In
This Life An Interview
with Jet Black Stare by Mike Newdeck
Latest Canadian sensations Jet Black Stare have recently released the
excellent debut album ‘In This Life’ on the Island label. With one foot
in the 80’s era of big stadium anthems and the other in a more modern
genre Jet Black Stare is perhaps the perfect mix of modern meets old
school rock proving that good songs win the day whatever your
persuasion. Vocalist Rod Black a stalwart of the Canadian music scene
teamed up with renowned songwriter Jeff Johnson-who also produced the
debut album-to write the songs for ‘In This Life’an album chock full of
melodic choruses and eclectic songs
Alternative Addiction's Mike Newdeck caught up with Drummer Dan Swinimer
to find out more about the band and how they are taking melodic rock
into the future
What has it been
like touring with Shinedown and 3 Doors Down?
It has been almost a surreal experience to be honest. We got on the 3
Doors Down tour so early in Jet Black Stare's existence...our record
hadn't even been released yet! We were a new band; all coming from the
indie world, so to have the opportunity that early in our careers to
play with bands of that caliber, to audiences that size was not only a
huge honor, but also it really changed the way we put our set together.
Our set at the end of that tour verses our set at the beginning of the
tour was significantly different, and significantly better, thanks in no
small part to seeing 3 Doors Down perform every night. Shinedown is one
of the most powerful and passionate bands I have ever heard and seen
live. Their CD "The Sound Of Madness" might be my favorite CD at the
moment. Again, we picked up so many things, having the privilege of
seeing them night in and night out. Then there is the personal side -
both bands truly could not have been more supportive, friendly and void
of ego. We became friends with both bands, and learned a great deal
about staying grounded and appreciating your fans from them.
Why the name Jet Black Stare?
The name Jet Black Stare comes from a rather famous picture of legend,
Johnny Cash, flipping the bird. We are all big fans of
Johnny...particularly Rod, and apparently, one day he was sitting in his
room trying desperately to come up with a band name for his new project.
He was gazing at the wall deep in thought, and his eyes set on that
picture. The words "Jet Black Stare" crossed through his mind as he
looked at Johnny's expression - and a band name was born.
When did the band form and how?
- The band actually started off as a writing project with Rod, and
another songwriter from Vancouver named Jeff Johnson. The put together a
couple of songs, had friend and producer "Gordini" record and produce
the songs, and that was essentially the beginning. Rod was the only
member at that time. The other members were gradually picked over the
following months.
Why do you use other musicians on the album (Dave Martone,
Daniel Adair)?
Adair was used mainly because when the studio time was booked to record,
the band had no drummer! Adair and Gordini had become good friends on
the Nickelback tour (Gordini runs pro tools on the tour), and he was the
obvious choice, being one the best rock drummers in the world. I (Dan
Swinimer) was brought in just in time to play on about half the record.
Martone is just one of those special musicians that we knew would bring
a unique flare to the record.
Rod Black co-writes most of the songs with Jeff Johnson, how
did
this come about?
Jeff and Rod have been acquaintances and friends for many years. They
had long talked of getting together to write, but just had never gotten
around to it. When they finally did, the results were amazing.
Why not write the songs in-house?
The main reason is that the band hadn't even been formed until the
writing was almost completed. That being said, Jeff and Rod had clearly
found a groove and a chemistry writing together that is very rare. The
door is open for band collaboration on the follow up record to In This
Life.
'In This Life' is an eclectic release, mid-paced tracks ('Fly'
and
'Rear-View Mirror) sitting with rockers ('Ready To Roll', 'Poster
Princess'). Was this the plan? Couldn't you have opted for an out and
out hard rock album?
I think everyone involved in the project was really comfortable with
just writing the songs that were coming from the heart, and not trying
to force anything. If it was a ballad, a rocker or a mid tempo, it
didn’t matter as long as it was an honest effort. The eclectic nature of
the record was not planned specifically, but it is a source of pride.
'Every Moment' is a cover of Closure's 'Afterglow'. Why did
you use
the song? And why did you re-write the lyrics?
Actually, it is somewhere between a cover and a co-write. We had talked
to Brian about doing a couple co-writes, and we are all fans of the
Closure record - We feel that it didn’t get nearly enough attention.
When Brian gave us the go ahead to rework one of those songs to be our
own, we jumped at it
Brian Howe's co-writes several songs ('Every Moment' being one
from
his Closure days) how did you get involved with him?
Basically just through knowing him as a part of the Vancouver music
scene. He has established himself as one of the premier songwriters in
the world, so to write with someone like that is an honor, and can only
make your record stronger.
