Although rock ‘n’ roll seems to be strapped in the backseat of the modern music industry, Orange County-bred rock band The Jacks has made a significant mark in the scene.
Since forming in Los Angeles in 2016, the group has sold out gigs at legendary hometown venues like the Roxy and Viper Room, performed major festivals, and supported music icons such as The Doors’ Robby Krieger. Now the group has recorded and released their first self-titled EP with producer Matt Wallace (Maroon 5, Faith No More) in June 2019, and are working on a full U.S. tour, including a stop at the Troubadour in L.A. on July 26.
Earlier this year, the quartet performed at the NFL pre-Super Bowl and NHL Winter Classic events. For the remainder of the 2019 Stanley Cup playoffs, their music was played during the games’ broadcasts, highlight reels, and commercial bumpers.
The band consists of Jonny Stanback (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Tom Hunter (lead guitar, vocals), Scott Stone (bass guitar, vocals) and Josh Roossin (drums/percussion). Bassist Stone chatted with Backstage SoCal on the band’s undying passion for rock ‘n’ roll, how the band got their name, favorite lyrics and more.
What part of OC are you all from?
Stone: We all grew up in Corona Del Mar and Irvine.
What inspired you to pursue music?
Stone: Music has always been a huge part of my life. I grew up going to as many shows as I could. I became obsessed with live concerts and bonded with my friends over a shared love for rock ‘n roll. We’d sneak into shows when we couldn’t get tickets and constantly shared CDs. It was after the first time I saw The Who live that I went and bought a bass. Tom and I started playing together in my garage when we were 13 and haven’t stopped since.
How did you come up with the name The Jacks?
Stone: When we were starting out, we played four-hour shows in dive bars to make some money. We finished a show and one of the regulars at the bar said we were “the jack of all trades” since we could play all different styles of music. The next morning we shortened it down to “The Jacks.”
What genre of music do you feel your music falls under? Or do you define your music in a genre at all?
Stone: To us, it’s as simple as rock ‘n roll. We try not to put a lot of sub genres on it.
How has your music evolved since forming the band?
Stone: Our songs have started to mature and we’re constantly searching for ways to improve our sound. We’re confident in the sound we have now, but we’re always exploring new options and ideas. I think when we started out, we really wore our influences on our sleeves. Now, we’ve really honed in on our unique sound.
What are the biggest challenges your band has faced in today’s industry?
Stone: I think the rock genre has lost popularity over the past few years, so a lot of industry people are hesitant to jump on board. We’re really fortunate to have found the team we have now, as well as our incredible fans.
What song or lyric is your “pride and joy”?
Stone: That’s tough for me to say, but one of my favorites has always been “Are you living with your head in the constellations? Swimming with the stars but still all alone,” in our song “Hello My Friend.” Each band member has a different meaning for it, but to me it means that people can strive so hard for fame and fortune that it ruins their relationships with people who matter most.
What do you want readers to know about The Jacks?
Stone: We’re four best friends writing and playing music we love. We’re passionate about what we do, but never take it too seriously.
For more info on The Jacks, visit: www.thejacksbandla.com
The Troubadour tickets for July 26 can be purchased at: https://www.troubadour.com/event/1851658-jacks-los-angeles/
