411 Music Interview: Rod Black Of Jet Black Stare
Posted by Dan Marsicano on 09.01.2008
In an exclusive interview with 411 Music, Jet Black Stare frontman Rod Black talks to Dan Marsicano about touring, the band's new album, songwriting techniques, and much more!
It's the middle of August, a hot, sultry afternoon in New Jersey, perfect beach weather in the minds of most people. Yet, the warm sand and crashing blue waves were the furthest thing from my mind as I prepare for a phone interview with Rod Black, frontman of rock group Jet Black Stare. Jet Black Stare has gained a lot of publicity amongst the rock media with their hit single "Ready To Roll" and high-profile tours with 3 Doors Down and Shinedown. Now, with the release of their first album In This Life, the band is gearing up for their next goal: world domination.
Today, however, is a slow day for Black, as he had a busy weekend with an Xbox Live session with fans on Saturday and an appearance at this year's WWE Summerslam on Sunday. While a hectic weekend, Black was energetic about the events, especially the Xbox Live event. "I'm not the best video game player…I'm a good watcher though," Black commented.
Jet Black Stare was formed in early 2007, with Black enlisting the help of drummer Dan Swiminier and songwriter Jeff Johnson. "We had our drummer in place. We didn't have the rest of band…basically, we got a record deal and it was Dan and I," Black explained. Black found two guitarists, bassist Shane Hayes and, with the help of additional guitars from Dave Martone and Nickelback drummer Daniel Adler, recorded debut album In This Life in about three months, from September to December 2007. To keep the material "fresh," the band would send songs to Island Records daily, which impressed the record label and helped to form a positive relationship between the band and the record label.
In This Life was largely written by Black with help from Johnson, who also co-produced the album. "He (Jeff) had some ideas and I had ideas…we have a good chemistry of writing. We make sure it isn't too hard for people to understand," Black explained. Black plans to continue using Jeff's talent for future releases, but wants to utilize the other band members' songwriting skills as well. "I'm very open to suggestions. This band is not a one-man show," Black said.
The lyrical content on In This Life was something very personal for Black, who shows a deep and revealing side to the listener. As most fans are aware, "I'm Breathing" was about a life-threatening car crash Black was in, where he was pronounced dead before being successfully revived. "I got a new chance on life," Black explained.
The other song Black explained in greater detail to me was the title track, which details the pain of being away from loved ones for extended period of time. "I believe, when people are away from loved ones, they don't have choices. A lot of sacrifices have to be made (when on the road)," Black said.
Black's songwriting is influenced by countless bands, including Bon Jovi ("best songwriter ever"), Mötley Crüe ("Nikki Sixx is a brilliant songwriter"), and Tom Petty. However, Black makes sure to emphasize to me that he doesn't want to pick just one songwriter, as "that would be a disservice to all the other songwriters." To Black, the best place to find a good song is, out of all places, at a camp fire. "Somebody playing a song on the acoustic guitar…feeling something on an acoustic guitar and vocals is a good song to me," Black explained.
Throughout my 30 minute conversation with Black, the one characteristic of Black's that I noticed was his lack of selfishness when it came to the band's success. He constantly made sure to include his other band members in almost every facet of our discussion of Jet Black Stare's growing popularity. Regarding drummer Swiminier, "Dan, our drummer, is a producer, songwriter, singer, and engineer. It wouldn't surprise me if he does an album on the side."
Jet Black Stare recently did their first music video for single "Ready To Roll." Black described the relatively simple process behind the one-day shoot. "We wanted to keep it simple…the concept was two girls playing chicken. We believed the song was a good rock tune," Black said. He also commented that the video was a chance for fans to get a glimpse at the band themselves, without any smokes or mirrors.
"Ready To Roll" Official Music Video
Touring is a huge part of any band's career and Jet Black Stare has toured with many big names, including 3 Doors Down, Puddle of Mudd, and most recently Shinedown. Regarding obtaining a supporting slot on the current Shinedown tour, Black said, "We were doing warm up shows and rumors were that Shinedown was digging the band as individuals. While doing the tour with 3 Doors Down, the tour with Shinedown announced as well."
Jet Black Stare has big tour plans in the future, but Black was keeping quiet on them. Even after repeated requests, and even some begging on my end, Black was mum on the next tour for the band. However, Black was able to give one small hint about the future tour, saying that "It's a badass tour coming up."
Many modern bands have embraced the ever-present technological advances, especially in the communication field. Social networking has become an all-too important tool that bands use to get their name out there and Jet Black Stare is no different. Black explained that the band takes great pride in their MySpace page, making sure to answer as many comments as they can.
"You have to interact with people," Black explained. "You try not to look at people as fans, more like friends. People are traveling from long distances to…watch us. You have to respect that the fans go out of their way to see us."
Black sees great things in the future for Jet Black Stare, as he sees the band having the ability to be around for a long period of time. While the band has had to recently replace bassist Shane Hayes (replacement to be named soon, according to Black), Black still feels confident in the long-term potential of Jet Black Stare.
"I think we're all on the same page," Black said. "What makes us stand out is we have a little bit more time to go out and talk to people. We can go out there a little longer than most bands, which gives us the opportunity to interact."
Most importantly, Black gives credit where he believes it is due; to the fans.
"We really appreciate people coming out. There's a lot of good rock bands out there, but for people to come out early for us is great. If it wasn't for them, maybe these opportunities wouldn't be coming our way."
