Jared James Nichols: “My first ever live show was a good one! Kiss and Aerosmith when I was 13 years old. It changed my life”
We have had the opportunity to talk to Jared James Nichols, the American blues-rock guitarist and singer from about his music and other interesting topics now that he is on the road.
RnB: Hi Jared, first of all, we would like to thank you for giving Rock and Blog this opportunity to talk to you, a bright hope but a reference too of Hard Blues music.
Thank you so much! It is my honor to talk with you today!
RnB We want to insist on our admiration, we love to see young people who make rock music with a full sixties, seventies or eighties style. What are your musical influences? What music does Jared James Nichols listen to?
Oh man, I have so many influences from all different styles of music. When I was a little kid the first sounds I heard were country music from the 1950s. Then I started to hear more classic rock on the radio, I really fell in love with that. I remember air drumming to Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin at about nine years old. By the time I was 13 I needed every lyric to every classic rock song on the radio! Then when I first started playing guitar I knew what I wanted to play. Then came the blues, and I was hooked! Nowadays, I still listen to all the things I grew up loving, but also two more new rock and hard rock, even jazz and R&B.
RnB: What’s the first thing you tackle when writing a song? Guitar riffs, melody, lyrics?
I am kind of crazy when it comes to writing songs. I don’t have a method or a way I always do things. Usually, it all starts with a guitar riff. Sometimes I will come up with a melody line for a vocal and work around that as well. It’s always different! I try and keep all options open when being influenced by right new music.
RnB: When can we expect a new album? We need a new Black Magic or a new Old Glory & The Wild Revival…
I am so excited to say that we will be releasing a new album very soon! We have been on the road for almost 3 1/2 years straight! At that time, it was very important for us to build our reputation, focus on building up and to tour the world. The time has come for us to record a new album, we are planning to start working on it right after our European tour! I’ve already written a ton of songs, and I can tell you that if you liked my first records then you will absolutely love this new one!!
RnB: In a few words tell us something about Dennis Holm. We think he is one of the best.
He is the best! Dennis and I have been playing together since 2011, and I am so happy for that! He is one of the rare drummers that totally understands what to do. Nowadays, I can play anything and he knows exactly where I’m going to go, it’s like a sixth sense! He is such a bad ass drummer, and I’m so happy to travel the world playing music with him!
RnB: what’s wrong with the bass players? Next March it will be the fourth time we see you in concert and it will also be the fourth bassist we see with you
Haha! Crazy, right? Well, the truth is when you are traveling and touring as much as I am, it’s very hard to keep the band away from home! I was very set on constantly touring and playing as much as possible. That kind of lifestyle is not for everyone. There is no hard feelings at all! I am still friends with all of them, and I have had such a blast playing music with them.
RnB: nowadays there are a lot of changes between bands, and some young musicians are giving fresh air to old bands. If you could choose a legendary band, in which you would like to play?
That is a great question! I always say I would have wanted to play in the Allman Brothers or Lynyrd Skynyrd! I also wouldn’t mind playing with Eagles or The Rolling Stones. Haha!!
RnB: If you had to choose only three guitar players and three vocalists, who would they be?
Oh man, well the three guitar players I would choose would be Stevie Ray Vaughan, Leslie West, and Eric Clapton. As far as vocalists, I would pick Steve Marriott from Humble Pie, Terry Reid, and Jay Buchanan from the Rival Sons.
RnB: Who would you like a one hour private sit down lessons with anyone dead or alive?
Stevie Ray Vaughan. Absolutely, no doubt.
RnB: For us, you are a guitar hero, what can you tell us about the rock guitarists throughout history? What are the changes in the way of playing guitar and the evolution of the instrument?
I think the biggest changes really come from technology. If you look through the history of the guitar, guitarists evolved with technology. First, think about when electric guitar was invented! Players found LOUD! Then, think about the learning ways and the guitar gear that was available in the 1960s. They had to learn from records, and had very simple but effective amplifiers and guitars. Take a look at today, most players are learning from YouTube and playing digital guitar amplifiers and guitars and pedals with state of the art electronics.
RnB: How is it to play the guitar without a pick, just with your fingers? Is it more difficult or is it just “different”?
It’s a little bit of both. For me, it’s a ‘feel’ thing. I really love to ‘feel the strings’ under my fingers. I remember when I first started to play with my fingers, it was unbelievably difficult and very frustrating! I love the fact that there is nothing blocking me from the strings, I never felt truly connected when I used a pick.
RnB: Which are your favourite guitars and amps? Maybe the Epiphone Jared James Nichols “Old Glory” Les Paul Custom and the Blackstar Jared James Nichols Limited Edition Signature Amplifier? hehe…Why these types of instruments?
Obviously! I am so honored to have my own signature guitar gear. Truly. I have always loved Les Paul‘s, and Blackstar amplifiers. It is really all about playing gear that inspires you to sound your best!
RnB: Do you have any other guitar-shaped treasure?
Most definitely! Flying V’s, SG’s, and even Firebirds! I’m a total Gibson Guitar guy at heart.
RnB: You are actually touring in UK and You will be playing in a few weeks in Spain. All your tours have some dates in Spain. Do you like playing there?
I love playing in Spain! Spain is my favorite place in all of Europe.
RnB: What do you have prepared for the fans?
We have a very high energy shell prepared. Expect the unexpected, and get ready to be blown away by BLUESPOWER!!
RnB: What would you say to rock and blues fans to encourage them to see Jared James Nichols live?
If you are a fan of rock ‘n’ roll, blues, or guitar in general, do not miss my show! I guarantee you will have an amazing time, the shows will be incredible! We will be announcing special guests as well!
RnB: We are almost finished, but we still have a few more personal questions. Don´t worry, this is not about relationships, the only lover we’re interested in is rock and roll (hehehe):
• RnB: What was the first live concert you attended, as an audience?
My first ever live show was a good one! Kiss and Aerosmith when I was 13 years old. It changed my life!
• RnB: What was the first record you bought?
The first record I bought with my own money was Are You Experienced by Jimi Hendrix. Another life-changing moment!
• RnB: Who first turned you into loving rock and roll?
Mainly my parents, and what I was hearing on the radio in the car.
RnB: That is all. We want to insist, once again, on our admiration for a person with your charisma and strength on stage, Thank you very much!
Thank you so much! I cannot wait to be there soon, and have a great tour!
by Ape
