Posted: August 4th, 2008
Contributed By: Chris

TuneLab Music: Jet Black Stare is a fairly new band, how did everyone meet and things get started?

Rod Black: In September 2007 I flew in to NY to sing for Island Records. I’ve always had a huge respect for the label, so when an offer was presented, I took it! [laughs] Dan our drummer and Shane our bass player were the only ones with me at the time, and together we formed a band around the JBS name.

TLM: The record deal with Island came about pretty quick, what do you think got the labels to take interest so soon?

RB: I really think it was the timing and some good songs. We’re going back to the basics of rock n roll, strong live shows solid recordings etc.. and there’s a lot of bands out there still waiting to been seen and heard, so lets give them a chance.

TLM: The new album ‘In This Life‘ hit stores a couple of weeks ago. How has the response been to it so far?

RB: [laughs] For a fresh new band, so far its been a great response. I hope it keeps up! If not I’m back to diggin’ ditches! [laughs]

TLM: You chose Jeff Johnson to produce the album, up until you guys he had never really produced a rock album. What made you choose him?

RB: Jeff is very talented. We’ve know each other for awhile now so there is a mutual respect. It just made sense, basically Jeff gave me the chance in the beginning…I will never forget that. Gordini was added to the project to take us to the next level,

TLM: The track “I’m Breathing” was written about your brush with death when you were 19. How did that experience change your life and your way of thinking?

RB: I look at life different now. I cherish every day, where in the past maybe not as much. I feel I got a second chance. You don’t know what its like until you walk in some one else’s shoes, that’s when you really can appreciate what you have. Ok now I’m babblin’. [laughs]

TLM: You reworked Closure’s “Afterglow” with “Every Moment”, how did that idea come about?

RB: I’m a big fan of Closure and “Afterglow” is a great song. The chance to work with Brian Howes presented itself and he said, “You boys wanna try to do something with this one?” I don’t know if we made it better, but hopefully we did it justice. The feedback has been really good, so we’ll just run with it! [laughs]

TLM: Which track from ‘In This Life’ do you feel best represents what Jet Black Stare is out to accomplish?

RB: I would have to say “In This Life”. Its where it started, this song pretty much got the attention in the beginning. Its close to my heart. I felt a chill when I first started to write this track. Hey, we just wanna play as much as we can and just see where this ride takes us. One show at a time.

TLM: The video for your single “Ready to Roll” was shot several weeks ago. What was the concept for the video?

RB: Two hot girls and two fast muscles cars and a band! [laughs] Its simply a really cool rock video. The girls are driving there cars (chicken fight)the rest you’ll have to see for yourself.

TLM: Do you know when it is set to premier?

RB: We are hearing early September, but maybe even sooner!

TLM: The band wrapped up a tour with 3 Doors Down, Staind and Hinder a few days ago. What was it like touring alongside bands who have achieved the amount of success they have?

RB: They have all turned into our big brothers. We are learning as much as we can from them. From the crew to the band members. They all have treated us very well. We just try not to get in the way! [laughs]

TLM: The tour was a pretty big one for a bands first major tour of the states, how did you guys land a spot on it?

RB: We have a great team working with us. I guess the music just got to the right people at the right time!

TLM: You’re going out with Shinedown and Red in late August for a few weeks, do you have any tours lined up following that?

RB: Nothing I can say just yet, but we have some things lined up. Stay tuned!

TLM: That about wraps it up for me, is there anything you’d like to throw in?

RB: I just wanna say I appreciate the time that you have taken and to any one reading this… treat everyone the way you want to be treated and don’t take life for granted!