Thomas: How the Bluesdrivers get started?
JJ: It started roughly 14 years ago, at a jam night. Chewy and I used to host a jam session at a place called Pats Cocktails, we had a lot of people come out. We had a lot of different musicians come out and then Bo just moved here from Florida. He walked in and said I play blues and I'm pretty good, and we said okay sign up and let us know. The funny thing is almost everyone says they're good. He was the last to perform and he just lit the place up. It was awesome, we had a great time. So we said let's get together and play a couple gigs, and that couple of gigs turned into more gigs. I'd say the last 4 years we started ramping everything up again. We're working on a single and hopefully releasing another album this year.
Thomas: What attracted you to want to play with Bo?
JJ: He has this tenacity which is great, and a great work ethic. He loves to play all the time. The thing with him is he likes to sing, but he's also a great player. He worked on his vocal to develop his voice, as well as the guitar. There are a lot of great players but it's rare when you just meet somebody and you hit it off right away. With all the original music he brings to the table, Chewy and I easily accommodate whatever he needs musically. There was just chemistry there.
JJ: It started roughly 14 years ago, at a jam night. Chewy and I used to host a jam session at a place called Pats Cocktails, we had a lot of people come out. We had a lot of different musicians come out and then Bo just moved here from Florida. He walked in and said I play blues and I'm pretty good, and we said okay sign up and let us know. The funny thing is almost everyone says they're good. He was the last to perform and he just lit the place up. It was awesome, we had a great time. So we said let's get together and play a couple gigs, and that couple of gigs turned into more gigs. I'd say the last 4 years we started ramping everything up again. We're working on a single and hopefully releasing another album this year.
Thomas: What attracted you to want to play with Bo?
JJ: He has this tenacity which is great, and a great work ethic. He loves to play all the time. The thing with him is he likes to sing, but he's also a great player. He worked on his vocal to develop his voice, as well as the guitar. There are a lot of great players but it's rare when you just meet somebody and you hit it off right away. With all the original music he brings to the table, Chewy and I easily accommodate whatever he needs musically. There was just chemistry there.
Thomas: For you specifically, how was it trying to find your place in the group?
JJ: Besides playing the drums, I've always been that guy who books the shows, and sets up everything. We knew it would be a trio if you will, my situation was enhancing what Bo could bring to the table. Bo is younger than myself, and I knew he had this raw talent of writing really good rifts. I wanted to help him do that, and well as create a great live show for the band. I've always been that guy, who kind of takes charge if you will and that's always been my role in this situation and in others.
Thomas: Tell me about one of your first shows as a group. How did it go, what did you learn from the experience?
JJ: We've done about 200 shows in the last few years, and this year we're booking a little more high profile shows. This year we're booking out of the region, build up more of a national presence that's our goal. As far as that, we're always working on making it better. This year we're ready to ramp up, we have several festivals booked and some other club dates that were doing. Every year we're just trying to get better as we go along.
Thomas: What are some of the things you're learning, that maybe are out of your comfort zone to become better?
JJ: We hang out and meet other bands that have been doing it longer, it's great to talk to some of the guys. After talking to some of them, you learn a lot of do's and don'ts. I try to take every situation as a learning experience, everybody in the band does too. We very blessed to work with guys who are opened minded, and have learned the tools of the trade if you will. We do a lot of things in house, we work as a team and keep things tight.
Thomas: What has been one of the most valuable things you learned, working as a group so closely?
JJ: Chewy and I have worked together for over 25 years in a variety of different acts. We kind of just know what we're thinking and know what we're doing. With Bo he fit right in; he was easy to fit into the situation. It fell together really well. We bring original music as well as the classic stuff, it's always about being better and getting stronger.
Thomas: What is highlight that was really impacted you as an individual?
JJ: Our first Blues and Brews festival. It was our first time we were going to playing in a setting like that. It was like a trial by fire, and we delivered. That was a big moment for all of us. We were the indoor stage and we put together a great set list of tunes. That was like the epiphany moment, like yes we can do this. We can deliver and deliver new songs, and now we're about to play our 3rd Blues and Brews festival.
JJ: Besides playing the drums, I've always been that guy who books the shows, and sets up everything. We knew it would be a trio if you will, my situation was enhancing what Bo could bring to the table. Bo is younger than myself, and I knew he had this raw talent of writing really good rifts. I wanted to help him do that, and well as create a great live show for the band. I've always been that guy, who kind of takes charge if you will and that's always been my role in this situation and in others.
Thomas: Tell me about one of your first shows as a group. How did it go, what did you learn from the experience?
JJ: We've done about 200 shows in the last few years, and this year we're booking a little more high profile shows. This year we're booking out of the region, build up more of a national presence that's our goal. As far as that, we're always working on making it better. This year we're ready to ramp up, we have several festivals booked and some other club dates that were doing. Every year we're just trying to get better as we go along.
Thomas: What are some of the things you're learning, that maybe are out of your comfort zone to become better?
JJ: We hang out and meet other bands that have been doing it longer, it's great to talk to some of the guys. After talking to some of them, you learn a lot of do's and don'ts. I try to take every situation as a learning experience, everybody in the band does too. We very blessed to work with guys who are opened minded, and have learned the tools of the trade if you will. We do a lot of things in house, we work as a team and keep things tight.
