Less Than Jake
Image: Photo: jodiphotography.co.uk
Over the course of their 25 year career together the punk rockers from Gainesville have seen the music industry evolve, crowd dynamics change and has even “survived all of our first marriages” according to Vinnie Fiorello.
Fiorello spoke with City Hub ahead of the bands return to Australia in celebration of their new EP, Sound The Alarm.
After two and half decades together Less Than Jake remain as passionate as ever about creating music. They credit this to their loyal fans around the world.
“The passion of fans fills the proverbial tank and let’s us continue on. None of us take that lightly because the minute the fans stop being passionate about Less Than Jake is the minute that it would be time for us to leave.” said Fiorello.
Evolution was a big theme of our conversation with Fiorello both in regards to the band themselves but also when looking at the music industry as a whole.
In regards to the band Fiorello says they’ve essentially come full circle in terms of how they write music, “We started out writing very collaboratively then went into a period where everyone was finding their own voices as musicians but now it’s back to that collaborative approach. I think that Sound The Alarm shows that our band is comfortable in our skin and able to write collectively.”
Looking at the more grand level of the music industry in general the biggest change Fiorello says he has witnessed is the way in which music is consumed now.
“Before people would buy a full length record and listen to that right through, even if they might not have liked it all at first they were going to listen to the entirety because they spent hard earned money on it. Now people digest music in little bits from streaming so if it doesn’t hit right away then maybe it wont get a second chance.”
The change in consumption habits has seemingly also bled over into the live show experience with crowds less willing to simply experience the moment rather than capturing the show on their phones.
“We’re always trying to push everyone to stay aware and with us in the moment. You don’t have to have your phone out for the entire show, it’s annoying.” Fiorello appealed to fans coming to the Sydney show, “Live music is meant be participated in, it’s not meant to be a spectator sport, you’re supposed to get in there, feel it and let yourself go in the moment.”
Oct 25. Metro Theatre, 624 George St, Sydney. $69.35+b.f. Tickets & Info: www.livenation.com.au
You May Also Like
