The Halloweenie Roast was a blast. There was something for everyone. People really got into the live bands outside and allowing the audience to get acquainted with local music inside of the venue. I'd recommend the event and venue to anyone into alt/local music.
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About
Melbourne rock band, Jet, is comprised of brothers Nic Cester (vocals) and Chris Cester (drums), Cameron Muncey (guitars) and Mark Wilson (bass). The classic-rock infused sound of their 2003 debut Get Born was an instant hit—yielding such infectious tunes as "Are You Gonna Be My Girl," "Take It or Leave It," and "Get Me Out Of Here." They went on to support The Rolling Stones and Oasis and to perform a rendition of "Rockin' In The Free World" with Neil Young in Canada for Live 8. They've just released their second album Shine On and are currently touring the U.S. Ticketmaster spoke to drummer Chris Cester about the new album, their new sound and how they feel about being back on the road.
Do you remember the moment when you first knew you wanted to be a musician?
I don't know if I can nail it down to a moment, but I certainly remember Led Zeppelin being on in the background (laughs).
Who are your other early influences?
Very early influences are pretty much the standard, you know, what kids listen to. You listen to your parents' record collection--and I'm talking about when I was a child. These records would be The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Cat Stevens...The Rolling Stones. Just the normal things that kind of filter through from their generation and I kind of took it from there and spread it.
So tell me what it was like getting that call from the Rolling Stones to support their shows?
It was a long time ago (laughs). I didn't take the call, but I remember we were drinking in our local pub. It was just another day for us I think we had a show at the Duke of Windsor which is this tiny pub in Melbourne and we got a call asking if we'd like to. Obviously, the first things out of our mouths were "who asked?" and "who wants us to play and why?" We just couldn't believe it obviously. It was pretty shocking because we really hadn't achieved much at that point. To have that faith shown in us by not just idols to us, but an inspiration for millions was one of the more flattering moments in my life.
What's the Melbourne music scene like?
To be honest with you, when we left that scene to come and make our debut record in L.A. it was completely dead. Disgustingly dead for a scene in a country that has so much vibrancy and rock and roll culture like The Easybeats and AC/DC and the Angels and the Loved Ones. It was really dead and I think that was the main inspiration in the forming of Jet. Just the fact that there was nothing going on. But I think that now it's alive and kicking again and there's a new hyped band coming out of there every two weeks.
Yeah, I seem to be hearing a lot more about Aussie rock bands these days. There's you, Wolfmother, the Vines, just to name a few. What do you think is responsible for the recent international attention on Oz rock?
I don't know really, the reason. I can tell you the reason that we are inspired to make music. That's the best way I can answer the question and just hope that this is what maybe people are attracted by. I think it's the fact that we're allowed to kind of develop and grow without the auspices of trends and fashions. We're allowed to make music over there that doesn't really belong to any particular scene. I think that really helps the groups mature and helps them have the confidence that they need to take their music to another level. It gives you a bravado, I suppose, not being watched over like a hawk by the in-crowd. It's the same up north in England. Because they're not London, bands up in Manchester and Liverpool, they get to come from a more honest place. From the Beatles to Oasis to Joy Division and these groups. They're all from the North.
Interesting point. So why wait three years between album releases? Are you perfectionists in the studio?
No it wasn't so much about a wait. That amount of time was sort of dictated to us by what we were going through which was dealing the death of my and my brother's father at 45. Which is something I'd like to talk about because it's something that I have to talk about every day ‘cause people need to know why we had the break. Suffice to say we had to really reevaluate ourselves and sort of work out what was important to us because life seemed a little benign after he passed away. He was so charismatic and so young. We really needed to dig deep and realize why we were still doing it and what we were trying to achieve. So it took us a long time to focus, and what came along with that confusion was some pretty heavy drug addictions. Some general mayhem, panic and confusion. So we had to settle down before we could make music.
So having that new perspective on life--how did that affect the new record?
The new record is a soul record. It's so much heavier and far outweighs any of the work we did on Get Born. It just comes from a more honest place. It sort of felt like we weren't allowed to take a back seat with this one lyrically. We had to make sure that we were encapsulating everything that we were feeling accurately because anything else would feel like a betrayal. So it's a deep record and everything that we went through is reflected in a positive manner because we're not a band that sits down and laments. We kind of prefer to prophesize where we want to be rather than lament on where we are.
