Some interviews begin with a greeting and end when the camera is switched off. And then there are others that, after more than a decade of following an artist’s evolution, inevitably have something different about them. We have been watching Jared James Nichols grow for years, from that 2015 concert in Madrid with Glenn Hughes to the present day, when Louder Than Fate opens a new chapter in his career.
So, although this time the conversation takes place over Zoom, with each of us in a different part of the world, the distance feels almost anecdotal. There is something familiar about talking to someone whose career you have watched develop for so many years, and Jared once again demonstrates that warmth that makes an interview feel more like a conversation between old friends. We talk about Louder Than Fate, his evolution as a musician, Marshall, his bandmates and that return to Spain that is already on the horizon.
David Aresté
ENGLISH VERSION
M.S: Jared, first of all, thank you very much for taking the time to speak with us. It has been a few months since Louder Than Fate was released. How are you, and how is the album doing?
I’m doing really well, I’m very happy with what’s happening with the album. In fact, last week was the first time I’ve stopped since it was released. As always, we’ve been playing, we’ve been on the road, we’ve been to Europe twice and we’ve done a ton of things in America.
We’re everywhere, and the album is great in that sense because it connects immediately.
At the shows, I see people already shouting the names of the songs and singing along to them. It seems that the reaction has been very positive, because I think the songs on this album, more than any other I’ve released, are perhaps a little more accessible, in the sense that they capture the listeners’ attention.
So it’s really great, and I’m super happy with how the album is doing.
M.S: Louder Than Fate feels heavier, but also more exciting than your last album. Was that your goal from the beginning?
Yes, yes. Obviously, I wanted to make an album with punch. I always like having that kind of energy and I want it to feel very powerful. But with this album I wanted to get more into the territory of saying something more. I wanted to go beyond the surface when writing these songs.
There are some songs on this album, like «Killing Time», that are different and that I felt were a little more personal, a little deeper; they are things I had never recorded before.
So yes, that was a very important goal for me, to achieve that feeling.
M.S: But more personal than the last album, the self-titled album?
I think, for me, the self-titled album was very personal in its own way. It was something I had always wanted to do.
We recorded it live in the studio, directly to tape. That’s how I felt it, and it was exactly what I wanted to convey with the music at that time.
With this album I wanted to perhaps take the possibilities a little further in a different way, focusing more on songwriting.
It was more about the songs, the vocals and really exploring that side a little more. Because I think that with every album, my goal is to connect more with myself and also more with the listener.
And I think that sometimes there is more than just the guitar and the sound of the band. This album was really about the feeling of the songs and bringing intensity in a different way.
M.S: And what kind of response have you received to this album?
I’ve had people, even friends like Zakk Wylde, listening to «Killing Time» and telling me that solo is insane. Lzzy Hale from Halestorm really loved it.
Also, my friends Frank Hannon and Dave Rude from Tesla sent me messages and told me that this is, at least for them, their favorite record. So it hasn’t just been people who are in bands, friends or people from that era, but also a lot of people who have discovered me as fans.
They’ve directly said that this is their favorite record because it’s very easy to take in. I think that even for someone who has never heard my music, if they put this record on, it would be very easy to digest, but it would also give them a complete picture of who I am as an artist.
M.S: Have you received any messages from a country you weren’t expecting?
Yes, actually. We’ve received a lot of messages from Western Europe, where I’ve never been. Also from places like Australia, where I’ve never been. It’s been really great to see where people are listening from.
Obviously, I love Spain. Spain is my favorite, honestly.
I love being there and playing. It’s always incredible to receive such a warm welcome in one of my favorite countries.
But getting messages from places like Western Europe and even Australia and having that response is exciting to see, because it not only opens the music up to a new group of listeners, but also opens up new touring possibilities, being able to go there and play in those countries.
M.S: Your humility is quite admirable, but do you think there is anyone who doesn’t know you after 10 years of your career?
Oh my God. In my heart, I think everyone knows me. But, to be honest, I think there are a lot of people who don’t know me.
I think so, because… The reason I say that isn’t to sound crazy, but even when I was playing on this last tour, we played the Sweden Rock Festival in Sweden, and we had a wonderful show.
