INTERVIEW:
Jane’s Party
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THE guys of Jane’s Party...
have been speaking about their latest song, Wait for You, and its story. I ask them how the band formed and what it was like supporting Tom Odell on tour – they each select an album that means a lot to them.
I was curious to learn whether tour dates are coming up and whether they have new stuff in the pipeline; the advice they would give to approaching artists and some new talent we need to look out for.
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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?
We’ve had a very successful release of our new single, Wait for You, and we just came off a weekend packed with shows and recording - so we’re all doing great!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?
Jeff Giles (keys/guitar/vocals), Tom Ionescu (guitar/vocals); Devon Richardson (bass/vocals) and Zach Sutton (drums). we are Jane's Party - a band out of Toronto, Canada.
What is the story behind your new track, Wait for You? How did it come together?
Wait for You was written in the months following our return from opening Tom Odell’s No Bad Days tour in Europe. There’s a real vulnerability in coming home from a huge tour and not knowing what the future has in store. Writing the song was a sort of therapy that helped us come to terms with how we were feeling and turning that into inspiration and excitement for what’s to come.
The energy that emanates from a packed venue is exhilarating and the whole tour we wished for something simple to sing at the top of our lungs that could be shouted back, no matter the language barrier. We knew right away, as soon as the chorus to Wait for You came together, who it was meant for.
What was it like supporting Tom Odell in tour? Was that a crazy experience?
It was one of the most surreal experiences we’re ever had as musicians. Playing to audiences like that on a daily basis, spanning countries we’d never even visited before and connecting with people on that level was very special.
Might we see more material coming later down the line?
We’ve got the record slated to release on February 15th with a total of twelve tracks.
How did Jane’s Party find one another? When did you meet?
We all met at York University by Jane and Finch where we studied music and shared a house. We recorded our first album, The Garage Sessions, in our garage. We went on to release that album independently and garnered some CBC radio play, which sparked many years of creating music together.
Do you share similar tastes? Who are you inspired by?
We do share similar tastes, but mostly it just boils down to great music made by great players performing tasteful, well-crafted songs. I don’t think that can be pinned to a genre or handful of artists.
As Christmas is coming; what one present would you each like if you could have anything?
I think we all agree that another European tour would be the perfect Christmas present this year!
Do you already have plans for 2019?
As we mentioned, the new record comes out February 15th, 2019 so that will be accompanied by a lot of touring and support material for the album, including new videos and festival season of course.
Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music so far – the one that sticks in the mind?
Definitely touring Europe as support for Tom Odell.
Which one album means the most to each of you would you say (and why)?
The Beatles – Abbey Road; Arcade Fire – The Suburbs; Radiohead – The Bends and Bob Dylan – Blood on the Tracks. The sounds, lyrics; songs and nostalgia in these recordings will always resonate with us.
If you could support any musician alive today, and choose your own rider, what would that entail?
Lady Gaga – meat and cheese platter; in-season avocadoes; local artisan; hand-made breads and assorted dips; premium, locally roasted single-origin brews; assorted wine and spirits and fresh underwear and socks.
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Play live a lot. Just keep playing live and, if you play covers, play covers that you love not ones that you think you should play because they are relevant.
Do you have tour dates coming up? Where can we catch you play?
We are playing Buffalo at the end of this month with Lowest of the Low on Nov 24th and are part of Concert for Socks at the Rivoli on Dec 6th. There will be more dates to announce closer to the album release.
IMAGE CREDIT: Matt Duncan
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
Matt Duncan, Lukas Nelson; Kirty, Ferraro and The Beaches.
IN THIS PHOTO: Kirty
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Sometimes. Nothing beats a good flick or an Americano at your local coffee spot with friends.
Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Matt Duncan - The Keys
Robyn - Honey
Lukas Nelson - Find Yourself
Kirty - That’s Not Me
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