“THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION
Get out, kids! Don’t mess with me, old men!!!
No matter how old they are, they can still play fresh, blood-pumping rock ‘n’ roll. The explosive blues trio THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION, commonly known as Jon Spencer, is proof of this. Formed over 20 years ago, this band has loved the blues and, because of that love, has destroyed it. But who would have thought they’d deliver such a passionate, ecstatic, and cool new album?! Yes, these “slightly bad-boy” guys are in top form right now! Individual interviews with the three members, which give a real sense of their status, are a must-read. Anyone who thought, “Jon Spencer? He’s still around?” should sit up and read this!
Jon Spencer (Vo/Gt) Interview
I want to wholeheartedly shout “Welcome back!” First of all, please tell us how you feel about completing your first new work in about eight years, and how it feels.
Okay, let’s shout “I’m back!” Hahaha, first of all, I’m so happy that we’ve finished an album that we’re so pleased with! I can honestly say that, it’s an album that I’m not lying to you about. We’ve released so many albums already, but have I ever felt this great? Oh, and it also means that we’ll soon be going to Japan! I couldn’t be happier to be going to Japan with the best album ever (laughs)! We made music as if we were pouring everything out into the world, so I hope that lots of people will listen to it.
–First of all, why was there an eight-year gap? To be honest, I was worried that there might have been some kind of trouble between the members…
You’re saying the band members have been fighting among themselves for eight years? No~! Not at all (laughs). We played a lot of live shows in 2004 and 2005, and even appeared at Summer Sonic last year. It feels like we’ve been performing live shows for the past eight years, so I don’t think there’s been a gap. Well, we just haven’t made an album. We started working on a new album last year and have been working on it ever since, but we’ve been performing new songs at live shows during that time. It was a great experience and gave us confidence. And now that it’s officially released, I’m really looking forward to seeing the shows. Everyone will understand the songs and their reactions will change, right? Oh, and I’ll say it again: we’re coming to Japan!
Your previous album, “Damage,” was released under the name BLUES EXPLOSION, but for this album you’ve gone back to the name THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION. Could you tell us the reason for this?
Ah, that’s because when our previous albums were reissued and released in 2010, we used this original name. So we felt it felt more natural to continue under our old name, so we went back to it. I like the simplicity of BLUES EXPLOSION, but it’s a bit sad. After all, we are THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION!
– Now, let’s talk about the album “Meat and Bone.” What was it like recording together as a trio after such a long time? Can you tell us any memorable episodes?
I absolutely fell in love with the recording studio! There was so much old equipment there. It was like time had stopped there, like we’d been transported back in time! (laughs) It was the coolest analog studio! But honestly, we had a problem during the recording session, when the equipment was so old that the recording machine broke, forcing us to stop recording. It just cut off, and everyone was confused, like, “What’s going on?” It was a struggle to fix. Well, it’s an analog thing, so it can’t be helped, but maybe he got upset because we were making such a loud sound (laughs)? That was a memorable experience. And how was it recording together as a trio after such a long time? It was the same as always (laughs)! We’re always together.
–It’s kind of comforting (laughs). So, the simple title “Meat and Bone” seems to sum up the whole message, so please tell us what you put into this title.
Yeah, it’s very simple…or rather, I wanted to keep it simple. It’s old-fashioned, like going back to the basics. As the lyrics express, it’s about the passing of time and aging, and as people get older, they gain experience and become wiser, right? Right now, I feel like we’ve become that kind of band. I don’t think we could have made this album as a younger band. I think the power and momentum of the sound is better when we’re younger, but the weight of the words and the skillful arrangements are things we could only have produced because of the experience we’ve had up until now. And I might add that the jokes are on point too (laughs). And so, a new THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION begins.”
I think there’s also a sense of awareness that this is the case.
The opening track is “Black Mold,” which features an explosive, super cool guitar riff. It’s also the lead track, and it’s filled with the spirit of declaring the complete return of John Spencer. Could you tell us about the background and inspiration behind this song, as well as any anecdotes about its production?
Okay. This song was written about the storm that hit New York last year. It was unusual for a storm to reach this far north. Usually, it’s like Hurricane Katrina, but it happens further south. So New Yorkers were taken aback by this sudden storm, which they’re not used to. Many people said that they felt empowered by overcoming this disaster. They said that environmental change and global warming have a huge impact on humans. My basement also flooded during this storm. I had a lot of old records stored in cardboard boxes, and they got pretty damaged…it still makes me sad when I think about it. I left some of my favorite records wet, and they started to grow moss. This song is about that mold. It’s set to a traditional blues-rock sound. The super heavy guitar reno is meant to release some of the frustration (lol)?
Listening to the new album, I was struck by the universal principle of JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION: “modernizing or respecting the blues.” Could you tell us again what the appeal of the blues is, and what is the music you love?
What is the appeal of the blues? What is the blues? That’s a tricky question (laughs). Well, I’m still trying to understand it. I think the blues is very mysterious and full of a mysterious magic. Magic, yes, it is magic. That’s why there’s no answer. I’m not giving you an abstract, vague answer, so don’t get me wrong. We’re drawn into its magic and can’t escape. We don’t even understand what it means… I really think the blues is a strange thing (laughs)!
Now, your visit to Japan has finally been confirmed for November, and we can’t wait. Please give a heartfelt message to your Japanese fans who are looking forward to it.
Yes, as I’ve said many times before, we’re really looking forward to it! All of the band members have always loved Japan. I want to get on a plane right now and go, but I have work later today. Damn! What a shame! Should I cancel work (lol)? Well, just wait until November! I promise we’ll play the best, so have fun everyone!
