Interview with Jon Jameson (Delta Spirit) – English Version

(Delta Spirit)

26.05.2009 von Sascha Knapek

Delta Spirit’s first record (”Ode To Sunshine”) was released in 2008. The album received rave reviews in the states and it’s mix of Northern Soul, Americana and handmade Rock’n’Roll is truly one of a kind. On June 5^th “Ode To Sunshine” will finally be released in Germany. Prior to that Musicheadquarter had the chance to talk to Jon Jameson, Delta Spirit’s bass player. The questions were asked by Sascha Knapek.

On April 4^th I attended your very first show in Germany (in Hamburg). What did you think about the positive crowd reaction and do you remember why you didn’t play an encore?

Jon Jameson: That was an amazing show! I'm sure we felt like it was up to us to play an encore, since it was a club night. We may have run out of songs!

Throughout your live shows you guys change instruments and mix it up pretty well. Do you think that is the key to your unique, original, but at the same time (for a lack of a better term let’s call it) ‘historically conscious’ sound?

Jon Jameson: I think it helps us to achieve different sounds and also keeps it exciting for us. As far as being 'historically conscious', I think that makes perfect sense. We love early American music, Folk music from around the world, 60's and 70's Soul, Punk, Classical, but we don't want to fit within any of those bounds. We want it all.

You guys call your music Americana-Soul. Please tell us what the term means for you.

Jon Jameson: We don't really identify with that term all that much. I think the only reason that we would say that, is cause if we just say that we are a rock band, someone might think Korn or Oasis or Guns’n’Roses. Americana implies some sort of allegiance to history and culture.

”Ode To Sunshine” was first self-released in the states and recorded in a pretty unique atmosphere, in a cabin in the mountains outside of San Diego. What were the sessions like and how hard was the road to finding a record company in the states and subsequently releasing your album in Europe?

Jon Jameson: Making the record was great! Long nights in a cabin with food, drinks, friends and our songs. It took a while to find the right label, but we didn't wait around. We put it out ourselves and kept touring. We are really happy that it’s out in Europe now, though!

Before ”Ode To Sunshine” you released an EP called ”I Think I’ve Found It”, which is out of print nowadays. It features some Delta Spirit-staples like ”Crippler King” and ”Gimmie Some Motivation”. Any plans to re-release the EP or feature some of the songs on your next record?

Jon Jameson: We still have a few left on CD and vinyl and we sell them at shows.

And on the topic of the next record, when can we expect one and are you already thinking about going into the studio and writing new songs?

Jon Jameson: We just got back from a tour with The Shins and now our whole focus as a band is making a new record. It's coming!

If I counted correctly you guys have four different covers for ”Ode To Sunshine” by now. What is your favorite one and why have you decided to change it from country to country. USA, England, Germany, three countries, three different cover shots.

Jon Jameson: My dad is on our UK cover – shirtless – and that is my fav. He would have been on the cover for the rest of Europe, but there are rules in France and some other countries that don't allow Alcohol or cigars on album covers. My dad was having a good time... what can I say?

Who influenced you as musicians and as songwriters?

Jon Jameson: Tom Waits, Richard Swift, Dylan, The Band, The Libertines, Doves, Radiohead, Sam Cooke, Guthrie, our friends’ bands. We don't aspire to sound like any of these artists specifically, but they have left their mark.

You guys recently played an extraordinary ‘Take-Away Show’ in San Francisco. What was it like to play in a cable car and somewhat revisiting Matthew’s writing process of ”People, Turn Around”?

Jon Jameson: It was great! I never even really thought about that aspect, but it's always fun to play for people who aren't expecting it.

What is in store for the rest of the year? Are you planning on coming over to Europe again and playing some more shows in Germany?

Jon Jameson: I really hope that we make it back before long! Hamburg was my favorite!!! I woke up on saturday morning and walked around the flea market and grabbed a cup of coffee. It was lovely.

Thanks a lot for your time!

Jon Jameson: Hope to see you again soon!

Thanks to Oliver Bergmann (Oktober Promotion) for making this interview possible!

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