Any personal favorite tracks off the new record?
I absolutely adore tracks like "Holiday." I love "That's All Lies." My brother's going to kill me because these are some of my songs (laughs). I think they come from a really insane place that wasn't really thought through at all. They're kind of like drippings—it just sort of poured out of us. I also listen to "Shine On" which is Nic's dedication to my father and that always does something to me that's pretty indescribable.
Thinking about the future—are there any artists that you'd like to collaborate with?
I'd be really interested in getting together with someone from the hip-hop world. I haven't thought this through, of course, but I think that it's a really interesting prospect to definitely cross the boundaries. And people have done it in groups like Linkin' Park and stuff, but I mean, to me these are like one in the same anyway—these groups. It's all about frustration, bitternss and anger. But what I think Jet can bring to that would be something that's a little more flashy and happening and more of a party. Which would definitely offer a new dimension to hip-hop and I'd be interested in exploring that.
What's been the highlight of the tour so far?
We really haven't had a chance to stop and think about that yet because we're obviously still on it. We've only had a couple days off. But just to be working again is a thrill—an absolute thrill. After three years of sitting around and looking at each other and being so emotionally intertwined. Just to bust out and play rock and roll again and see the whites of people's eyes when we start the show up. It's just great to remember what rock and roll can be when you're a part of it.
Because of your sound, do you find that you have a multi-generational fan base?
Yeah I have found that. I think that in the past we've ignited those people's memories about what was honest and pure about rock and roll. And for the newcomers it was a break from that kind of staid and traditional, boring times of post-grunge bands...who were the biggest selling things. I think we definitely excited those people who were sick of hearing that. So I agree in a lot of ways, I think we did cross boundaries with age and stereotypes about teenagers being the only ones who are into your music. It's not really up to me, anyway. We just make the music and whoever comes, comes.
Who are some of the current artists/bands that you admire and like to see perform?
My Morning Jacket. I'd love to see them again. I saw them three years ago when we were just starting out. Well, not starting out, but playing shows throughout the world. I'd love to see their shows now. And Kasabian, who are on tour with Oasis, they're still really good friends of ours and I really admire what they do. It would be really great to see them again. Hopefully we can get a tour with them in the works in Australia down the line if they're not too busy being the darlings of the British music industry which they are at the moment, the lucky bastards! (laughs)
Well, you're not doing too bad yourselves!
Yeah, it's going ok (laughs). It's going ok.
Do you remember the moment when you first knew you wanted to be a musician?
I don't know if I can nail it down to a moment, but I certainly remember Led Zeppelin being on in the background (laughs).
Who are your other early influences?
Very early influences are pretty much the standard, you know, what kids listen to. You listen to your parents' record collection--and I'm talking about when I was a child. These records would be The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Cat Stevens...The Rolling Stones. Just the normal things that kind of filter through from their generation and I kind of took it from there and spread it.
So tell me what it was like getting that call from the Rolling Stones to support their shows?
It was a long time ago (laughs). I didn't take the call, but I remember we were drinking in our local pub. It was just another day for us I think we had a show at the Duke of Windsor which is this tiny pub in Melbourne and we got a call asking if we'd like to. Obviously, the first things out of our mouths were "who asked?" and "who wants us to play and why?" We just couldn't believe it obviously. It was pretty shocking because we really hadn't achieved much at that point. To have that faith shown in us by not just idols to us, but an inspiration for millions was one of the more flattering moments in my life.
What's the Melbourne music scene like?
To be honest with you, when we left that scene to come and make our debut record in L.A. it was completely dead. Disgustingly dead for a scene in a country that has so much vibrancy and rock and roll culture like The Easybeats and AC/DC and the Angels and the Loved Ones. It was really dead and I think that was the main inspiration in the forming of Jet. Just the fact that there was nothing going on. But I think that now it's alive and kicking again and there's a new hyped band coming out of there every two weeks.
Yeah, I seem to be hearing a lot more about Aussie rock bands these days. There's you, Wolfmother, the Vines, just to name a few. What do you think is responsible for the recent international attention on Oz rock?
