Hiya Jason Callear, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I loved playing records from my parents and grandparents collections. I realised that rhythm and timing came quite naturally and decided to start having a go a playing various instruments as and when I could find an opportunity.
Introduce us to you all and your musical history.
I started on guitar aged 6 then heavily into drums aged 14 and quickly into writing. I’ve always loved recording snd multitracking, my real passion. I’ve played in many Rock bands over the 35 active years. I decided to go solo from 2004 and returned to guitar, releasing a couple of Albums from 2013 onwards on which I’m covering most of the parts. I still feature the best Staffordshire has to offer on the tracks. My influences range from Queen and early prog, Southern Rock, 60’s, Blues, Folk Rock and Country Rock.
What’s the live music scene like in Uttoxeter right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
It’s not like it used to be, there are a few local acts and we have a good Rock Pub and a few mixed gatherings here and there. No loyalty like the 80s and 90s. Rather a mix of styles and most folks are in each others bands: 😂.
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
The battle for 30 seconds of people’s attention is harsh, even with a decent amount of followers, engagement is a struggle. I think everyone is saturated.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Probably about the same as millions of others, always believing, always hoping I have that one song that gets noticed.
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
I’m dyslexic, 53 years old and The Sultan of Brunei.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
Well I do come from different times I guess when the seemingly normal became offensive. I like the recognition of mental health and we are all being pushed more with each generation but resilience only comes from real effort and a few scars. Folks make mistakes, we have to learn from them rather than being thrown to the Lions.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?
Not really, I have a logical and scientific mind. I agree that there are cover ups and corruption all around but also many fantasists with heaps of creativity which would be better placed in song writing.
What was your best experience on stage?
I played 2 UK tours with Michael Bruce from Alice Cooper and a show at at the Whiskey A Go Go on Sunset strip in 2001.
What was your worst experience on stage?
Too many to list really, a mixture of using other people’s kit and killing it, laryngitis and people coming up on stage to discuss song recommendations in the middle of a tune. The stand out was The Renfrew Ferry in Glasgow which listed towards the stern and alone by one the drum kit fell off the back of the stage.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I’m a Chartered Engineer and I design factories to build components for Nuclear power plants. It pays the bills.
What are the next steps you plan to take as a band to reach the next level?
We’re going to do a bunch of live streams, being solo I need to work around local musicians availability, it seemed the obvious choice and very cozy.
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
I’ve got 12 brand new tracks in the bag and the first single ‘Westside’ is out March 29th ‘25.
The Album will be called ‘Go To Gate’ and will follow late Spring.
What was the recording process like?
I’ll knock up the basics and vocal takes at home with an old MAC in the garage loft, then I use Inspire music studios to meticulously finesse, drum tracks, production and mastering. There’s always a few years of chopping and changing as we go.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
New tech is great, storing little ideas on smart phones for later is a real benefit and you’re less likely to forget it.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I’m pretty pleased with this one, the 2 previous albums have a few cringes on them but you never really know. I got a UK Country Number One in 2022 for ‘Fortunate Sons’ where it remained for 6 days above Shania Twain. I don’t like the song and almost left it off.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Just thank you for the opportunity and hope you like the tunes.
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