DJ Interviews: Jack Mystery

 Here's my interview with rock band Jack Mystery

How'd you get started in music?

I think it started by just really loving music.  First just listening and imagining playing it, then actually playing it.  We all learned our various instruments during middle school and formed early bands with friends throughout our high school years.  In those bands we played talent shows, small clubs, and parties. The members of Jack Mystery all grew up in Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, but we didn't form as a group until July 2001. 

Who are your inspirations or influences?

We are collectively driven by rock music, but we play and listen to almost all styles of music.  As a group we listen to lots of 90s and 00s music including Clutch, Faith No More, Mr. Bungle, 311, Primus, Deftones, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Soundgarden, Pantera, and many others.  We've been inspired by so many musicians over the years, but here are a few from each band member.  Our vocalist Nick Kaylor drew inspiration from Mike Patton, Neil Fallon, Billy Corgan, and Eddie Vedder, while our guitarists Jonathan Rollans and Chris Shockley created their styles by utilizing elements from such greats as Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Eddie Van Halen, Joe Satriani, and Trey Spruance.  Bass player Casey Henson enjoys and emulates Cliff Burton, Les Claypool, and Victor Wooten, while drummer Brett Derbes took inspiration from Matt Cameron, Stephen Perkins, Abe Cunningham, Chad Sexton, and John Densmore.

What advice would you offer aspiring performers?

Practice everyday and collaborate with other musicians as much as possible.  Listen to many styles of music from all across the planet.  Be humble and try to learn something from every musical encounter.  Tell other musicians when they impress you and ask them to show you some of their tricks.  Play the music that you love, not the music that you think other people will love.  Be proud of your music and share it with the world.  Chase your dreams as long as you can and never stop playing music.  Don't worry about what other people say, as it usually doesn't matter.

How do you set yourselves apart from other bands or singers?

Sometimes artists try to fit within a particular genre, style, or market, and that is fine.  But, you can set yourself apart in so many ways, beginning with your name, logo, image, style, lyrics, music, and message.  Be aware of your style and image, and change it if necessary.  If you focus on creating music that you enjoy then your passion will resonate in your work.  Put the time into your craft and others will notice.

Any new gigs or albums in the future?

Unfortunately, the bulk of our shows were played from 2001 to late 2006, and we do not have any new gigs on the horizon.  We've released our album (The Tunguska Explosion) and EP (Things, Left, Unsaid) online, but we plan to make other songs available soon.  The band recently reconnected after several years and the possibility of remotely collaborating on new songs someday exists.  Who knows what the future holds...