I don't know really, the reason. I can tell you the reason that we are inspired to make music. That's the best way I can answer the question and just hope that this is what maybe people are attracted by. I think it's the fact that we're allowed to kind of develop and grow without the auspices of trends and fashions. We're allowed to make music over there that doesn't really belong to any particular scene. I think that really helps the groups mature and helps them have the confidence that they need to take their music to another level. It gives you a bravado, I suppose, not being watched over like a hawk by the in-crowd. It's the same up north in England. Because they're not London, bands up in Manchester and Liverpool, they get to come from a more honest place. From the Beatles to Oasis to Joy Division and these groups. They're all from the North.
Interesting point. So why wait three years between album releases? Are you perfectionists in the studio?
No it wasn't so much about a wait. That amount of time was sort of dictated to us by what we were going through which was dealing the death of my and my brother's father at 45. Which is something I'd like to talk about because it's something that I have to talk about every day ‘cause people need to know why we had the break. Suffice to say we had to really reevaluate ourselves and sort of work out what was important to us because life seemed a little benign after he passed away. He was so charismatic and so young. We really needed to dig deep and realize why we were still doing it and what we were trying to achieve. So it took us a long time to focus, and what came along with that confusion was some pretty heavy drug addictions. Some general mayhem, panic and confusion. So we had to settle down before we could make music.
So having that new perspective on life--how did that affect the new record?
The new record is a soul record. It's so much heavier and far outweighs any of the work we did on Get Born. It just comes from a more honest place. It sort of felt like we weren't allowed to take a back seat with this one lyrically. We had to make sure that we were encapsulating everything that we were feeling accurately because anything else would feel like a betrayal. So it's a deep record and everything that we went through is reflected in a positive manner because we're not a band that sits down and laments. We kind of prefer to prophesize where we want to be rather than lament on where we are.
Any personal favorite tracks off the new record?
I absolutely adore tracks like "Holiday." I love "That's All Lies." My brother's going to kill me because these are some of my songs (laughs). I think they come from a really insane place that wasn't really thought through at all. They're kind of like drippings—it just sort of poured out of us. I also listen to "Shine On" which is Nic's dedication to my father and that always does something to me that's pretty indescribable.
Thinking about the future—are there any artists that you'd like to collaborate with?
I'd be really interested in getting together with someone from the hip-hop world. I haven't thought this through, of course, but I think that it's a really interesting prospect to definitely cross the boundaries. And people have done it in groups like Linkin' Park and stuff, but I mean, to me these are like one in the same anyway—these groups. It's all about frustration, bitternss and anger. But what I think Jet can bring to that would be something that's a little more flashy and happening and more of a party. Which would definitely offer a new dimension to hip-hop and I'd be interested in exploring that.
What's been the highlight of the tour so far?
We really haven't had a chance to stop and think about that yet because we're obviously still on it. We've only had a couple days off. But just to be working again is a thrill—an absolute thrill. After three years of sitting around and looking at each other and being so emotionally intertwined. Just to bust out and play rock and roll again and see the whites of people's eyes when we start the show up. It's just great to remember what rock and roll can be when you're a part of it.
Because of your sound, do you find that you have a multi-generational fan base?
Yeah I have found that. I think that in the past we've ignited those people's memories about what was honest and pure about rock and roll. And for the newcomers it was a break from that kind of staid and traditional, boring times of post-grunge bands...who were the biggest selling things. I think we definitely excited those people who were sick of hearing that. So I agree in a lot of ways, I think we did cross boundaries with age and stereotypes about teenagers being the only ones who are into your music. It's not really up to me, anyway. We just make the music and whoever comes, comes.
Who are some of the current artists/bands that you admire and like to see perform?
My Morning Jacket. I'd love to see them again. I saw them three years ago when we were just starting out. Well, not starting out, but playing shows throughout the world. I'd love to see their shows now. And Kasabian, who are on tour with Oasis, they're still really good friends of ours and I really admire what they do. It would be really great to see them again. Hopefully we can get a tour with them in the works in Australia down the line if they're not too busy being the darlings of the British music industry which they are at the moment, the lucky bastards! (laughs)
Well, you're not doing too bad yourselves!
Yeah, it's going ok (laughs). It's going ok.
