By Nicholas Jason Lopez
On a whim nine years ago, Tiffany Kintzer decided to pack up her car and leave her simple small town in Iowa for the bright lights and fast-paced lifestyle of Los Angeles.
The spontaneity has worked out well for the pop singer-songwriter, who just put out her debut single “Truth Or Dare.” The upbeat breakup track was something she worked on while in quarantine with the help of producer John Ho (Demi Lovato). It was inspired by the end of one of her relationships and born out of her belief that living well is truly the best revenge when it comes to self-healing.
The Music Bugle had the chance to speak with Kintzer about her “Truth Or Dare” and more.
Music Bugle – What was the moment that inspired you to become a musician?
Tiffany Kintzer – I grew up listening to the greats… The Beatles, Carole King, Tom Petty, The Beach Boys and The Monkees. When I was 11 or 12 years old, I was introduced to The Spice Girls and Britney Spears and my eyes opened up. I saw Britney open for *NSYNC in 1998 and at that moment, I said to myself, “Wow, I want to do that!”
Music Bugle – What excites you the most about your style of music?
Tiffany Kintzer – I guess I’ve always been a sucker for catchy pop tunes. It’s what I grew up on and it’s what I listened to throughout my teen years, so of course, it comes pouring through my music. It’s exciting, though, to sort of test the waters and it reminds me of why I started in the first place.
Music Bugle – What was the goal for your debut single “Truth Or Dare”?
Tiffany Kintzer – As a songwriter, you get to say anything you want… tell a story…share how you really feel. The goal for this song was to share my truth, to share my feelings of what it was like going through a horrible breakup… being on the short end of the stick. I didn’t get to say what I wanted to in the moment, because the truth didn’t surface until much later. Long after the breakup, I was finally able to express myself and exactly how I felt, no holding back.
Music Bugle – How did you keep yourself entertained during quarantine?
Tiffany Kintzer – I honestly did a lot of writing during that time, took long walks with my brother and sister – who I was quarantined with, had frequent therapy sessions – which helped center me – and listened to a lot of music just to simply be inspired.
Music Bugle – What was it like getting to work with producer John Ho?
Tiffany Kintzer – Working with John was an absolute treat! He’s a great listener and understood exactly what the sound was that I was looking for. “Truth or Dare” came to life because of him and I am so grateful to have worked with him on my debut single.
Music Bugle – Who are you listening to right now, music-wise?
Tiffany Kintzer – Lately, I’ve been listening to Hanson, mixed with some Sara Bareilles and George Harrison, of course. I’ve also been listening to Sammy Rae & The Friends and really loving the new Kacey Musgraves.
Music Bugle – Where do you go when you need a break?
Tiffany Kintzer – I love to unplug… I meditate every day, so I make sure to fit that in. When I need more of a break and feel like getting away, I like going to Malibu to put my feet in the ocean. It makes me feel grounded and helps to recharge my energy, which is so important these days.
Music Bugle – What’s a quote that motivates you to keep doing what you do?
Tiffany Kintzer – Oh gosh. I have so many that I like, but “You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step” by Martin Luther King, Jr. is probably one of my favorites. To me, it really just means, keep going, even if you don’t know what’s coming next and to trust the process.
Music Bugle – Does social media help or hurt musicians?
Tiffany Kintzer – I think it depends… I see it both ways, honestly. It’s helpful because you have a big platform and you’re able to reach more listeners/fans all over the world, not just the city you live in. I think it’s a great tool when used correctly. On the other hand, it can be hurtful if you’re using it to compare yourself to others and you can quickly turn down a rabbit hole where it becomes unhealthy. It’s definitely important to keep a good balance when it comes to social media.
Music Bugle – What’s something that people might be surprised to know about you?
Tiffany Kintzer – The first concert I ever attended was Paul McCartney when I was just three-years old. Looking back now, it all makes so much sense knowing that I was going to concerts and inspired at such a young age.
Love this song! Go get them Tiffany! Iowa girl got it!