Backstage Pass - Jameson Raid - Interview

ATP

What is the title of your new CD? How did you come up with the name?

JAMESON RAID

We have called it Uninvited Guests. We all have them knocking at our door...right? They always bring surprises with them; some good, some not so good. There is also a song of the same name on the CD which reflects these thoughts. Even the songs themselves are Uninvited Guests as they come into our lives and stay a while.

ATP

Is this your first CD and if not, how is this one different from the others?

JAMESON RAID

This is (rather amazingly for a band formed in 1975) our first, full length CD with all new songs. So it's a major step for a band like us.

ATP

Did you write all the songs before going into the studio or did you write them as you were recording?

JAMESON RAID

All our songs are written & arranged before we bring them to the studio but sometimes things do alter in the final stages.

ATP

Walk us thru the process of writing your music?

JAMESON RAID

Pete & I write the songs and send them back & forth until we believe they have reached a good enough standard to be rehearsed & recorded. As I live in Holland, and the rest of the guys in the UK, we use internet & Dropbox a lot to work on the songs. Right up to the last minute, things can be changed but these are usually minor things.

ATP

Where did you record and why?

JAMESON RAID

Uninvited Guests was recorded in our Birmingham studio. We are lucky to have Dave Rothan in the band with all the right equipment to produce the sound we strive for.

ATP

HHow did you pay for your recording?

JAMESON RAID

It was funded with live gigs & merchandise sales.

ATP

Did you have a producer or did you self-produce? If so, what kind of input did the producer have. If your self-produced, why?

JAMESON RAID

Uninvited Guests is self produced, mainly because we can't afford a top professional. Dave Rothan produced the CD with many comments from us and he's done such a great job. We don't think you will be able to spot a difference.

ATP

Did you try to capture your "live sound" or did you go for something else?

JAMESON RAID

An excellent question, this one. Because our songs have real subjects & tell stories, Pete & I decided to record them with that in mind. Jameson Raid has always had theatrical elements in its music, live & recorded. So, for example, in a song like Metal People we use live recording techniques but amplified to bring across our feelings about the audience. The song also tells a little of the recent history of the band and invites people in.

ATP

Did your record label have any input into the music you recorded?

JAMESON RAID

We have no record label at this time.

ATP

Are you pleased with the final product?

JAMESON RAID

I'm truly delighted. Every track has something special for me, and I enjoyed doing the vocals and backing vocals (with the guys) more than ever before.

ATP

Where will we be able to pick up a copy?

JAMESON RAID

You can order through our website: www.JamesonRaid.co.uk but the CD is not released yet! One track, called Truth & Heresy is available now through Spotify, I tunes and all the usual sources. You can also see a video of this song on YouTube.

ATP

Will you be touring to promote your CD?

JAMESON RAID

Typically we manage 3 or 4 gigs a year. There are no touring plans at this moment.

ATP

Would rather be recording or playing live shows?

JAMESON RAID

I love them both & can't ever decide. The advantage of recording is that you have a physical CD to play again & again, whereas a live show is often too quickly over.

ATP

Anything you would like to say to your fans?

JAMESON RAID

Our fans are Metal People...and Metal people are the best! Thank you. Terry Dark.