Rating: 5 out of 5by Anonymous on 10/29/09The Backyard At The Beaumont - Kansas City Rating: 5 out of 5 My Heart's on Fire!
by LaPoeta on 10/29/09The Backyard At The Beaumont - Kansas CityJet was rockin'! They couldn't have sounded more like themselves. You could barely hear The Ravonettes because the vocals and guitars weren't balanced. A Flock of Seagulls was okay. It seems like the only original band member and lead singer would have been more into it than he was. Come on, a ball cap and a hoodie? Match your band! And, if the sound is bad, stop and have it fixed. But, Jet was intense, dead on, and out of this world! I'll definitely have to try some Cancun tacos. I had no idea before seeing them in person that the lead and drummer (the brothers) switched back and forth with vocals so often. It's so fluid that you could swear it's one person.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Black Joe Lewis and Jet were AWESOME
by PhatBear on 10/29/09The Backyard At The Beaumont - Kansas CityI had a really good time at this show. White Rabbit had a lot of energy and while I wasn't familiar with their music, I appreciated their music and enjoyed their show. Black Joe Lewis was who I was there to see and they were great. Good music, good stage presence and really good set list even though they didn't play I'm Broke! The Raveonettes weren't really my thing. Sounded like 90's heroin grunge music and it sucked. Flock of Seagulls are before my time so I didn't like that either. JET WAS GREAT! True rock starts with awesome energy and stage presence
Rating: 4 out of 5 Jet kicked ass
by ChuckJ on 10/29/09The Backyard At The Beaumont - Kansas CityThe weather held off and wasn't too cold. I thought it was a bit risky to book such an event outdoors this late in the season but it worked out great. The crowd was into it and set changes were pretty quick. Jet was awesome but seemed like Cam might have been a little ill or not feeling real good. Regardless, they performed like pros. Displaying a rock and roll flavor that encompasses a loose musical style that is actually very tight. Enjoyed the whole thing very much.
Rating: 5 out of 5 JET was awesome!!
by dana685 on 10/23/09Pops - SaugetJET was one of the best concerts I have been to. I have been to Pop's concert venue more than once, and would recommend it as a reasonably priced place to see shows. The two opening bands for JET were nothing special, but the main attraction was definitely worth waiting for!!
Rating: 5 out of 5 JET Concert
by ChicagoJETFan on 10/21/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoRock-n-Roll is alive and well and was on display in full force at the Chicago House of Blues last night! Amazing show! JET rocked from start to finish. The sound was outstanding - Nic and Chris's vocals were strong and clear and both had great intensity throughout the show. Nic currently has the best scream in Rock and Chris is Bonham-like on the drums. Great mix of songs from all three albums.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Great show and even greater band!
by GeriS on 10/21/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoThe show at the House of Blues was amazing! There was a slight preference towards their new album, but it makes sense since they're out promoting that right now. But, still, the crowd favorites: Are you gonna be my girl? and Cold Hard B*tch were also played. And since the venue was on the smaller side, it was easy to get close to the stage. Overall, Jet puts on one hell of a show! Definitely going to see them again. The only negative was that it was an early show, so we were done by 9pm.
Rating: 5 out of 5 LOVE this band!!
by svenska on 10/21/09House of Blues Chicago - ChicagoI will never tire of this band or their music. It is classic rock with a tad of punk. Its ageless timeless and they are GREAT at what they do. This band delivers and never disappoints. We have seen them three times.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Kik Azzz Rock!!!
by eduardonardo on 7/22/09House of Blues Anaheim - AnaheimThanks to the discounted Beer at the Venue and some good tunes from the opening acts, Jet gave a refresher course in ROCK 101 with some hard and loud music and energy to vibrate each and every muscle in the body.
Rating: 4 out of 5 JET ROCKS!
by thischick09 on 7/21/09House of Blues Anaheim - AnaheimHey Champ, one of the opening bands was amazing. Paper Tongues was ok. The band was good but the lead singer was a bit annoying. I loved JET but I wished they would have played a few more of their songs in the last album. I would have liked to hear Eleanor or Shine On. But overall we had a great time. I'm glad we didn't miss it.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Welcome Back JET!
by anna4oasis on 7/21/09Key Club - Los AngelesWhat an amazing night full of high energy! At long last JET has returned to promote their third album Shaka Rock. From their new single “That Girls a Genius” to the infectious “Seventeen” from the new album that is sure to be a hit. Their performance at the Key Club in Hollywood on July 16th was filled with crowd favorites like “Get What You Need” and “Holiday.” The show was a definite summer highlight for all those attending.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Jet is a band I will come and see over and over!!!
by sexy91204 on 7/20/09House of Blues Anaheim - AnaheimJet is the best live band ever! I've only seen them twice but i expect to see them again and again. I love "JET"!!!!!!
