© 2008 NCSU Student Media
Jam Pain Society mixes hard rock/metal with a compelling message (Photo courtesy Eric Page)
Technician: How did Jam Pain Society start?
Chris Hill: The vision and sound of the band were really created before the five of us ever met. In the early stages of my writing, I found myself playing metal guitar over Parliament songs just for fun. I knew I was on to something and decided to take that concept and make it my own.
In the mean time, other pieces of the foundation were built as Leah grew up under the influence of an older brother who blasted AC/DC, Black Sabbath and Judas Priest, which she liked as much as screaming along to pop radio hits. Nick locked himself away in his room to soak in the rudiments of percussion and practice stick control, etc. Greg played in an original prog-rock band and also in a Dream Theater cover band, and Matt cut his teeth in a local metal band that I eventually produced.
Eventually, Leah and I met, started writing together, and formed a band. We went through a couple of drummers until we found Nick.Then the three of us went through a few bass players until we found Matt and then Greg.
Technician: How did you come up with the name Jam Pain Society?
Chris Hill: We are a very fan-oriented band. That’s where the “Society” part came from. The “Jam Pain” part came from us trying to find words that convey what our music sounds like. Those just felt right.
Technician: How did you come up with the title to your album, Black Light Messiah?
Chris Hill: The title Black Light Messiah is about the concept of hero worship and the idea that a lot of people seem to be looking for a hero or for someone to blame. The “Black Light Messiah” concept is more about personal responsibility. It’s about reaching within and becoming the hero yourself. We need more of that in the world.
Technician: What are your inspirations for your lyrics?
Chris Hill: Sometimes it’s a simple as a story of someone we’ve encountered. Overall though, it seems the basic struggle and frustration of maintaining integrity and truth all while keeping the dream alive is a common theme for us. Also, the desire to be honest, realistic and hopeful -– which can be difficult all at once, and always trying to do the right thing when the world seems to be begging you to do the opposite. In the end, it all makes for some really good songwriting.
Technician: Why two bassists? How did that come about?
Chris Hill: The addition of the second bass player came as a result of us wanting to have a bigger live sound and wanting to take a different route instead of adding a second guitar player or a keyboard player. Greg was the first guy who answered the ad, and as soon as we saw him play, he had the job – he was exactly what we were looking for. When we saw him play the Chapman Stick, we were just blown away.
Technician: I know it’s “the undefinable”, but can you describe your sound.
Chris Hill: It’s a mix of hard rock and metal with obvious hints of funk, industrial and pop with melodic and from-the-gut vocals combined in a way that you probably haven’t heard before.
Technician: On “Black Light Messiah”, you worked with Ace Frehley [from KISS], who else would you like to work with?
Chris Hill: I’d love to work with any of the members of Mother’s Finest. And Leah says she’d be all about doing something with Chris Cornell.
If you’re interested in Jam Pain Society, make sure to check out their Web site www.jampainsociety.com. There you’ll find videos and merchandise, as well as more information about the band and their upcoming show dates. They’ll be playing Halloween night in Murfreesboro at Zakk’s Coffeehouse.