February 12, 2004
Interview with Jack Blades
It's hard to imagine a CD collection without an appearance or two from Jack Blades. His work with Rubicon, Night Ranger, Damn Yankees and his collaborative efforts with close friend Tommy Shaw and others show that this is one of the more influential artists in AOR. Jack has been very successful with what he has done and from his answers it is clear that what has worked for him has been sticking to his beliefs and working hard to achieve his dreams.
Today we find Jack with a studio on his ranch where he invites his friends and other artists to come and create music in a peaceful, non-stressed environment. We find him with a son who is following in his foot steps and his first solo album "Jack Blades" ready to be added to our collections.
We also find some big news concerning a project that he and Tommy Shaw are working on at this very moment! Read about it here, and be sure to watch Jack's official website www.JackBlades.net for more news!
1. A simple search on the name "Jack Blades" provides hours of reading on endless websites, many with a biography of your life. We know about you as a huge contributor to the music of our life times, we know you were a promising pre-med student who just couldn't let music go and we know that you are a family man with a son following in your footsteps. What we don't know is how you would describe yourself if faced with the question, who is Jack Blades - the man behind the music?
I am just me being me. The only thing I ever wanted to do was play music and make people happy with my songs. I feel I have been blessed to be able to have music as my career and I never take it for granted. I do have a good time doing it though!
2. Your discography is stunning, a tribute to your talent and your determination! What would you say is your secret to staying motivated and focused on releasing so many great albums and songs?
I think the key is to be persistent and never give up. So many times when we were trying to get record deals we were told we weren't good enough ...we just kept pounding at it and that paid off. You have to believe in yourself in order for others to believe in you. Also I think change is important. If I just kept writing the same style of songs over and over, I think I would crack up! Look at the Beatles ... they started out with " She Loves You Yea Yea Yea" and rolled into "Happiness Is A Warm Gun". I for one am glad they kept changing. Change is good!
3. We are all very excited about your new release; your first ever solo album how do you feel about it now that it is complete?
Ya know there are things I would add on and there are other songs I would do but you have to stop sometime ... I am very happy and proud with the result ... I could always keep re-mixing it ... I think Sting once said, "You never finish a mix - You just abandon it."
4. What was your inspiration to pick this time to develop and release a solo project, would you say this is a bit experimental or is a solo direction one you have decided to pursue?
I just did it. My friend Serafino at Frontiers records was talking to me one day and suggested I do the record ... I thought about it and said, "Why not?" I never had a burning desire to do a solo CD cause I do write and sing most of the songs of the bands I am in so there is no big burning desire for me to free my soul. I feel I do that each time I make a record with my bands.
5. You have been recording at your Cock n Bottle studio you built in your barn for the Shaw Blades album, how has that gone and could you tell us how you came up with that name?
I love recording at my place cause time does not mean a thing! We can take as long as we want with anything and we don't worry that it's costing a fortune. Very freeing experience for all who come here. I found an old English Pub sign at an antique shop and put it up on my barn so it looks like there is a pub there. The name was Cock n Bottle ... I thought it was appropriate for a bunch of musician dudes!
6. From your website we see that you have some great performers appearing on the new album, what would you say bringing in special guests does to improve an album and the quality of the music?
I just called all my good friends to help out cause I didn't want to do everything myself. I think it improves the record 'cause the guys like Neal Schon, Tommy Shaw, etc. kick ass. We had a blast together and I hope we can do it again.
7. Is there a song on the new album that has a special meaning to you that could you share a bit of the story with us?
I love so many of the songs ... That's a hard one. I like the lyrics to "Sometimes You Gotta Have Faith" cause it is exactly how I believe ... "Shine On" with Tommy is one of my favorites as is "Sea Of Emotions" ... Then there's "On Top Of The World" about how its lonely at the top ... I don't know I could go on forever ...
8. Tommy Shaw and Neal Schon, both personal friends and great performers that you have worked with before appear on this album how was it working with the two of them on your solo album?
We always have a fun time ... Neal lives just down the road from me and we do a lot of writing together ... Tommy is in LA so when ever I'm there we get together ... Fun friends to have ...
9. The Damn Yankees duet of yourself and Tommy is one of the most respected by fans around the world; it is as though you were meant to share the stage, are there any new developments in the possibility of a second release from the two of you?
Yes as we speak Tommy and I are doing an album of our favorite songs from the 60's and 70's ... We're having a blast and the stuff is kickin ass ...
10. We have recently read that there is a possibility of Night Ranger, Ted Nugent and Styx touring together in 2004, what can you tell us about that?
I know that would have been great but the powers that be screwed that one up ... too bad some people don't have the fans best interest at heart ... just money.
11. Through your music you have seen the world and helped contribute to so many lives, what would you list as your most treasured moments of your career?
I got a letter from a guy that said my music kept him from killing himself .... Man if that was the only reason I was put on this earth it was worth it!
12. Your musical style and performance on stage has inspired generations of hopeful musicians and fans, as for yourself who would you say has been your key inspiration?
My wife and sons have kept me inspired and grounded for my entire career. They don't let me get away with any of the rock star bull s**t. Our house has always been an inspiring place for musicians to come to and it still is for one reason ... lotsa love here!
13. Your son Colin has released his first album "White Holiday" this year, and from what I have heard he is a chip of the old block! How does it feel to watch him developing as a musician?
I am really excited for him ... Colin's the real deal ... great songwriter and really means what he says and sings about ... It's gonna be a fun ride to watch!
14. When you take time away from the music and get a chance to relax what activities do you pursue to "Strike A Balance" in your life?
I like to take trips to the southwest and go sightseeing .... I'm a real tourist at heart. Also I do enjoy doing Nothing and just hanging around my ranch .... Kinda cool to just chill out.
15. Your work producing for Samantha 7 and Great White has been looked at with great enthusiasm, has it been something that you have enjoyed, and has any of it been done at your studio?
All of it was done at my studio ... I enjoy working with others just as much as doing my own records.
16. Are there any other bands/artists that you are currently producing, or will be in the future?
I am recording a record with Tak Matsumoto from the Japanese band B'Z with Eric Martin singing ... Great stuff. We will be touring Japan in August ... Kinda like a Damn Yankees thing.
17. Given your experience in the music industry as both artist and now producer; do you have any advice to those artists just starting out - maybe even looking at their first contract?
Keep on keeping on ... No matter what anybody tells you ... Keep rocking true to your heart.
18. Do you have a closing message for the fans?
I hope you enjoy my solo CD as much as I did making it for you ... See yaaaaa on tour!
Posted by Kathy at February 12, 2004 12:18 PM