Rating: 4 out of 5 awesome live show
by cycy on 7/20/09Key Club - Los Angeleswasnt a big fan but seeing them live was great. they are entertainers and i won't soon forget the show
Rating: 4 out of 5 Jet was solid!
by Stingray on 7/20/09House of Blues Anaheim - AnaheimJet was a solid performer. They did not disappoint. They mostly played songs that you know and peppered in some new material. They got the audience involved and the lead singer even surfed the audience. Hey Champ absolutely rocked. They will absolutely hit it big. All three musicians are amazingly talented and really got the audience pumped. Paper Tongues... not so much. If I closed my eyes, I could imagine ok music. How they were able to get that many guys up on stage and actually keep a rhythm is beyond me.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Jet!
by Kyle218 on 7/19/09House of Blues Anaheim - AnaheimThis concert was amazing. It comes second only to a red hot chili peppers concert I went to where I sat front row center. Jet was even better live than recorded. I can't describe how good they were.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Better than expected
by audball on 7/18/09House of Blues Anaheim - AnaheimI had only heard a few of Jet's songs prior the concert, but the songs they played that I had not heard before, were really good too. I'm actually going to buy their cd now. They put on a really good show. Totally worth checkin out.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Jet: The ones to watch
by SaraW on 7/18/09Key Club - Los AngelesThe Jet show on Thursday was for a lack of a better word amazing! I have always liked Jet over the years but had never seen them live in concert and never had heard much about them live. They really outdid any expectation that I might of have and I think they were even better live than on any of their albums. I made it just in time for Jet and they played all of their hits "Are You gonna be my girl" "Cold hard Bi*tch" and their new single "She's a Genius." The Key Club was a great spot for such a cool laid back band and the crowd their was perfect, not to packed where we couldn't breathe, but definately pakced to the limit. Jet is one of the under the radar groups who has not gotten the true hype they receive. They are talented msucians who ultimately can put on a true rock show.
Rating: 5 out of 5 Hey Champ stole the show!!!
by hv1788 on 7/18/09House of Blues Anaheim - Anaheimok ok jet was amazing like always but the one that really rocked the house was Hey Champ! they were so great, though they were the first band to play and everyone was cold and needed warming up so they werent really rocking out and dancing but everyone around me was saying "wow they are really good" and were looking them up on their phones and stuff so they obviously were into them. Im going to check them out at the Barot in Hollywood tonight, its worth it kids, they really are great. Jet payed an awesome set, though they left out Timothy, one of my favorites :(, but other than that they mixed a lot of new stuff in with their previous hits like "Are you gonna be my girl" and "look what you've done." Crowd was def. into them, corwd surfing, moshing, and all. It was a great show over all.... Paper tongues... not so much... didt really like them... the lead singers vocals were alright, but it seemed more like yelling (not screaming...there is a difference) than acrtual singing. I guess i just felt they didnt really fit in inbetween Hey Champ and Jet very well... but thats just my opinion.... Over all, a great concert... found a new band im really digging and saw a classic rock band bring down the house... im happy.
Rating: 4 out of 5 Jet, Up Close and Personal
by twosticksjackson on 7/18/09House of Blues Anaheim - AnaheimThe Jet Concert was awesome. First of all, Hey Champ was a great opener band, I'm going to look into them more. Really well put together 3-man team. Paper Tongues.... not a fan. Jet was great, played all their hits, really interacted with the crowd. Nic Cestar even went out to the crowd and was picked up. I loved the small intimate venue. Everybody felt like part of the show. Played a great set, put on a good performance, all around good time.
Rating: 5 out of 5 AMAZING
by cancan on 7/17/09Key Club - Los AngelesThey were incredible!!! What a rockin band. Loved it