M.S: No doubt, we were there. It was a very wild show and it was really hot.
Dude, it was crazy. But I remember telling the crowd when I was there: «Who knows me? Who is seeing Jared James Nichols for the first time? Who has seen Jared James Nichols before?»
And a lot of people said yes.
Then I asked: «Who is seeing us for the first time?» And a lot of people raised their hands.
And I said: «Anyone who has never heard me before?» And a ton of hands went up.
It’s funny because, even after 10 years of doing this, you quickly realize that it’s not a race, it’s a marathon.
You have to keep growing and keep moving forward. And sometimes you have to think of yourself as a new artist all the time, because there are a lot of people who think: «Who is this guy? Where did he come from?»
It’s crazy, dude.
M.S: The first review we did of your shows dates back to 2015.
That’s crazy! Yes, 11 years ago.
M.S: You were just a kid. (Laughs)
Oh, I remember this show!
M.S: It was in Madrid with Glenn Hughes. Look at the photos, I’m sharing my screen with you.
Oh, in Madrid! With Glenn Hughes. Yes, I remember it. That was my…! I was really hairy! I was a little beat up, but it’s great!
It’s a long time ago, brother! But that shows you something. Sometimes I look at pictures of myself and say: «Wow, I’ve been doing this for a really long time».
And sometimes you say: «Man, it doesn’t look like that much time has passed». But it has.
M.S: The album title sounds very powerful. What does it mean to you?
For me, it’s a title that everyone can relate to, because I think many people, at some point in their lives, think about their fate.
And they think: «Well, this is my fate. It’s going to happen no matter what I do. That’s fate, that’s my fate».
In music, perhaps they’ll say: «I’m going to end up chasing my dreams».
M.S: Does fate have a similar meaning to luck?
Yes, a similar meaning.
But for me, with this title, many people think about luck. They think: «Oh, this is my fate», right? Or «this is what I hope for».
But for me it’s something stronger.
It doesn’t matter about luck, it doesn’t matter about my fate, it doesn’t matter what happens. I think about music and I always have this feeling of: «I’m going to be stronger than that».
And being stronger doesn’t just mean the music, but also your life. Being stronger than fate.
And having an idea bigger than life for your own life. And for me, that’s with my guitar.
No matter what happens, I’m going to be stronger.
So Louder Than Fate («Stronger Than Fate») stayed with me.
And it was almost like… it was hope.
It was like saying: no matter what happens, I’ll always have a guitar, I’ll have music and I can be stronger than whatever happens.
M.S: Songs like «Bending Or Breaking» and «Killing Time» have keyboards and string arrangements, something quite unusual for you. Are you trying to step outside your comfort zone?
Yes, absolutely. That was a big step outside my comfort zone. I remember when we started working on these songs. I love keeping everything very simple. That’s the way I like it: guitars, bass, drums and vocals.
But it was clear that with these songs there was more to do. And we were excited about it. Especially with «Bending Or Breaking», we were in Los Angeles, at Dave Grohl’s studio, recording that song.
So Rami, who plays keyboards in Foo Fighters, joined us on that song. It’s a little crazy because when you’re recording a song and you’re there with a member of Foo Fighters, you say: «Yeah, this is great».
And I think, especially with that and with «Killing Time», adding those string arrangements brings in a completely different element that I had never incorporated before. And I don’t mean that it changes me or changes the direction.
It just adds a completely different texture that, at first, made me nervous. I was like: «I don’t know if this is going to work».
It could be too much. But after everything was said and done, I think it brought something really unique and different, a vibe that’s really cool.
M.S: You’ve always been the singer in your band, but on this album your vocals seem stronger than ever. How do you see yourself as a singer nowadays? Do you take singing lessons or anything like that?
You know what? I don’t take singing lessons, but I’ll say this.
After my last album, the self-titled album, I made myself a promise. I said that a lot of people always —and that’s okay, and I love it— think about my guitar, and I love that and I’m very grateful.
But I also sing a lot and I never, ever prepared for that. I’ve always thought that vocally I wasn’t very good. So I really worked on it.
But after the last album I said to myself: «I’m going to work on my vocals just like I work on my guitar. I’m going to go completely crazy with this».
