SXSW Interviews: JayWood
Continuing our push with SXSW interviews, and we’ve got one I’m stoked on as JayWood just recently signed up to work with one of my favorite labels, Captured Tracks. I was unaware of their work, so getting to know Jeremy through this interview has been a great introduction for me…hopefully it will be the same for you.
ATH: Whats the name of the band/group? Where are you from?
Jeremy: JayWood and Im from Winnipeg MB Canada
ATH: Describe your groups sound.
Jeremy: I think the best way to describe my sound is indie alternative. It keeps things loose and free while hitting a lot of the marks of some familiar taglines, the sound is always changing so I think having a descriptor that touches on that really helps fans .
ATH What was your most recent release? Any planned releases for 2022?
Jeremy: My last release was an EP called Some Days which is a re-recorded collection of songs I originally put out back in 2015. Outside of that I’ll be putting out some new music throughout the next few months and I’ll be dropping my second full-length album this summer!
ATH: Everyones been focused on the negative aspects of the last few years? What are a few good things that came about for you as an individual or the band as a whole during the last two pandemic-stricken years?
Jeremy: Well, I guess the biggest thing to come from the pandemic was signing with Captured Tracks/Royal Mountain Records back in 2020. I started going to therapy and thats pretty dope, I also got connected with my new manager Brendan near the end of last year and thats been super great so far!
ATH: Why play SXSW? Whats the draw for the band? What about this festival will bring you to Austin?
Jeremy: I feel like SX is a right of passage for a lot of bands! What attracts me to playing SX is the energy of everyone everywhere is super stoked and eager to perform and see other bands so I think what happens from that is it becomes a really enticing thing to be a part of .
ATH: Lets say your band has booked an official showcase at a pop up venue somewhere in the middle of 6th street. The lineup features thrash metal, hip-hop, spoken word, and you. The sound is horrible, the lineup is not your style, and the crowd is growing ancy. How would your band deal with such a situation?
Jeremy: I think just power through the performance, I dont imagine every show is gonna be a picture perfect situation so I think just trying to be super accommodating and open to any and all experiences is the best way to go with it! Especially as a first time festival goer, Ive got no real expectations for how thing are gonna turn out haha
ATH: There are tons of bands coming into town, but if you could create your own perfect festival, who would you have playing? Would it have a sick name? Where would it take place?
Jeremy: Oh man thats such a wild question, putting together my own festival has become somewhat of a little daydream of mine! After seeing Camp Flog Gnaw grow into this incredible multi layered festival experience I’d absolutely love to do something like that one day. I think it would be folks from all types of genres, from Black Midi, to Dijon, to Cleo Sol, to Faye Webster, to sick DJ sets at night. I’d want everyone. As for a name, hmmm maybe Field Day or something campy like that. As for location I’d say somewhere in Canada! Just because we can use more cool things to get folks excited to visit up here .
ATH: What has everyone in the band been listening to, or, what plays in the tour van/car/bus?
Jeremy: Yenno I actually dont really know whats been on everyones spins lately, I know Chelly is super big into Post punk so I know I’ll be hearing a lot of that. Ben is always getting me into some really dope new music, so I have no idea what to expect and Steph is completely up in the air as well. All I know for sure is Black Messiah by DAngelo will probably come on at some point .
ATH: Theres been a lot of discussion about Spotify and streaming and all that these last few monthswhere does the band stand? Whats your solution?
Jeremy: To be completely honest, for me I dont care much. Do I think Spotify should be paying artists more? Absolutely, but truth be told Im just happy for folks to be listening to my music wherever is best suited for them. As an Artist there are so many other ways to make money that I dont think I want to be stressing over streams and all that, I’d much rather just start a vegan food line and make videos and shit.
ATH: The band gets to create their own food truck to take on the road. Whats it called, and what are you serving?
Jeremy: Ooooo baby I have no idea what it would be called but I know for damn sure it would be vegan comfort food deluxe, so all things from diner food, to carnival garbage, it would be that good greasy deliciousness.