Interview with Jae Ordon
Interview with Jae Ordon
What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I got into music because one or m brothers was learning piano, and I started looking at his books and was able to teach myself, and really loved it. If I hand’t gotten into music I would be an electrician I think. I find electricity fascinating and pretty much the phenomena of our time.
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
When not playing I like to be in nature and support animal rights, as well as meditate, jog and ski
How long has your band been around?
The band for my single Life Whispers On, was put together for a few days of sessions down in Nashville, though my guitarist Laurent I have been playing with for about 17 years.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I am based out of West Hampton New York. There is lots of nature and many animals in my area, which lifts my spirits and allows me to be more creative and open.
How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?
Well my old band was called Mascot’s Distance, and I thought that up spontaneously because I thought it sounded like medicine, which is what music is to me. Mascot’s Distance is the distance that a mascot stands from the people the mascot is cheering on. Not too close not too far, the right distance, kind of like the distance a guardian angel would stand from you.
Tell me about your most memorable shows.
Well we brought down the house at the Bitter End years ago..As well there was a show that I played outside at Battery Park (lower Manhattan), in which the next act after us was so intimated that they snuck away and didn’t perform.
What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I use to love playing at Wetlands (was located in Tribeca Manhattan) before they closed and currently love playing at The Cutting Room in midtown Manhattan. I would enjoy playing at City Winery, also located in Tribeca.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Derek Trucks, Phish and Dweezle Zappa.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?
I would tell younger self or someone newly embarking in performing to stay true to the music, make sure your repertoire is built around what you love and not what you think might get the best reaction.
If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?
I would say play what you love always.
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
The song of mine which means the most to me is Date Song. It has a special place for me now because I’ve been playing it for so long and it always seems to make people so happy and even laugh. When I play it it brings back lots of good memories.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
My favorite songs to play are Life Whispers On, Ain’t That Like My Masterpiece (which will be released in mid September) and At Ease Soldier. At Ease Soldier, Date Song and Life Whispers get requested most.
What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?
I find that If I stay peaceful music and lyrics come to me. So it’s all about trying to stay in the right state of mind.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
Messages I try to get across are that of the importance of thinking, meditation, peace, understanding, love and fairness.
Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?
For last album Artificially Natural everyone got along famously for the most part. Though me and guitarist Laurent did rub against each other a bit, because we had spent so much time together working on album as well as collaborating on a musical called Humane. When we were able to take breaks from the creative experience we were able to clear the air.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
My plans for the future are to keep writing, recording and performing. I am looking forward to releasing my next album in Late Fall of 2022, which is called Berdache, I am very proud of it and extremely excited to get in front of ears.