Singer/songwriter Roger Jaeger’s latest album is called Start Over, while the latest video/single from the album is “Elevator.” Since Roger was performing in Texas, and I’m in California, I asked his PR people if we might do an email interview. They said, “Yes.” And Roger did, too.
The result is below. Enjoy!
What is the most trouble you’ve ever gotten into?
I wasn’t too crazy when I was younger. But I do remember running late to our high school musical one time because I spent too long at my girlfriend’s house. I was driving a little carelessly and the roads were slick from a fresh rain, and I ended up driving my van into someone’s fence. Oops.
What are the five things you can’t live without?
Airplanes, curry, sunshine, rain, coffee, curry. Wait did I say curry twice?
What’s your favorite song to belt out in the car or the shower?
I randomly sing the theme song to the TV show “Doug” all the time. It just comes out. I don’t think I’ll ever get away from. But I’m okay with that.
What kind of guitar do you play? And why?
My electric is a Fender Telecaster. The story goes like this: A few years ago I got dumped by a girl. Three days later I woke up on a below-freezing morning to find that my rear driver’s side car window had been smashed in and someone had stolen my Strat and pedal board out of the back seat. About $2500 worth of gear. It was shaping up to be a pretty horrible week! The next day I drove out to a used music store in Nashville and saw this guitar hanging on the wall. I had never had much interest in Teles, but this particular model seemed sexy, even with the slight wear. It played well, sounded great, and I decided to try something different. And so there you go - that guitar is in a couple ways a symbol of starting over.
What musicians influenced you the most?
My early music days were influenced by CCM - The Newsboys, Jars Of Clay, DC Talk. I remember a friend telling me about Coldplay one day when I was in high school. He said I’d probably like it because their chill style sounded like stuff I might play. I took offense to that and wanted to prove him wrong, but turns out he was correct. Coldplay helped soften many of my musical edges, and I was soon digging into Jeff Buckley, Nick Drake, Sting, and others, and finding musical depths I hadn’t known before.
In my review of “Elevator,” I described your musical style as “pop-rock.” How would you describe it?
I generally tell people “‘pop-rock’ with a little sitar thrown in here and there.” I don’t know that “pop-rock” perfectly encompasses all the things I do, but the music industry wants you to have a short answer nailed down so that they know how to categorize you, so currently I think that’s my best answer.
Where do you find inspiration for your songs?
A lot of my songs come from life experiences. Even these days when I’m more often writing with other people than not, often song ideas start with “hey, what’s going on in your life? Oh really? Want to write about that?” One of my favorite things to do is then ask whoever I’m writing with to just talk. I’ll say “hey, tell me about that situation. How does it make you feel?” It’s a little bit like a counseling session. But sometimes they’ll say profound things and those words become lyrics. I love it.
What is your songwriting process? Does the music come first and then the lyrics?
I’ve written songs many ways, but yes, often music comes first. I call it “fishing.” I’ll sit at the piano or with my guitar and just play away, trying random chords and lines. Eventually something lands. I start singing over it, find a melody, and then will bring that musical idea into a writing session.
So far, has “Elevator” been well-received by the critics? By listeners?
I would say so! I haven’t seen any down votes on YouTube yet so that’s a good sign. But really, from the first time I performed it live people have seemed to really like it. Having the video now takes it to another level - all of the reactions I’ve seen have been very positive. People seem wowed by the footage and can relate well to the story of someone chasing after adventure.
Will you be touring in the near future? If so, where?
In fact, as I am writing this I am on the road for a run of shows in Texas! We’ve been playing at Red Gorilla Fest in Austin. I’ve also got some dates on my calendar in Georgia, and I’ve got some West Coast and possible UK dates in the works.
Are you working on any new songs? And when might your fans expect another album?
Yes! I’m writing once a week or so, and am about to increase that, because it is getting close to time to begin working on the next album! I’m looking at probably a January 2018 release.
Have any major labels expressed an interest in your music?
I haven’t had any talks with labels at this point, but I also haven’t sought them out. I think that’s changing this year - I may actually be playing my first label showcase in a couple weeks!
Did you study music in a formal setting, or pick it up on your own?
Both. I started guitar lessons as a kid, but also would spend hours and hours just trying things on my guitar. I would create my own chords, listen to songs of bands I liked and try to figure them out. I finished two years of a music degree in college, which gave me a foundation in jazz and classical guitar. I’ve also had piano and voice lessons, and studied with a sitar teacher in India briefly.
The production values on “Elevator” were superb. Who produced it?
Right?! We have my good friend, Ryan Poole, to thank for that. He was in Nashville for a few years, but now he’s back home in San Diego. He both produced the whole Start Over record and made the videos for “Elevator” and “Start Over.” He’s one of the most talented and creative individuals I know, and I consider myself very fortunate to have worked with him.
Find out more about Roger Jaeger: http://rogerjaegermusic.com/