Caught Rocking the Midwest….Red Handed!

Music can originate anywhere. And I’m never totally surprised to hear a buzz about a band from some obscure place like Topeka making its way around music/music press circles. But while other cities are registering a buzz, Detroit has always been a friggin’ foghorn. Knucklehead misogynists like Kid Rock and Eminem tear up the Billboard charts, faux incestuous brother/sister garage duos spark a tidal wave of retro-rehashing….and this is all without mentioning the cities most glorious legacies like Motown, KISS and MC5.

Now, I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that Detroit quartet Jettison Red, and their unique blend of classic rock songwriting sensibility and indie powerpop posturing are destined to make another sizable dent in the Motor City’s fender. Anyone who’s had the pleasure of seeing this band live have witnessed a brilliant indie rock band at their most seamless, energetic, and fun. And from their speakers comes a bizarre and delicious secret recipe that blends Nirvana, Weezer, Dinosaur Jr., Cream, The Who, and even the Monkees influences in a way that only a couple of Motor City madmen (and woman) can.

With four years, a couple of regional tours, a full-length record (Clear As Day, 2001) in the can and another on the way, I’m predicting it won’t be long before the smooth vocal harmonies and “kick in the nuts” melodies on Jettison Red gives music lovers and the music press alike another reason to celebrate.

Interview conducted by Joe Anderl via email. Photos by Clark.
Name: Nicky Styxx (drums)
Band: Jettison Red

Bettawreckonize: Who are The Jettison Red and what instruments do you play?

Nicky: John Krebs does guitar and vocals, I play drums and shakers, Chris Wujek does guitar and vocals, and the beautiful Paul Barning plays bass guitar. Jettison Red is a kick you in the nuts power pop band from Detroit. We are a dueling guitar, dueling lead singer four piece on a mission to provide high energy rock and roll to those in need.

BW: What is your earliest memory of having an interest in music? Have you been in other bands?

N: Earliest memory of music??? Mmm, mine goes waaaay back to when I was about four years old. My dad used to put on this Whooligans record basically The Who's Greatest Hits collection from the late 70's. As soon as “Bargain” would come on, I'd grab a hold of the speaker (that was about my height) and start kiddie slam dancing to it. That's my earliest memory although it seems like yesterday. No joke. And about the other band thing, I have been moonlighting on drums in the Detroit band the Gore Gore Girls, which is kinda a Ronettes on acid power trio.

BW: Are all of you originally from Detroit? How has the success of other Detroit Acts like the White Stripes or The Sights affected the Detroit scene? Is there more interest from the public for your band because you are from Detroit?

N: Yes, we are all from Detroit. If anything, the success of the White Stripes has definitely paved the way for many other Detroit bands to have more opportunities. There are a lot of people paying more attention to our scene right now, which is always great thing, especially when there are many bands that have the talent to back it up and prove themselves once they get the chance. Right now it's not uncommon for Detroit bands to be asked to go on tour opening for national acts. That definitely has something to do with the success of The White Stripes. It's very satisfying to see a lot of our bands getting attention they deserve. And The Sights rule.

BW: How would you describe the music you are playing?

N: A sound guy a couple months ago said we were a cross between Nirvana and The Monkees. I think that's fairly accurate.

BW: How did your relationship with Static Records come about?

N: Sue Summers runs Static Records. She also handles the booking at Jacoby's, a Detroit bar that really helped us out when we first started out. That's where the relationship with Sue began. When we were about to release our first CD ourselves, she approached us and offered some much needed help. That was two years ago and we've been working with her ever since.

BW: In your press information it said you spent three years working on the release Clear as Day. Why so long? Are you happy with the outcome? What can we expect from the next record?

N: Clear As Day took a long time for many reasons. We went through a turnover in band members for one. Financially, it just took a long time to get the funds together to complete the project. And there were some recording problems in the studio that had to be dealt with - all of which took their toll in slowing down the process. It was a good debut, hopefully with a glimpse of what's to come from Jettison Red, meaning while there may be a bit of naivety to the album, I think that we were able to exhibit talent as songwriters that since then has only grown stronger.
Being our first album, produced entirely by us, the whole thing was a major learning process. It's really something that every recording band has to go through. The next album, which we begin recording this weekend, will have a similar sound to that of the last one. But overall, the songwriting has gotten stronger musically and lyrically and this album will feel more unified from song to song. The production will also reach a new level. Basically, expect a lot of kick you in the nuts rawk, a satchel full of hooks and a few surprises in between including some four-part harmonies. But don't worry, we're not going to go all Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young on your asses, but then again?

BW: What are your thoughts on recent controversy of music services such as Napster, Kaaza, etc.? Do you think that these help independent bands be heard or deplete their already empty pockets?

N: I really have no comment on Napster and the like. Bands at our level really see so little profit that it's hard to day either way. Once we get to Metallica status I'll have a much better answer for you.

BW: If you could play any show past or present what would it be and why?

N: The 1967 Monterey Pop Festival. No question. First of all, you've got some of the most influential rock bands of all time playing the same festival before they were big. Remember, this was before that big concert on the farm in NY. In fact the thought of playing with the likes of The Who, Hendrix, Country Joe and the Fish, Canned Heat, Jefferson Airplane etc., etc. is almost too much. I'd almost rather be sitting in the audience next to Frank Zappa, sharing a ham sandwich with Mama Cass, watching it all go down.

BW: Are there any bands out there right now that you think are the next big thing, or flying under the radar of most listeners?

N: I haven't listened to the radio in almost a year now so I'm out of touch with the public's "radar."
However, there are many bands that may have not reached green M & M status yet that I would highly recommend for a good listen. A few Detroit bands well worth checking out include The Sights, The Paybacks, the Gore Gore Girls, the Fags and The Go. Some otherbands I’ve become fond of include Mallory (Cincinnati,OH), the Etiquette (Milwaukee, WI), The Agenda
(Athens, GA) and the Tough and Lovely (Columbus,OH).

BW: What is the worst experience you have ever had playing a show or touring? The best?

N: One of the worst experiences probably turned into one of the best. Basically, our glorious Econoline van broke down right before a gig in Cincinnati last November. We were playing this big festival called Popopolis and we were staying with the local Cincy band Mallory, friends of ours. Well, the van completely died in their driveway before we even got to the show. But they drove us with all of our equipment to the venue and helped us get the van going the next day. We did end up staying Cincy longer than expected but it was the most beautiful weather I ever remember for the middle of November in the Midwest. They were an amazing help. And I got to watch their "Pink Floyd Live in Pompeii" video again, always a treat.

BW: Seeing that April Fools Day was the beginning of the month what is the best April Fools Joke you have ever played on someone?

N: Since I’m a slowazz and did not answer this interview before I went on the Gore Gore Girls/Cramps tour, this question probably has no relevance anymore. All, I know is that everyday of my life feels a little bit like April Fool’s Day.