Gene Loves Jezebel is a familiar name to many, having first emerged in the early ’80s and riding the first wave of what would go onto be called Goth.
Despite band disputes and difficulties, Jay Aston’s band are receiving rave reviews for their new album X Love Death Sorrow. For me, the UK version of the band have remained one of my favourite bands and it’s wonderful to see them getting their dues.
Three recent gigs were rapturously received, concluding with a remarkable performance in London. Jay Aston, James Stevenson, Peter Rizzo and Steve Smiley Barnard are at the top of their game and hope to play more dates next year.
In the middle of all this, we managed to subject Jay to one of our 13 Questions pieces. Read on to find out more about the dangers of drinking, the best place for a hike and Jay’s football predictions.
1. Hi Jay. Where are you and how are you right now?
Jay Aston: “I’m in Greenwich, London U.K. & I’m very well thank you.”
2. How did you choose the songs to cover on XLDS? What else was on the long list?
JA: “We were rehearsing & I suggested nine or ten. Bugg said I should choose, because I had to sing them. I remembered James had mentioned the Edwyn Collins song before. I’ve always loved The Only Ones tune & I remembered Peter Bugg Rizzo used to follow them as a teen. James & Bugg could do anything really. Almost did ‘Ventura Highway’ by America, but I would’ve had to do a long guitar solo. I wanted to let James do all the guitars so I could focus on my vocals & lyrics. We didn’t have time to mess around. Studio in Wales was expensive & the budget was tight.”
3. What advice would you give to your younger self?
JA: “Go your own way. Nothing really matters. Just make your moves, or not.”
4. What inspires you to continue making music?
JA: “I have no choice. I have to do it. I just love singing & playing guitar. People like Bob Dylan inspire me. He’s marvellous.”
5. What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
JA: “Nothing that couldn’t have been avoided if I hadn’t been drinking. Alcohol is a dangerous mind warp. It turns people into monsters. Destroys everything.”
6. What has been your favourite decade for music?
JA: “Early 1970’s without a doubt. Singer/songwriters from that era.”
7. Where is your favourite place to hike?
JA: “Wales has the most for me. It’s hikers paradise.”
8. What are you most proud of writing and why?
JA: “I’ve written so many different songs. Today ‘Desire’ comes to mind. It sounds totally unique. It was also the song where I finally stood up for myself & didn’t give my publishing away to a chancer.”
9. What do you and your band mates argue about?
JA: “Sometimes we’ll have different opinions on how a song should go. Politics on occasion, but we don’t carry grudges”.
10. When did you last consider quitting social media?
JA: “Not for a long time. We’re all in too deep. You can’t hide!”
11. What band or record changed the course of your life?
JA: “Phil Spector’s wall of sound (more influential than anyone ever gives him credit for).”
12. Will you be touring next year?
JA: “I should hope so.”
13. Is there anything else you would like to add?
JA: “Ange Ball is the way forward. COYS!”
Gene Loves Jezebel can be found on Facebook here.
2 replies on “13 Questions with Gene Loves Jezebel”
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Great interview!