"One of the great things about living in LA, is the trend-set/mindset that permeates the scene here. So many of the greatest bands in the world have begun their rise to stardom here, or at least brought their act here and got recognized. Today's underground becomes tomorrows SUPERHEROES. I always enjoy hanging out with artists that overflow with passion for what they're involved in, and this interview brought all of that, and some inside views. Straight Jackitt is an LA band that combines the unique talents and specialties of all it's members. Where some groups complain of "creative differences", these guys THRIVE ON IT. In the studio, and live, they demonstrate their ability to shift musical gears and fire off the line, displaying their royal flush of influence and style. Punk, Hip-Hop, Rock, Ska, crushing guitars, FAT bass, thunder from the kit, and solid flow, all blend into a flammable boost of energy that catches you once, and makes you want to hear it again and again. A common link from one interview to the other is rapper/guitarist Chris Jones, who plays in both Straight Jackitt and Outta-Control.. Both bands are already veterans of hitting the road, playing shows, and getting busy in the studio. Chris Jones lets loose in his interview about the origins of Outta-Control's sound, and how they bring together a band's work ethic, combined with a Hip-Hop outfitting, and end up levitating their chops into your brainwaves! It's always inspiring for me to listen to people doing their thing, and daring to take it as far as they can. Both of these bands are head over heels in love with what they do. Read up on these LA greats, and then check their sites for live dates and emerging tracks. A lot of ground gets covered here, and all of it states the case on how to shred and flow in true LA style!..."
Robert: I've been to your shows, and I noticed that you guys transition between, and mix together different styles very easily. I also hear a very solid punk background, yet you manage to avoid the sneering negativity and angst that some bands trap themselves with. Straight Jackitt has an extremely positive vibe and energy. Is that intentional? Or is that the result of your personalities coming across?
MATT: Fortunately, the 4 of us all really like a lot of different styles of music...when we mess around, we play jazz, reggae, metal, funk, or whatever comes up with us just kind of noodling. Then we play our set. You are right about the punk backbone because that is the one genre, I think, that we all really dig...its what brought us together in the first place.
ERIC: Yeah, it just kind of comes organically...we never set out really to do anything..there's no map..it just happens.
HECTOR: One person will usually have an idea, then we all can go from there.
CHRIS: Yeah, it just comes together, and usually there is the heavy punk influence somewhere in there.
MATT: So, I guess then that it is unintentional to be positive..we just really dig playing our music and dig playing together.
MATT: Fortunately, the 4 of us all really like a lot of different styles of music...when we mess around, we play jazz, reggae, metal, funk, or whatever comes up with us just kind of noodling. Then we play our set. You are right about the punk backbone because that is the one genre, I think, that we all really dig...its what brought us together in the first place.
ERIC: Yeah, it just kind of comes organically...we never set out really to do anything..there's no map..it just happens.
HECTOR: One person will usually have an idea, then we all can go from there.
CHRIS: Yeah, it just comes together, and usually there is the heavy punk influence somewhere in there.
MATT: So, I guess then that it is unintentional to be positive..we just really dig playing our music and dig playing together.
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