THE MOON TOWER
Back in the UK for a run of dates with Stone Broken and The Bad Flowers, Jared was once again kind enough to take some time out from his busy schedule to answer some questions for us.
We last saw you last summer with UFO, how have things been going since then?
Everything has been wonderful. I have been at it non-stop! It feels like a ton has happened since then, it’s been a blast.
Your new album 'Black Magic' came out in October - how’s the response been?
Honestly, I couldn’t be happier with the response. We released the record in Europe in October, then January for the rest of the world. It is fun to see people’s reactions and see the reach the album is getting. One of my favourite tracks off the record ‘Honey Forgive Me’ got over 200,000 streams on Spotify in the first day! It’s been a wild build.
What’s the main differences between 'Black Magic' and 'Old Glory & The Wild Revival'? BM has quite a raw sound...did that require a different approach in writing lyrics as well as the music?
It’s funny, Black Magic basically wrote itself on the road. The sound, feel, and vibe is completely organic. It developed after touring the past 3 years. When I recorded my first record ‘Old Glory’, I was a baby when it came to everything. It was my first time in the studio. I was just trying to figure out my sound and approach. When it was time for the new one, it’s was already all laid out, we just recorded it.
You recently got to jam with Bernie Marsden at NAMM, and have played with your fair share of guitar legends in the past, who's been your favourite?
That’s tough! I feel so fortunate to have jammed and hung out with so many of my musical heroes. The big ones that stick out are guys like Leslie West, Zakk Wylde, Joe Perry and Gary Rossington. Recently, I have been hanging out and jamming with Frank Hannon from Tesla. He is such an incredible and inspiring player. Just a great guy. It’s cool to see so many of my heroes are also just down-to-earth guitar lovers like me.
Being still quite young in what might be considered an older genre, how does it feel getting recognition from all the people you grew up listening to?
It’s amazing. To get that sort of validation means everything for me. It keeps me playing hard and pushing it, breathing fresh air into the music I love.
You always seem to be on the road - with the rise of social media promotion - do you feel it's still integral to get out and play live to build a fan base and not just rely on online methods?
Absolutely. I think they all feed off of one another. Social media is pretty crazy, the fact that I can post a video of myself jamming guitar and within seconds it is blasted out to the world is crazy. Then we can loop it all together and connect with friends and fans when we tour. I love playing live shows. That’s my favourite part about playing music. The real connection and energy that happens, that cannot be felt off of an iPhone.
You play the UK a lot it must be like a second home by now, what do you think it is about your music that appeals to the UK audience?
UK is a blast to play. Audiences just ‘get it’ for me, I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that I grew up loving British Blues & Rock so much. Bands like Free and The Blues Breakers; guitarists like Kossoff, Clapton, and Peter Green. The well runs deep. UK audiences are passionate, knowledgeable, and always push me to perform my best.
Do you notice any differences between American and UK audiences?
It all depends on where you are. In the States, we have a blast in The South, Midwest, and even the East Coast.
One thing is for sure, the UK still has a living, breathing blues and rock scene. I can feel the energy and see it whenever we tour. The festivals are packed, people are showing up to venues supporting live music. It’s such a positive feel. In America, it is a lot tougher for bands on the road. You have to push really hard and dig deep to get traction and have people pay attention.
You’re back on tour here from the 22nd February with Stone Broken and The Bad Flowers - looking forward to being back? You've played with The Bad Flowers before so you know those guys.
Can’t wait to be back. This triple bill is going to be great. Audiences can expect a high-energy kick ass show every single night of this tour.
What’s your plans for the rest of the year? Anymore headlining shows over here or festivals?
Absolutely! We are just getting a grip on our year and it’s looking to be the best one yet. Stay tuned for our full rollout of Festivals and Headliner shows soon.
TOUR DATES:
Brighton, The Haunt Thursday 22 February
London, Islington Assembly Hall Saturday 24 February
Manchester, Club Academy Sunday 25 February
Glasgow, G2 Monday 26 February
Newcastle, Riverside Wednesday 28 February
Nottingham, Rescue Rooms Thursday 01 March
Pontypridd, Muni Arts Centre Friday 02 March
Birmingham, O2 Institute2 Saturday 03 March
Sheffield, Corporation Sunday 04 March
Chester, Live Rooms Tuesday 06 March
Bristol, The Fleece Wednesday 07 March
Check out Jared's Facebook and Instagram
Photos courtesy of Noble PR