And with this set of songs, with the new album, I really, really focused on the vocals. And there were moments, I’m not lying, when I was in the studio singing and I would say to myself: «I need to take a break because my head hurts».
And it was like… it was a lot, and I was pushing myself really hard.
But I think you can hear that on this album because, above all, beyond the guitar, I really love this music. I wanted the vocals to feel as good as the band, as good as the guitar, and to serve the songs.
M.S: But your voice, your career… have you ever pushed it too hard? I don’t know if you smoke…
I smoked a long time ago, when I was a kid. I smoked for four years and… bah. (Laughs)
But I have this… The funny thing about my voice is that it took me a while to find it, but now I have this raspiness when I start singing and I’m very fortunate because I can sing really loud and it doesn’t seem to come from my throat, but from a little lower down.
So people always say: «Oh, dude, do you lose your voice a lot?»
No, thank God, I don’t, because I don’t have a smoker’s voice.
But yes, as I keep singing, especially after tours, my voice gets so conditioned that basically it’s like working a muscle and it gets to that point.
But I definitely seem to have that smoker’s tone.
M.S: You recently started working with Marshall. What does it mean to represent such an iconic brand and what do you hope to achieve together?
Oh my God. It’s a dream come true.
I worked with another amplifier company called Blackstar and it was incredible. We had 15 amazing years working with them from when I started.
Making this switch to Marshall means a couple of things to me.
It’s like getting closer to what I really love.
The sound of Marshall, the sound of those amplifiers and the records that were made with them, and my favorite guitar players playing those amplifiers, really excited me as a guitarist.
So when I had the opportunity to start working with them, it was a perfect combination between working with Gibson guitars, which I’ve been with for so long, and now Marshall.
For me, it’s a dream come true because it’s literally like having the architecture of rock and roll that I’m using now: Marshall Super Lead amplifiers with Gibson guitars.
It’s beautiful.
If you put on the new record, that’s what you hear.
It’s incredible to be able to bring that not only to the record, but also to the stage.
M.S: One of your producers has worked with Larkin Poe and Tyler Bryant. Do you think they, or all of you, are leading the new blues scene?
I think we’re really at the forefront, of course. Because, honestly, Tyler Bryant and I have been friends since we were 18, and Rebecca and Larkin Poe are also good friends.
And I think there’s definitely something to be said about all of us: we’ve been working for years and now we’re getting to this point where everything is starting to take shape.
Yes, I would definitely say so.
Working with Roger, the producer you’re referring to, brings an incredible touch to all that music.
And it became clear when I started working with him why they had worked with him too. He simply has an ear for that sound, and it’s like a perfect combination. He has a great ear. He has a great vibe that fits.
And I think, between Larkin Poe and Tyler Bryant, absolutely. Not only am I lucky enough to call them friends, but also contemporaries within the genre.
M.S: And you all run into each other in Nashville, right? (Laughs)
Yes, I live only about 10 minutes from where they are.
We both have kids who are practically the same age, about a year old, so they play together too.
You might go to the supermarket and run into Bonamassa or Larkin Poe.
This week I was with Kenny Wayne Shepherd, with Joe Bonamassa, as I said, and I’m going to Tyler and Rebecca’s baby’s first birthday.
But yeah, it’s pretty crazy. (Laughs) Nashville is a crazy place like that.
M.S: Going back to the Sweden Rock Festival. What do you remember about that show and the Swedish audience?
Oh, dude, it was a great show.
It was really fun because it was the first festival in Europe where I was presenting the new record.
I remember being a little nervous about that.
I wasn’t nervous about playing, but I was a little nervous thinking: «Okay, here we go. This is happening».
But I love Sweden.
My two original bandmates are from Sweden, so I’ve had a great history with that country, and it was great, brother.
That show was great because it wasn’t just a high-energy rock show and I felt good.
I met up there with some friends, like Zakk Wylde, who was playing, and with Down, who I went out and played with.
So it was crazy.
I was like… it was great.
And I’ll always have great memories of Sweden Rock.
It was super fun, super cool, and that festival was really good.
