Interview: Band Of The Week - Stealing Jane
Published November 25, 2007
Rising from the ashes of former ska band HyJinX, Stealing Jane – currently, Bryce Larsen (vocals, rhythm guitar), Matt Giordano (guitar), Brian Bunce (bass), Pat Iannelli (saxophone), Dave Calzone (trombone), Andrew Mericle (trumpet), Will Tully (drums), and Jesse Sears (keyboards) – have come together to create a fun mixture of ska, pop, rock, and a dash of R&B. Stealing Jane’s ska-pop sound is a high energy, harmony-filled, blues-infused sound that moves a person to jump up and dance on a chair. This is, no doubt, a contributing factor to SJ’s popularity as a live act, and live is what they love doing most. Their anarchic, pulsating, kinetic shows draw huge audiences, and this has opened doors for the young group who have already opened/toured with Spin Doctors, Hanson, The Wailers and George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic.
This tumultuous live show attitude has produced a debut album, Say Something, that is nearly as high-powered, dynamic and fun as the real thing. As you would expect on an album version, it is more polished, structured, and mellifluous than the live version, making Say Something a rollicking romp through rock/blues/R&B infused ska-pop. Recently SJ’s sax player, Pat, agreed to spend some time with me. This witty, animated, intelligent man is the perfect face of Stealing Jane: with an open honesty, an articulate demeanour, and standing more than six foot seven, Pat makes a lasting impression.
Where did you get your name?
We got our name from Maroon 5’s Songs About Jane, that was kind of the album that transitioned us from being a bar band to a pop band.
What's a bar band?
A band that plays four hours of covers.
So you decided to be a pop band?
Yeah, when Songs About Jane came out we decided to be a pop band. It was a new light. We were all very inspired; we had never met eye to eye on music before that album. Collectively we had never all agreed on a record. For us there was always a distinct difference between bar shows and original shows. A bar show is four 45 minute sets of covers. An original show is 45 minutes with one cover. We still cover Bob Marley’s “Could You Be Love” and during the middle, within in the structure of the song, we add “Thriller” or “Mama Said Knock You Out” by LL COOL J, and a Fresh Prince rap. We value the difference of a good cover.
Tell me about Say Something. Is this your first EP?
Yes it is. The name Say Something came from that Bob Marley cover. When it came time to name the record, which was the last step of the process; we were all in the basement trying to think what it meant to us. Trying to think what it represented and what we were trying to achieve. And we threw around a bunch of different names. We were going to call it “Seven,” because there were seven of us and we felt strongly about the line-up at the time. We tried to touch on the music aspect and [thought of] calling it “Influences Infused” - that one got voted out. “Through the Door and On the Floor” was one of Bryce’s suggestions. We didn’t feel… it wasn’t a bad name but we didn’t want to name it after a lyric or a song.
A.L. Harper is an American lost in the history and passion of living in Scotland. She enjoys motorbikes, music, art and wanking. She is Blogcritics Assistant Music Editor and runs the Band of the Week feature, profiling a different indie (unsigned/inde label) band every week (contact her for more information). She is also the Managing Editor for AllThingsGirl.com and a freelance writer.
- Interview: Band Of The Week - Stealing Jane
- Published: November 25, 2007
- Type: Interview
- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Interviews, Music: Adult Alternative, Music: Jam Band, Music: Original
- Part of a feature: Band of the Week
- Writer: A.L. Harper
- A.L. Harper's BC Writer page
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Comments on this articleComments
I love your interview of Stealing Jane! those 8 guys are amazing as is their live show! they are incredibly talented and are definitely worth checking out
Stealing Jane is incredible! They really put on a great show everytime! They're music is amazing and they are all great guys
This band is incredible. They know how to get the crowd going with their upbeat music. They are definitely a talented group of guys who work hard! check em out!
I agree, this band is amazing live. Everyone should get to see their live show.
