Jack Irons – Koi Fish in Space

By starrymag | April 3, 2022

By: Kelly Kearney

 

 

Q) Your new 12-inch release combines your 2018 EP Dream of Luminous Blue with your new EP release Koi Fish in Space. Talk a bit about the decision to release these together and why they work so well as one complete listen.  

 

A) An album by yourself is a long journey. An EP allows me to complete my mission with full energy and focus easier. Each time I start a project it feels like it has a start and an end energetically with an EP’s worth of music. My process is similar along the way so makes sense the two projects work as one listen, but I am happy you think so too. I find this music so experimental that I don’t know how it will translate to someone else’s ears, so I think a shorter EP listen is a good thing. Going to make the double EP my thing.

Q) Where did the inspiration for the title Koi Fish in Space come from? I have to admit, every track feels like it exists somewhere between an underwater world and an intergalactic dream.

A) The title came from a very vivid dream. One of those dreams where it really seemed real when I came out of it. I was floating in space and turned around and there was a giant Koi standing upright on his bottom fins just staring at me and the feeling I got was the Koi was saying, “What are you doing here?” 

 

Q) What I love about this 12-inch is how it is unapologetically you. It makes no attempts to please the masses who crave familiarity from their musical favorites. Your intense driving beats feel like a bit of home, but the experimental instrumentals are a fantastic mix of synth-pop but then in songs like “In Orbit” it almost has this lower brass jazz vibe. So, who would you say this album appeals to?

 

A) Thank you for the nice words. I guess to answer I would say adventurous listeners who appreciate experimental music that focuses on rhythm but in a familiar format or presentation. I try to make arrangements, like a rock or pop song most of the time. 

 

Q) How do you tackle composing. Do you start behind the drums and go from there?

 

A) Usually, yes, it all starts with the drums. I try and look for unique ways to create sounds to go with the drums. Sometimes I will play to music I am inspired by just to get a good drum take and then go mad scientist on what sounds can come from those tracks effect wise. Sometimes I use keyboard midi from triggered drums to find sounds that tend to lend themselves to melody based on tempo, groove and dynamics. I really like that process because it is so random to create an arrangement that could be called a tune. Dream of Luminous Blue has a few songs done that way. Sometimes I use drum takes I have done from home recording sessions I do for other artists (artists beware), but you would never recognize those tracks once I use them.

 

Q) Any plans to take this out on the road and give the fans a taste on stage? What would that even look since you are the Jack (Irons) of all trades on this project?

 

A) I had the great fortune of being able to open for RHCP on their Getaway Tour in 2017. I was on about sixty shows. It was just drums and a computer with tracks I play to with a big video screen of visuals behind me. Flea introduced me every night and the show was received well. That set up worked well, so that’s how I would like to do these tunes with good sound and visuals. (arenas or bust [laughs])

 

Q) Original drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers, drummer for Pearl Jam, toured with the late Joe Strummer and Rock and Roll Hall of famer and so much more! That’s a long and decorated musical career. Talk briefly about how the industry has changed from when you started to the biggest changes, both positive and negative, that musicians face today.

 

A) My time of being up and coming was focused on the recording aspect of the business. That really is what I fell in love with as a musician. I love sounds and especially the sounds of music coming out of the 60s and 70s. As time has gone by, I realize the way some of my favorite music was recorded and that craft is a big part of what influenced me. Making records was where it was at…Of course, it was limiting in those smaller amounts of musicians could get to do their music and release it. Now every musician can record and make their music available, but the business model looks to be primarily touring. You have to enjoy the traveling part of it as it seems to be ongoing for working musicians, but I do think it’s easier to have a healthier quality of life on the road today. 

 

Q) We have to talk about Neil Young since he’s been in the news the last few weeks. In the mid- 90’s Pearl Jam toured with Neil Young, who was nothing short of impressed with your talent and work ethic. What do you remember about that tour and time with him? Any behind the scenes stories you can share?

 

A) It was great to play with Neil. I was a big fan growing up. I remember his ability to lead and pound the groove with his guitar playing. He really dug in and knows how to extend jams and when to do that. He is a powerhouse of a musician. I saw him a few years back with Promise of The Real and they played tons of songs over three hours… pretty impressive.

 

Q) In 2017 you surprised fans by returning to the stage to open for Red Hot Chili Peppers. Any chance we can see you pop in on their tour or the 2022 Pearl Jam tour?

 

A) Well, that’s not on the calendar but would be very cool if that ever worked out. 

 

Q) What is next for you, Jack? Are you working on any other projects or are you just focusing on this upcoming release?

 

A) I am working on another double EP that is near done. I have done some sessions for a project called the Big Ol Nasty Get Down that features tons of great players from many generations and recently did some recordings for an artist Jonny Polonsky that will be coming out later this year, I think. Something I am really excited about is I played drums for a few tunes on my son’s band Irontom’s next record. That band also includes my nephew on drums and the singer is a close friend of the family so it’s very family. One more near to my heart recording project in the works is with Anthony Logerfo, the drummer with Promise Of The Real – experimental drum jams with music from Micah Nelson thus far. 

 

Q) What would you like to say to the millions of fans who love your work and cheer you on in every project or drum set you get behind? 

 

A) Thank you for appreciating my drumming and music! It means a lot to me that music I have made is enjoyed and brings some good feelings to people.