M.S: We’ve seen your band about 10 times and this is the strongest lineup you’ve had. Do you think you’ve finally found the perfect band?
I really hope so.
I don’t think I can say yes because I don’t want to jinx it. I don’t want to mess it up.
But this band, now that I have them, yes. They are, at least, the best musicians I’ve ever worked with.
I think, honestly, with my level and where I am, where I was and where I continue to grow, when it comes to playing, a lot of times musicians would go on tour and it wasn’t easy.
So some people would say: «Oh, I really want to go on tour, I want to do this», and it wouldn’t work because that’s how it is when you’re on the road.
But with Ryan and Brian, who I now have on bass and drums, they’re both so good at what they do and so professional that the most important thing is the music.
It’s a breath of fresh air, because sometimes you have people for whom everything revolves around partying, traveling and doing that kind of thing.
So having these guys, and having them play on the record too, is beautiful.
I think they’re incredible musicians, but they’re also great people, so it’s great to be with them, have them there and have us all support each other on the road.
M.S: After these summer shows, what’s next? What tours or festivals do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Yeah, right now I’m at home, but honestly, in a month and a half I’m going back out to play.
We’re doing a lot of things in America, so I’m going to Texas, I have to go to New York, I have to go to Florida.
Then I’m going back to Europe in September, to Germany. I’m going back to Sweden, I’ll play in Sweden, I’ll play in Stockholm.
Then I have to go back to Europe, sorry, go back to the UK.
We’re planning some other shows in Europe during the summer, more things.
I mean, man, we’re going to be supporting this record quite a bit for the rest of the year, obviously into next year, so there’s a lot to do.
There doesn’t seem to be any sign of slowing down.
And on top of all that, on the other side, I know I’m going to be working with my companies, Marshall and Gibson.
We’re talking about launching new products, which is really exciting.
And yeah, there’s a lot to do.
All of that will come with Louder Than Fate.
M.S: Could Frontiers perhaps help get your music to a wider audience?
Absolutely, yes. We’ve talked about that.
I know they have a really good festival there. We were trying to do it this year, but I was already committed to something else, so I’m really excited to be able to go next year.
M.S: Tesla and Lynyrd Skynyrd recently joined Frontiers. Would you like to tour with them in the future?
Oh, I would, I would.
I think we’ve been talking with the guys in Tesla about doing something, and also with Skynyrd.
I’m friends with a lot of those guys, as you know, Frank Hannon and the guys in Tesla, who I love.
I think it would be a good combination because Tesla, especially, are one of those bands that are classic, but they’re great and they still give it everything they’ve got.
And I think it would be great.
And obviously Skynyrd, of course. I did shows with Skynyrd many years ago, and I’d love to support them and be on tour with Skynyrd. That would be great.
M.S: I interviewed Frank Hannon a few days ago.
Oh yeah, great.
M.S: And he loved the idea of doing a tour together with his solo album, so now it’s your turn to find the right time and put the tour together.
Wow! Yeah, that would be great. We’ll see when we can make it happen.
M.S: Spain has always given you a great welcome. Can we expect to see you back here soon to present Louder Than Fate?
Absolutely, yes.
We’re talking with our agent in Spain right now to work out all the dates, but yes, we’re going to do a full tour of Spain.
As I’ve said many times, I love touring Spain, I love the culture, I love the people.
I think rock and roll and this kind of music are still loved in Spain, and it’s a welcoming atmosphere that, for me, I already knew existed.
Even in 2015, when I was in Madrid with Glenn Hughes, I already knew it was a great country.
There are a lot of great people and the music here is great.
So yes, of course.
Honestly, I’ll be coming back to Spain forever.
There is no part of me that’s ever going to stop coming there.
M.S: We’ve already finished the interview. Thank you very much for your time. We wish you all the best with Louder Than Fate and hope to see you back in Spain very soon. Before we finish, would you like to say something to the readers of our website?
Absolutely!
I would like to say thank you very much for reading this. If you do, please give my new album, Louder Than Fate, a chance. Listen to the album, enjoy it and discover what it’s all about. I can’t wait to come back to Spain, one of my favorite places on the planet to play music.
It’s always a pleasure.
Goodbye! Rock on, Metal Symphony!