Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Interview. Show all posts

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Jay Buchanan Interview

We had the great pleasure of interviewing Jay Buchanan after his recent show at Alex's Bar on December 30th. Jay had just come off a European tour with Rival Sons and was playing his his first Long Beach, CA solo show since this summer's Buskerfest.

Jay Buchanan with Judy on the patio of Alex's Bar.

Q: What are some of your musical influences?
A: I love Joni Mitchell and Robert Johnson. One of my biggest vocal influences would have to be Freddie Mercury from Queen. I also really like Steve Marriott from Small Faces and Humble Pie.

Q: What was your first record?
A: Probably something by Prince.

Q: What made you want to call Long Beach [CA] home?
A: The local music scene. My friends in Bourbon Jones and Brett Bixby from 12 Hour Mary were all based here. There's a lot going on artistically and musically around town.

Q: With your amazing voice we always wondered if you ever had any type of vocal training?
A: No never, in fact I don't usually even need to warm-up my voice before going on stage.

Q: How was the tour of Europe?
A: Amazing. We sold out over 95% of the tour. The crowds were fantastic.

Q: Rival Sons have shared the stage with a diverse array of bands such as Judas Priest, Queensryche, Kid Rock and Evanescence. Is it hard to play with bands that might have a different core audience?
A: No. We look at it as an opportunity to pick up new fans.

Q: Is it hard to switch gears from the hard rock style of Rival Sons to the  folk/blues sound of your solo work?
A: This is this and that is that (Jay's opposing hands gesture two completely different musical styles).

Q: What are your plans for 2012?
A: Rival Sons are getting ready to go out on a tour of the south through Georgia, South Carolina, Florida and Mississippi. After that we are headed up to Canada for a tour. We are now in the Top 10 in active rock in Canada so I'm looking forward to touring up there. I'm also planning on recording a solo album sometime this year.