Thomas: What has been one of the most valuable things you learned, working as a group so closely?
JJ: Chewy and I have worked together for over 25 years in a variety of different acts. We kind of just know what we're thinking and know what we're doing. With Bo he fit right in; he was easy to fit into the situation. It fell together really well. We bring original music as well as the classic stuff, it's always about being better and getting stronger.
Thomas: What is highlight that was really impacted you as an individual?
JJ: Our first Blues and Brews festival. It was our first time we were going to playing in a setting like that. It was like a trial by fire, and we delivered. That was a big moment for all of us. We were the indoor stage and we put together a great set list of tunes. That was like the epiphany moment, like yes we can do this. We can deliver and deliver new songs, and now we're about to play our 3rd Blues and Brews festival.
Thomas: What specifically attracted you to blues music?
JJ: I love all styles of music, if it's a good song, it's a good song and it doesn’t matter if it's rock, country, or blues. I was Introduced to the blues music by watching the Blues Brothers movieI really enjoyed that music, I never heard it before. With Bo we never set out and said "we're going to be a blues band" or "we're going to be a rock band", with our influences we just melded into a blues rock trio.
Thomas: What do you think makes you guys unique; is there a distinction?
JJ: Our work ethic, the type of songs would bring and we always try to work on that. We're trying to be the best we can be.
Thomas: What kind of influences do you take from, is It pop, rock influences?
JJ: We have many different Influences, for blues drummers there are so many out there. The band has their own influences as well, we try to pull from everything.
Thomas: Since you've been in the band, have you seen blues music change as an industry?
JJ: I see a lot of young artist who are kind of making their own style, which is great, there is still this true blues rock. There is a lot of guys who are putting their new twist to it, and there are a lot of guys who still carry the flag of traditional blues. There is just so much out there, it's a great genre, and with the record companies changing it kind of levels the playing field. With the record labels changing, you get to start developing you own mix, your own audience.
Thomas: Have you guys ever been approach by a major label?
JJ: No we haven't yet, we talked to a lot of people but right now we're rolling and going independently.
Thomas: Is that something you'll entertain in the future, to be signed to a major label?
JJ: Absolutely if it's the right deal, and it would give us a great platform without questioning the integrity of what we're trying to do.
Thomas: How do you think a major record deal would benefit the band?
JJ: Having that reach to the fans, having that team behind you. They would help us with the profile to reach national status, or even international status.
Thomas: Is an International reach very attractive to you guys?
JJ: Yes absolutely! We've talking to a couple people, and we're talking about doing a tour in Australia and a couple other country's as well. The thing it comes down to is having the money to tour, without taking a huge loss. It's one thing to go tour and meet new fans but it's another to have a base. Give something that people can hold onto like a CD to listen to without the press around it, it's really about the shows.
Thomas: What do you think is one of the main challenges for touring bands these days?
JJ: Money, it comes down to money. Doing enough gigs to keep yourself on the road. When you break it down, the higher profile you have the better you’re going to get paid. It starts off with the band itself, how can you get more out there?How can you get a higher profile, so you deserve the money that you’re asking? If you’re good, you'll definitely appeal to somebody. You just have to get your face out there. Get enough gigs and just play. A lot of guys have side jobs, to help their yearly income. A lot of guys want to play full time, and some do, they live modestly. It all comes down to getting the work, and being able to do the work. You work hard at the craft of music and you work hard to raise the profile of the band as well.
JJ: I love all styles of music, if it's a good song, it's a good song and it doesn’t matter if it's rock, country, or blues. I was Introduced to the blues music by watching the Blues Brothers movieI really enjoyed that music, I never heard it before. With Bo we never set out and said "we're going to be a blues band" or "we're going to be a rock band", with our influences we just melded into a blues rock trio.
Thomas: What do you think makes you guys unique; is there a distinction?
JJ: Our work ethic, the type of songs would bring and we always try to work on that. We're trying to be the best we can be.
Thomas: What kind of influences do you take from, is It pop, rock influences?
JJ: We have many different Influences, for blues drummers there are so many out there. The band has their own influences as well, we try to pull from everything.
Thomas: Since you've been in the band, have you seen blues music change as an industry?
JJ: I see a lot of young artist who are kind of making their own style, which is great, there is still this true blues rock. There is a lot of guys who are putting their new twist to it, and there are a lot of guys who still carry the flag of traditional blues. There is just so much out there, it's a great genre, and with the record companies changing it kind of levels the playing field. With the record labels changing, you get to start developing you own mix, your own audience.
Thomas: Have you guys ever been approach by a major label?
JJ: No we haven't yet, we talked to a lot of people but right now we're rolling and going independently.
Thomas: Is that something you'll entertain in the future, to be signed to a major label?
JJ: Absolutely if it's the right deal, and it would give us a great platform without questioning the integrity of what we're trying to do.
Thomas: How do you think a major record deal would benefit the band?
JJ: Having that reach to the fans, having that team behind you. They would help us with the profile to reach national status, or even international status.
