Jared James Nichols

By starrymag | February 22, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I always try to describe my sound as a stick of BLUESPOWER dynamite. It is raw, rocks, but also drenched in the blues. Sonically, it is guitar heavy but captures the full band energy and essence of rock that has come before.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) A few of my biggest influences include Leslie West and Mountain, as well as Stevie Ray Vaughan, and even as wide as Alice in Chains. I grew up learning how to play blues and study all of the guitar greats, so I feel I have a ton of influence in that vein. I also am a huge fan of tons of different styles, old country, metal, bluegrass…the list goes on!

 

Q) Your self-titled album is out now. What are some themes you explore on it?

A) I really wanted to make a record that serves as the menu for my live show. I’ve always wanted to capture the live energy onto a proper studio recording. I really wanted to see how far I could push the music and push myself, to get the most honest recording possible.

 

Q) What are some of your personal favorite tracks off the album?

A) One of my favorites off of the record is the kickoff track, “My Delusion.” I remember that was the first song we tracked when we went into the studio, the energy in the room was infectious! After we tracked this song, we really got excited and felt like this was the perfect benchmark sonically to make a record on. Another one of my personal favorites is “Easy Come, Easy Go.” This track wasn’t totally ready to record when we went in so there was a bit of improvisation in the record which added an extra spark to it. For instance, the solo section was like riding a wild bull, it was completely spontaneous.

 

Q) Which song(s) challenged you the most creatively for it?

A) There were a lot of tracks that were challenging creatively. With this record I wanted to just get out of my own way! A lot of times in the past I have second guessed or psyched myself out of doing something outside of my comfort zone. On this record I embraced it. One of the biggest tracks that was a challenge was “Hallelujah” that song went from being a blues ballad to an all-out heavy rock track. Sometimes you have to take risks and just go for it.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) It’s always different, to be honest. Sometimes I’ll think of a lyric or phrase and almost write the song in my head at the moment. Other times, a guitar riff will fall out of nowhere and inspire me to write a song around it. I try to stay creative and have fun while writing. After all, I feel songs come out better when there aren’t stressful elements involved. Also, I try to keep it simple always!

 

Q) Eddie Spear lent a hand on production for this album, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

A) We really worked hand in hand on this record. It was a fantastic experience working with Eddie. Not only is he an incredible musician/producer, but he also loves to have fun and get creative. When we were in the studio, we had no rules whatsoever. We trusted each other to make the best music possible, it was so much fun.

 

Q) Why was it so important for you to give this album the feel of an electrifying live performance that is a JJN signature?

A) I always have had a hard time in the studio environment translating the live show. There is a different style and energy in the studio that most of the time doesn’t lend itself to high energy rock shows. I feed off of the live environment. I really wanted to get that vibe on record. What you heard on there is what you get live.

 

Q) How did you shake off a long day in the studio for recording this new album?

A) Aww man! Honestly, I would go home and just put on the most boring and senseless TV shows! [laughs] I felt like I was firing on all cylinders while making the record and by the time I went home I was just trying to decompress and be mellow.

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from exploring this new album as a whole?

A) Excitement. I hope the listener gets the same feeling that I had while making the record. The energy that this music is alive and well, and that this record is ready to be played LOUD!

 

Q) You’re out on tour now. What song(s) have fans been enjoying hearing you play live off this new album?

A) It’s really cool because we have actually been playing the whole record live top to bottom. It’s an awesome experience because this album was made to be played that way. So, it’s pretty special that the listener is getting the whole thing in the live show. I think some of the standouts are “Good Time Girl” and “Easy Come, Easy Go.”

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I have a lot of places I love to play. All different sizes and countries! One of my favorite rooms I’ve played in is The Viper Room in Los Angeles. It’s kind of a full circle spot, some of my first shows ever were there, as well as my first ever sold-out shows. I also love to play in Spain. Spanish rock fans are like no other. They are so energetic and expressive – it is a total blast. I love to play anywhere where people wanna get down and listen.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I would love to do a track with The Rival Sons, that would RULE! I’d also love to collaborate with Dan Auerbach from The Black Keys. I think we could make some super cool music.

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I recently dug back into an old favorite band of mine, King’s X. If you don’t know them, check them out! Old school grooving heavy blues rock. It’s the perfect soundtrack for a workout, pre-show energy or cruising down the road. Their record Dogman is the best!

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I think social media is the easiest way to just stay connected as well as build my fanbase. I’m passionate about both sides, online and in real life. They both feed each other. I love the fact that I can post a video of me playing online or post a new show flyer and have the whole world able to see it the next second. It is such a powerful tool that I feel fortunate to have.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Thank you so much for all of your support, the best is yet to come. I cannot wait to meet you out on the road at a show, and rock out. Get ready because we are only beginning, lots of great music to come in the future. BLUESPOWER!