Why did you choose Jeff Johnson to produce the album? And not
Howe's who is current flavor of the month?
Jeff and Gordini actually co-produced the album. They were chosen
because they co-produced the songs that landed the record deal, and we
felt very strongly that they deserved the opportunity to work on the
entire record. To many, they would be considered new comers, but they
have been doing amazing work in Vancouver for many years and it was just
a matter of time until they got the recognition they deserved. We are
very happy with our decision. They did a great job on the music, they
are very passionate about what they do, and they are so amazing to work
with on a personal level.
Who are the current band members?
Rod Black - Vocals, Dan Swinimer - Drums/backing vocals, Mike Young
Bass, Flip - Guitar, Dave Musselman - Guitar
How did Island sign you?
Rod and Jeff wrote a few songs together...they turned out to be very
strong. They took the songs to Gordini, who recorded and co-produced the
songs. Gordini, having toured with Nickelback as a member of their crew,
had established relationships with a few key people in that camp -
specifically Chief, Nickelback's tour manager, and emerging manager. (He
manages Hinder, Faber Drive, Jesse James and Veer Union to name a few).
Chief really liked the music, and believed in Rod, so he took on the
project and began shopping it to the majors. In the end, Rod did several
acoustic showcases, and had interest from pretty much every major label
out there. Rod chose Island - he felt very comfortable with L.A. Reid,
Eric Speck and everyone at Island.
Black's songs reflect true life ('Fly' and 'I'm Breathing' to
name
two) but wouldn't it have been easier to write clichéd songs about booze
and loose women instead?
We feel the complete opposite. Writing/performing real life experiences
are always easier for us than coming up with "scenarios". As mentioned
earlier, the idea was to make a record that was as honest as possible.
Album closer 'Next To Me' reminds me of the now defunct Canuck
outfit 40 Foot Echo. Would you say that that band have influenced you
at all? Are you in contact with any of them?
Wow...haven’t heard that name for a while! Being a part of the Vancouver
music scene, and being familiar with 40 Foot Echo and Templar over the
years, I suppose that there could be an indirect influence - we are all
very into the music scene here, so I like to think that we are
influenced by everything we see and listen to. Haven’t talked to Murray
in a very long time.
How are you treated by Canadian radio? And how does it compare
to US radio?
Because our label is American I think Canadian radio sort of gets a bit
lost in the shadows. We have toured the US almost exclusively, so we
rarely hear about what is happening for us in Canada, other than lots of
love and support on our myspace from our Canadian friends. I can say
that being Canadian is a huge source of pride for us, and we are
EXTREMELY excited to tour our beloved country, and hopefully have some
success there - on the radio and otherwise.
There is currently a resurgence of modern rock with 80's style
melody, do you think this trend will continue and is this what people
really want to hear?
I think that rock music in the 80s focused alot more on positive
messages, or even just having a good time. Things got pretty depressing
in the 90s and 2000s, and it seems to me that people are ready for some
positivity in their music again. The bigger than life, full of melody,
80s style rock song serves as a great escape from all the crap people
deal with every day, and I think there is a craving for that. To answer
the second part of the question, if that is what people are listening
to, than that is what they want to hear! People have never had more
choices than they do right now. There are a million bands out there, and
they all have CDs, and the Internet to get their music out there.
What music do you currently listen to?
This changes daily for all of us, so it's really hard to pin anything
down. I will say that we all enjoy listening to the music of bands we
tour with. We also have a habit of trading ipods, and listening to each
other’s music tastes while on the road. Such a great way to discover new
music. We are all massive music lovers
Who is Gordini?
Gordini is the co-producer of our record
What is the band currently up to?
At the moment, we are taking a short break from the road for the
holidays. We are doing some writing, going to see lots of local shows,
and getting ready to release our second single
How would you describe your music?
I think our music genre wise is definitely rock/pop. There are some
very personal songs such as I'm Breathing and In This Life, but then
there are some hammer on the gas, adrenaline, explosive songs like Ready
To Roll and Poster Princess.
Tell me about Chief, what is his involvement with the band?
Chief is our manager. He was instrumental in getting the band signed,
and he is basically the guy behind pretty much everything that goes on
for us. To know Chief is to love him. He has the unique ability to keep
everything relaxed and comfortable at all times. Life without Chief
would just suck for us!
Is the band (or any of it's members) religious?
I would definitely describe all of us as spiritual.
Jet
Black Stare is currently touring the United States. Being signed to the
same management group as Hinder and Faber Drive means that the bands are
likely to appear on the same tours however-unlike Hinder-it seems
unlikely for the foreseeable future that they will be coming to the
UK/Europe anytime soon.