Thomas: Is an International reach very attractive to you guys?
JJ: Yes absolutely! We've talking to a couple people, and we're talking about doing a tour in Australia and a couple other country's as well. The thing it comes down to is having the money to tour, without taking a huge loss. It's one thing to go tour and meet new fans but it's another to have a base. Give something that people can hold onto like a CD to listen to without the press around it, it's really about the shows.
Thomas: What do you think is one of the main challenges for touring bands these days?
JJ: Money, it comes down to money. Doing enough gigs to keep yourself on the road. When you break it down, the higher profile you have the better you’re going to get paid. It starts off with the band itself, how can you get more out there?How can you get a higher profile, so you deserve the money that you’re asking? If you’re good, you'll definitely appeal to somebody. You just have to get your face out there. Get enough gigs and just play. A lot of guys have side jobs, to help their yearly income. A lot of guys want to play full time, and some do, they live modestly. It all comes down to getting the work, and being able to do the work. You work hard at the craft of music and you work hard to raise the profile of the band as well.
Thomas: What have you guys done specifically to raise the profile of your band?
JJ: We hired a PR person when we started developing the story. First things first, let's get out our original music, and hire a PR person so we can get some press. Let's have these investors excited about us coming out, and that investment is worth it. A lot of people don't realize that. They think if I'm phenomenal people will hear me, well if a tree falls in the woods it's theory. It's a part of doing the work; its due diligence, two things that are going to help your band. Social media, weather that's hiring a person or not and a PR person. I would have never got this interview without them, unless you met me on the street and just wanted to talk to me. Sometimes you need help getting your story out there.
Thomas: In the next couple of years, what can people look forward to happening?
JJ: Releasing more music, and hopefully playing across the country. We went from local to regional, as well as move forward and bringing it to a national level. For all of us that's our goal, we all met in California, but we're all from 3 different sections of the United States. I'm from the midwest, from Indiana, Chewy is from Colorado, and Bo is from Florida. Going back to all those areas would be a treat, i can definitely see that on the horizon.
Thomas: What about music videos, or any large productions?
JJ: We actually will be having a video come out shortly, we did a video of us doing one of our songs live in the studio. That will be released soon, we have a couple original songs that we will release soon as well. It's just a matter of getting the recording together, and finishing it up by the end of the year.
Thomas: Do you entertain other platforms besides Itunes?
JJ: Yes whatever place can help us get our word out, we're on Spotify, Rhapsody you name it. If it's a outlet that's out there we support it.
Thomas: Do you think the streaming age or digital age is helping or hurting the music industry?
JJ: For us at this level, streaming helps us. For its a great platform, for other people who have created revenues for so long the other way, it definitely delimited that. This generation and even the last generation wants to get media access quick. Wants to hear it first, wants it now.
Thomas: If you were to give 3 pieces of advice to someone who is just starting out in the music industry, what would it be?
JJ: Work hard at you craft, developed your craft and your band and your music. Explore every opportunity that you can to enhance that and to enhance your self as a musician and as an artist because it always changes. Some people don't like change, but it you embrace it, it could work for you and you could benefit for you.
JJ: We hired a PR person when we started developing the story. First things first, let's get out our original music, and hire a PR person so we can get some press. Let's have these investors excited about us coming out, and that investment is worth it. A lot of people don't realize that. They think if I'm phenomenal people will hear me, well if a tree falls in the woods it's theory. It's a part of doing the work; its due diligence, two things that are going to help your band. Social media, weather that's hiring a person or not and a PR person. I would have never got this interview without them, unless you met me on the street and just wanted to talk to me. Sometimes you need help getting your story out there.
Thomas: In the next couple of years, what can people look forward to happening?
JJ: Releasing more music, and hopefully playing across the country. We went from local to regional, as well as move forward and bringing it to a national level. For all of us that's our goal, we all met in California, but we're all from 3 different sections of the United States. I'm from the midwest, from Indiana, Chewy is from Colorado, and Bo is from Florida. Going back to all those areas would be a treat, i can definitely see that on the horizon.
Thomas: What about music videos, or any large productions?
JJ: We actually will be having a video come out shortly, we did a video of us doing one of our songs live in the studio. That will be released soon, we have a couple original songs that we will release soon as well. It's just a matter of getting the recording together, and finishing it up by the end of the year.
Thomas: Do you entertain other platforms besides Itunes?
JJ: Yes whatever place can help us get our word out, we're on Spotify, Rhapsody you name it. If it's a outlet that's out there we support it.
Thomas: Do you think the streaming age or digital age is helping or hurting the music industry?
JJ: For us at this level, streaming helps us. For its a great platform, for other people who have created revenues for so long the other way, it definitely delimited that. This generation and even the last generation wants to get media access quick. Wants to hear it first, wants it now.
Thomas: If you were to give 3 pieces of advice to someone who is just starting out in the music industry, what would it be?
JJ: Work hard at you craft, developed your craft and your band and your music. Explore every opportunity that you can to enhance that and to enhance your self as a musician and as an artist because it always changes. Some people don't like change, but it you embrace it, it could work for you and you could benefit for you.
