, honestly, but the one I love the most is songwriter.  I love telling stories.  I just want to write a great song, whether it’s rock, country, or whatever…

For more about Jen Foster visit www.jenfoster.com and www.myspace.com/jenfoster and check out Cherry Grrl’s previous in depth interview with her here.