Jet
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Jet: Supersonic
Rock and Roll
By David Chiu
In a current musical climate
of the latest nihilistic punk or nu metal band, it is refreshing
that a band like Jet is a throwback to what was (and still is)
great about rock and roll. For this Australian group, it is not
about feeling depressed or rage, but feeling alive and exhilarated.
Jet's melodic, Stones-ish guitar rock sound provides a respite
from one's troubles with a cocky yet sentimental view of life.
In other words, Jet's takes on a devil may care attitude and
go with the flow. It's a type of philosophy that separates the
great bands from the average ones.
The quartet from Melbourne--guitarist/vocalist
Nic Cester, drummer/vocalist Chris Cester, guitarist/vocalist
Cameron Muncey, and bassist Mark Wilson--draw their sound from
the Kinks, AC/DC, and Oasis. It's no wonder their music is a
combination from those aforementioned bands' sense of popcraft
and irreverence. Named after the 1973 Paul McCartney hit, this
band has been receiving raves both in their native Australia
and in the United Kingdom. One show in the UK almost caused a
near riot. This past spring, the group was touring the States
on a couple of showcase gigs, including one here at New York
City's Mercury Lounge. How fitting also that iJet was recently
offered the opening spot on the Rolling Stones tour of Australia.
Having already released an EP
Dirty Sweet, which was quickly snapped up by Jet converts,
the group is ready to issue their full-length debut on Elektra
Records called Get Born. It is full of hook-filled, bare
bones rock that recall '70s classic rock at its prime. The first
single scheduled from the album is the raucous "Are You
Gonna Be My Girl." Jet looks poised to be a band America
should watch out for.
Bassist Mark Wilson offered his
words of wisdom about the arrival of his band past, present,
and future.
1. You guys made a stopover at New York's Mercury Lounge this
past spring. What was the feeling like playing in the States?
Playing in the states is great fun, though it is hard work due
to the size of the country. This makes for long travel days in
between gigs.
2. If I had to explain to someone who has never heard of you,
how would you describe your sound or style
Primarily we are a rock and roll band with up-tempo tunes that
you can dance to and slower tunes you can kick back and enjoy.
3. Your EP Dirty Sweet was originally released
in a limited pressing of 1,000 copies and it sold out immediately.
Were you surprised about that there was such a demand already
for your music even before recording an actual album?
Not really, we had played a lot of shows and were enjoying great
reviews then so we weren't shocked but we never expected
to sell the whole 1,000 copies so fast.
4. What I find interesting in that your hard rock numbers
like "Take It Or Leave It" or "Cold Hard Bitch"
is the fact you don't immediately hear the vocals yet; you slowly
build up the music. Was this deliberate to get momentum going
on the song before you unleash the guitar and vocals?
No, it's not a conscious thing we do, I had never even thought
about it.
5. Move On is a lovely ballad. Can you tell me the story behind
that?
Chris and Nic wrote that one but I think it's Chris's words so
I'm not sure enough to say!
6. Your band is unique in several ways. One of them is the
fact you have three singers and most of you are songwriters.
Would you consider that a strength in the band? And I also find
amazing that your drummer Chris can sing and play drums at the
same time-there are very few frontmen/drummers in rock.
For sure, the triple vocal/songwriting thing is definitely a
strength as there is a diversity in the songs.
Chris is an extraordinary drummer and singer and sings lead vocals
on about 5 songs including " Move On"
where he gets out the front to sing. I don't know how he plays
like he does and sings at the same time. It will remain a mystery!!!
7. Is it true you named yourselves after the song by Paul
McCartney and Wings? What was about the name that appealed
to you?
It only has three letters so it must be written in a large font
to fill in the area on ad's so therefore it stands out.
8. This might be a question that may or may not have a long
answer, but I was curious to know how and when you guys met,
and what made you click with each other?
Nic and Chris are brothers and Cam was Nic's best mate from high
school and they asked me to join after Nic and Chris saw me playing
at a small pub in Melbourne. If I told you what made us click
I'd have to kill you!!
9. Who were your musical heroes growing up? Who do you like
these days?
My heroes are and were The Beatles, The Stones, Supergrass, The
Dandy Warhols, The Who, AC/DC, Robert Johnson, Marvin Gaye, Phil
Spector, Brian Wilson, The Cars and so on.
10. What do you think of the comparisons of Jet to classic
rock bands
like the Stones (is it true you are opening for them in Australia)
and AC/DC?
Yes, we toured with The Stones in Australia. Comparisons between
us and these bands make it easy for people to categorize us into
a certain pile. We sound like Jet.
11. You have been getting some tremendous press outside of
the US. NME said "2003 will belong to Jet." Do you
find such press attention exciting or overwhelming?
We don't pay much attention to
it. We just do what we have done for the last 7 years and write
songs that we love.
12. I read recently that on your first UK show in Nottingham
was crazy; you had to stop on several occasions to calm down
the crowd? Do you remember what that scene was like?
It was amazing, These shows were in tiny venues in the UK only
days after our stadium shows with The Stones. The crowd was packed
and you couldn't move. They just went nuts dancing like they
didn't care about anything. Sooo cool!
13. Can you give us a preview of what your upcoming album?
The album is finished and we are all very proud of it. A preview
would be a hard task. Just wait until you hear it and make your
mind up.
14. How has the audience reception from the Americans been
when you played in the States overall? Is winning America important?
Winning America is very important. It can be a bit more difficult
to get some US audiences to let their hair down and dance their
asses off but we'll get em!!!
15. What are your goals and expectations? Conquest of the
world?
Play great music, play great shows and have fun with as many
people who want to shake their ass to some rock and roll then
have a drink with them, after all while taking over the world.
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