It’s fun! So, following the legend of Robert Johnson’s Crossroads, who sold his soul to the devil in exchange for his incredible guitar skills, here’s one last question: What would you sell your soul to the devil for? Answer us!
What’s going on? That’s a weird question at the end! That’s crazy (lol). Well… No! I’d say it’s impossible to sell your soul, your free will, for something, and I don’t want to be that kind of guy! But I can understand the extraordinary passion and emotion of loving someone that much, or loving blues and rock and roll that much. And if we keep going like this, even if we don’t sell our souls to the devil, won’t we eventually turn into blues-rock devils? Or maybe we already are!
Judah Bauer (Vo/Gt) Interview
-First, please tell us how you feel about completing your first new work in about eight years and how it feels.
I’m excited.
Eh? How many years? Eight years already? You’re kidding me, it doesn’t feel like it. I’ve been on the road and doing live shows for the past few years. But, well, I’ve been able to do live shows in various places, but I’ve definitely felt like it was about time for a new album. Right now, I’m happy to be able to perform this new song live.
Here’s a direct question! Please tell us if there were any points you paid particular attention to when creating that vintage sound.
Can I give you a ridiculously simple answer? Well, it’s simply using old stuff (laughs)! Is that a bad answer? Sorry (laughs). But whether it’s microphones, amps, or effects, it’s all about that. This time, we had a lot of analog equipment in the recording studio, and I’ve always been a fan of old gear, so it was fun. Jon mixed in some modern ideas and created “Bluse Explosion.” I think that’s the secret to our sound.
Listening to the new album, I was struck by the typical JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION principle of “modernizing or respecting the blues.” Could you tell us again what the appeal of the blues is, and what music you personally love?
Phew, what should I do (bitter smile)…Hey, are you in Tokyo now? It’s really humid there.
Isn’t it hot and bothered? Poor guy (lol). I love going to Japan, but considering the summer, I don’t think I could live there! If it were me, I’d definitely stay indoors with the air conditioner on for about two months!… Can I just make small talk (lol)? Seriously… I’m not good at answering difficult questions. Um, was the question about my favorite blues? I don’t just like blues, I like straight-up rock and roll too. No, wait, maybe it’s the blues… I think I’m the one who likes blues the most out of the band. I respect the legendary blues heroes. But I think my spirit comes from the bank. That’s why my principles are blues-punk (lol)!
Now, your visit to Japan has finally been confirmed for November, and we can’t wait. Please give a heartfelt message to your Japanese fans who are looking forward to it!
I decided to go because I heard it gets cooler in Japan in November (lol). And it seems that people who are holed up in their cool rooms because of the heat will come out in November, right? Jokes aside, I’m really looking forward to it and can’t wait! The live house is hot, but the beer afterwards is delicious (lol). I guarantee you’ll get a great performance and the alcohol will taste great. So let’s all experience blues-punk and dance!
Interview with Dr. Russell Simins
How was it recording together as a trio after such a long time? Did any “explosive” clashes occur?
If it had exploded, this new work and this interview would never have happened.
(laughs) We recorded in a really cool studio in Michigan. It was full of analog equipment, and both Jon and Judah were excited. We were able to get the best sound in the best environment, so how could a recording like that go wrong? Well, we had a few equipment issues, but in the end it went well, and most importantly, it’s our first new album in eight years, so I think everyone enjoyed recording it.
I’m really amazed at this fantastic new album. It’s probably hard to choose, but if you had to pick one song from the album that is your favorite or most memorable, which would it be? And why?
Oh! You liked it, thank you so much! I’m relieved you’re not a harsh critic. If someone wrote something harsh about a veteran band like us saying there’s no point in listening to our new release, we’d be out of a job (laughs)! So, the answer is, I love most of the songs, so it’s certainly a difficult task. But I’ll pick “Black Thoughts.” First of all, it brings to mind the incredibly fun jam sessions we had during the recording, and I love the chords. Those blues chords. Ah, it’s hard to explain it just by talking about it, so shall I play it for you? It’s easier to understand when you hear it played, right? But that’s impossible (laughs). Anyway, it’s super cool. And… I also like “Bag Of Bones.” It’s catchy but not straightforward, and I love the overall feel of this song. Jon’s lyrics are great too. It’s a very JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION song. Ah! But I can’t give up on the simple and straightforward “Black Mold” either, it would be so exciting to play it live… Oops! I think the interview will end with this question (lol)! To sum up, they’re all so good I can’t decide!
Let me ask you a frank question. You have a wide range of musical experiences, from solo work to side projects, but what does THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION mean to you?
First of all, I have to say, THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION is number one! We have a very special bond. This applies both to our personal relationships and our musicality. Musically speaking, I’ve been able to do what I’ve always wanted to do, and I’ve been able to be a part of the band’s growth and development. But you could also say that it’s because of the experiences I’ve had in my other projects, and in that sense, I have a strong bond with each of my projects. But, ultimately, “THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION, No. 1”!
WEB EXTRA!
Read the rest of the interview >> “skream.jp”
THE JON SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION Meat And Bone
“Meat and Bone” is John Spencer’s first new album in eight years. As the simple title suggests, it is filled with a straightforward love of blues and primitive impulses without any gimmicks. In the past, they have invited a variety of guests, including BECK and CHUCKD, but this album features no guests. It was produced by the three members, who share a special bond, working closely together. From the opening track “Black Mold,” adorned with a catchy, heavy guitar riff, the John Spencer world sweeps through, to the punkish passion of “Boot Cut” and “Danger,” and the funky jams of “Ice Cream Killer” and “Strange Baby,” the album is full of highlights and a wide range of talents that will leave you speechless. A new beginning, tracing back to the roots of the blues, which have been broken down like punk or reconstructed like hip-hop. Don’t underestimate the old guys! (Ito Yosuke)
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