Stealing Jane is one of the most amazing bands that I have heard! They are all extremely talented musicians who deserve all the success in the world. I have not had the pleasure of meeting them in person yet, but the messages I receive from some of the members show me how personable and nice they are! I can't wait to see their live show in person and not just on videos because it looks like a life changing experience:) Stealing Jane is great!
These 8 guys are honestly some of the most talented, friendly and truly amazing people i have ever my in my entire life, they are incredible artists and they really know how to make people have fun <33
Stealing Jane is absolute love. They never disappoint. Their shows..their music is Amazing! Stealing Jane is pretty much awesome. Love.
Stealing Jane is an amazing group of 8 amazing guys. They are all great musicians and definitly know how to get a crowd going. If you've never seen them live, then definitly go check them out at a show near you. They really are worth it.
Stealing Jane is an amazing group. These 8 guys are so talented and are worth more than just checking out. become a fan!! theyre just as amazing off stage as they are on. i suggest..you go check em out right now! and go to the next show theyre playing near you!! <33
I LOVE STEALING JANE!!!! ALL 8 OF THEM!!!! they always know how to put on a show. At every show they work their tails off and put 110% if not more into every show. and their EP say something, is awesomeee. Its a great CD that you can listen to from start to finish.
<3
these boys are amazing. they put on awesome shows and bring so much energy to the crowd. their EP is amazinggggg and recommend it to everyone!
Stealing Jane is an amazing group of guys...I love you all...and if you haven't gone to a show...shame on you...do it...it will change your life...keep up the great work you guys and see you on the 14th :)
<3 Jilly P.
I love Stealing Jane soo much... These guys are so talented, so sweet, so kind... They put on an amazing live show, and they always take the time to talk to the fans afterwards. They've definitely affected my life in a very positive way.<333
One of the best qualities of Stealing Jane is they are real people...They're a fun, loving, crazy set of 8 guys who would do anything for their fans and loving having the connection with each and every one of them. They've not only created some great new music, they've created a family. It seems their shows are all about the fans as well; always getting us to jump around and just have fun...shows are way better when you're not just standing there like a zombie...but watching your friends (Stealing Jane is everyone's friend!) just have fun on stage and to get you to have fun as well.
I loved this interview. Stealing Jane is such an amazing band and awesome group of guys. Their live show never stops amazing me! I have brought numerous friends to shows and every one of them has become a fan instantly. These boys capture you from the first live note, and they dont ever let go. Amazing! I love you boys!
love SJ! they are high energy and lots of fun. a bunch of really nice guys who really reach out to their fan base (which is rapidly growing) I love the mix of sounds their music has.
This band is soo amazing. They put lots of effort into their music and it shows. These guys are great, nice and definately hilarious. ;) <33
This band is great, they have so much going on in just one song so their songs always fill my every musical need. I love to jam out to them in my car but seeing them in concert is the BEST! They put so much energy into every show it is well worth the money paid for the ticket. They are amazing! =)
I would love to say that this really describes them to a tee. It is a perfect thing to hear about this awesome band, and since seeing them when they opened for Hanson on July 20th, 2007, that was the most amazing thing for me, and I had to check out the band more in depth, and I am proud to say that since checking them out, and grown into one hell of a fan, I decided to apply for and was accepted into the Street Team for SJ. The guys are great, and are wonderful to chat with when you come across them. They are so full of energy, and so wonderful to be with. Funny isn't the word for how they act in person, just overall wonderful and amazing people!
Stealing Jane is amazing and incredibly down to Earth. Their music rocks and appeals to wide audiences. They even opened for a group everyone knows...Hanson, whether you like it or not you have got to respect that!
The support from SJ's fans has been overwhelming. They are a great bunch of guys (particularly Pat) and they deserve it.
i would have to agree with everyone else. they sure do know how to put on one hell of a show. also,they are extremly entertainin and getthe fans so into it. they're some of the nicest,and sweetest guys i have ever come across. keep up the great work
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wow this band is so amazing! i love going to see them in concert. The are the best band ever, the guys are loads of fun to be around. They know how to please an audience. I try to go to many as shows as i can to see them cuz they r fun to be around.
This band is awesome.