March 29, 2024

1). So excited to be chatting with you! You just released your new single, “Nobody Knows” –  How excited are you that this song is finally out into the world?

Thanks Ainsley! Likewise – I’m thrilled to be chatting with you. We are SO excited… Words wouldn’t do it service to try and say how happy we are to finally be able to release “Nobody Knows” to the world and to be receiving so much great feedback and support.

2). Can you tell us about how you came up with the concept for the “Nobody Knows” video?

The song was written about the loss of my dog and best friend, Astoria.  So as the song came together it really started to sonically portray that emotion and feeling of being lost.  So when it came time to film the “Nobody Knows” video, we really wanted the visuals to match the solitude and desolation in the song.  When we found the ranch in the mountainous desert of Hemet, California, it was just perfect and we all knew: This place is the spot.  The storyline for the video is actually a segment from a multi-video story we’ve been putting together.  So in order to catch the rest of the story listeners will have to stay tuned for our upcoming single and video releases.  

3). Where did your love of music come from?

Honestly, I grew up more interested in sports.  But my mother was adamant about keeping both my brother and I involved in music lessons.  So I actually started playing piano at the age of 4 years old.  It wasn’t until I became a teenager that I really fell in love with the idea of being able to make my OWN music.  To write songs that said exactly what I wanted them to.  So this question is always the time I like to say THANK YOU to my parents for pushing me into music, because without that push I never would’ve ended up with a career in music, playing keyboards for The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus. Thanks Mom and Dad, Love You. ♥

4). What’s been the pros and cons of pursuing your music career?

As I’m sure you know, this business is not for the faint of heart.  It takes a lot to pursue your dreams, to work on yourself and your craft.  As with anything in life – You take the good with the bad and work hard to get where you want to go.  Fortunately if you’re working on something you love, the reward is more gratifying when you finally get to see the fruits of your labors.

5). Is there anyone you want to Thank that’s helped you get to where you are today? 

Oh man, so many people.  As I said, my parents; all of our friends and families that have supported us over the years by coming to our shows in the bands we played in, listening to the music.  Our whole team is just unbelievable.  I can’t say enough about how much we appreciate everyone in the A.S. crew.  Ronnie Winter, for always believing in me and Jesse and for producing the record.  Jon Espy for engineering and recording. The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus Crew as a whole. Sean Sweetman for shooting the video, Maria Scheuring our attorney for believing in us and working so tirelessly.  We have so much love and gratitude for everyone who’s been a part of each of our journeys over the years. Its hard to list people because I could never name them all – but we send them much love. 

6). What do you want your fans to take away from your music and shows?

I definitely try to write music that people can relate to and connect with so I always hope when writing that I’m tapping into an experience or an emotion that people are familiar with.  As for the shows – We have been casualties like everyone of a concertless world for a bit now.  But we can’t wait to get out there and show people what we are about.  Fans can absolutely expect a hard hitting, high energy show, and we can’t wait to see them soon!

7). Are you planning any Instagram Live performances anytime soon?

At the moment we don’t have anything planned – but it’s in the conversation for sure.

8). What’s something your fans don’t know about you?

Hmmmm.  I would guess that most fans don’t know that I’m vegan.  I don’t entirely broadcast my diet online so unless you know me you might not know that.  As a band, people may be interested to know that Jesse actually really only started discussions of starting this band in July 2020.  Fun fact.

9). Is there anyone in the music business you are dying to meet?

Yes, definitely.  So many…  But in particular I still haven’t had the pleasure of meeting Jacoby Shaddix of Papa Roach – that would be cool

10). What’s your current “go-to” song?

I’m currently listening to “Not My Problem” by Escape The Fate – very excited for their new record.  Plus, I’m always listening to the New Red Jumpsuit Apparatus stuff we are working on. 

11). What would you say is your biggest dream/goal right now?

I’m just so excited to finally have this band launched and off the ground.  We definitely at this point are just dreaming of getting on the road and starting to be able to play shows and drop this music on fans, live and loud!

12). Now that things are slowly opening back up, with you be playing any live shows soon?  

Yea, the music industry is definitely in a tight spot right now as far as touring getting back to normal – but as things start to open up we will be ready to go.  Once things are safe we can get out and start ripping!

Connect and Share with Astoria State

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / Youtube / TikTok / Bands In Town

Comments

comments