We spoke with Jeremy Allen about “Surrender to your River” and more!

Hi! “Surrender to Your River” is such a striking title. What was the first spark or feeling that inspired this one?

A: Hi, thank you! For some time now, I have envisioned life as a journey we take on a river. At times it feels like we are inching along on a gentle stream, while at other times we hit the rapids and are desperately trying to stay afloat while avoiding those rocks! One day I was thinking about the huge effort involved when you go against the current, against the natural flow your soul wants to lead you. And from this sprung the idea to write a song about simply allowing your river to take you where you are meant to go.

You’ve got this blend of indie rock and folk running through your work. Where does this track fall on that spectrum for you?

A: I would say that this song, unlike the other tracks I have recently released, moves away from indie rock and goes more into reggae territory. I play all the instruments on this track and I loved playing that reggae rhythm with the kick on the two and four, percussion, and coming up with a reggae bassline, which was so much fun to play! 

There’s a sense of letting go in the song. Do you feel like writing it helped you process something personal, or was it more of a story you imagined?

A: Yes it was some kind of catharsis for sure. For many years I had held myself back (I  still do sometimes), and I was denying songs within me that were wanting to be written and heard. And I did this because I was giving too much audience to the ego’s voice in my head that told me I wasn’t good enough, was doing it too late, or whatever else. Of course that voice talks a lot of shit!

Your vocals on this track feel really raw and present. Was that something you were consciously aiming for in the studio?

A: Yes, the idea is that these words become a positive mantra that replace the negative thoughts in our head. The lyrics are words of encouragement that tell us to avoid the naysayers (including ourself) and that now’s the time to allow ourselves to simply be, by going where the river needs to take us. I kept the vocals raw to reflect that, as they represent a voice in our head, a positive affirmation.  

How does “Surrender to Your River” connect or contrast with your recent singles like “Simple Things” or “Looking Through (rose-tinted glasses)”?

A: I would say that my songs have a running theme throughout them, which is – cliché alert – love. But love in different iterations: longing and nostalgia (Looking Through), the love of a parent (I do what I can), moving on from a toxic relationship (Moved On), and perhaps the most important: self-love and being present. I think Surrender to Your River, falls into this latter category alongside Simple Things, Be Love Show Love, and Not Alone.

You came to music later than most artists. Do you feel like that gives your songwriting a different kind of depth or urgency?

A: I’m not sure  – I think there are so many fantastic artists out there young and old who write with great depth. What I do know, is that my songs have had a chance to ripen and have germinated thanks to years of experience and trial and error. They come from a deep place within me and from an unerring desire to perform and record them in alignment with who I am and in alignment with the emotions of the songs so that I can do them justice. I think the greatest reward for any musician is to touch something deep within their listeners. If I am able to do that, then I will die a happy man!

If this song had a visual companion — a short film or a scene from a movie — what would it look or feel like?

A: You ask great questions! I think I would ask the listeners where the song takes them visually as I think the experience of a song (visual or otherwise) is subjective.

To my mind though, I picture a music video portraying a person getting ready for work and giving themselves a pep talk while looking in the mirror (as we often do). Then it would cut to an image of them commuting in heavy traffic, in a jam (it’s pouring with rain) and then in an office in front of a computer, looking stressed. It keeps cutting back to the mirror pep talk. Finally we are back to the mirror scene and they are back from work. 

What’s something listeners might not notice on the first listen of “Surrender to Your River” that you hope they catch the second time around?

A: I think listening to the song more than once will give them the opportunity to really hear the lyrics. These words speak to the idea that anything is possible and that even when you become what you believe to be successful and are at the top of the mountain, the most important thing is to take a moment to enjoy the view and enjoy the present moment. Because that’s all we’ve really got.    

Now that the single’s out, what’s next for you for the rest of 2025? More music, shows, something unexpected?

A: I am excited to be releasing three new songs that are aligned to the themes I mentioned before and am working on and recording new songs that have been brewing in recent months. They are about hope, about togetherness, and even about a dear friend who passed away before his time. And yes more shows – each one is a blessing. Something unexpected? Yes – hopefully my river will bring me more opportunities to share my songs. Gotta keep moving, playing and sharing!