Post by Josh McLaughlin on Oct 1, 2011 23:39:02 GMT -5
Juke Kartel, meaning "music group", is just that. No distractions, no bullshit. Just pure, soulful rock and roll! Since making their start in Melbourne, Australia, the band has been hugely successful, touring all around the world, sharing stages with the likes of Slash, Fergie, Tommy Lee, Ozzy Osbourne, Lifehouse, Seether, The Living End, Nickelback, Paul Kelly and Fuel. Not only that, but they've appeared on TV shows such as Rockstar: Supernova, CBS, The Rugby World Cup Semi-Finals, MTV Awards and Warner Brothers as well as on radio stations around the world!
Since relocating to Los Angeles to further their career, the band has held headline shows at prestigious, historic venues such as The Viper Room, The Roxy, The House of Blues, Hotel Cafe Hollywood and the Whiskey-A-Go-Go and had numerous successful tracks; including "Brightest Star" dedicated to the brave men and women who have had to fight breast cancer. Toby Rand, lead singer, took time out of his busy schedule to talk about the road, their new single, playing the beforementioned venues, collaborations and their glorious return to Australian shores for their upcoming tour!
Hey Toby, how have you been?
Hey Josh, been really well mate. Sitting on a plane ready to answer your interview.
How's USA treating you?
The US is treating me very well. We're just returning from a two-week radio promo tour on the East Coast, which was really successful. It's been the kinda tour where we bring our acoustics into the station and jam for the staff; Sometimes on air, or for online footage for their websites.
As you said, you've been VERY busy travelling across the country in promotion of your brand new single "Soulshaper (Come With Me)", which is amazing by the way. Care to sum up what this song is about in a sentence or two?
Soulshaper (Come With Me) is about anyone who is trying to move forward from a tragedy or dark place in their life. Shaping their soul into something positive and powerful, by expecting a helping hand.
The new single is a redone version of "Soulshaper" from your album "Levolution", adding a rock touch. Was this always the plan, or did you guys just play around with it and notice how much it kicked ass as a rock song?
Our new marketing team loved the acoustic version and immediately suggested we try a rocked up version so that radio will jump on it. As soon as we jammed it, we were like "Yes! I get it!". So we went straight into the studio and laid it down. Radio is loving it so far!
And rightfully so! Juke Kartel have played venues such as The Roxy and The Viper Room, and played with bands like Steel Panther, Slash, Lifehouse and Paul Kelly. Is it inspirational to know that Juke Kartel is headlining the venues that decades ago, Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Doors and Guns 'N' Roses were playing, in the same position that you guys are in now?
We definitely get inspired playing those venues. So much history, blood sweat and DNA on those stages, and to be able to play there and pull great crowds is really rewarding. I'll never forget seeing Tommy Lee cheering from the balcony at the Troubador! Or Slash coming into our band room to wish us luck at the House of Blues. The Viper Room, in particular, has been so good to us! We can pretty much play when we choose.
That's great to hear! Last summer, when I last talked to you guys, you told me of a possible collaboration you were doing with fellow Rockstar: Supernova contestant Lukas Rossi. Is this still a possibility for the future?
Lukas and I started to piece together a little side project at the start of the year, but his move to Nashville has stalled that. We are both busy with our own bands currently, so we'll hopefully re-visit that next year. I have, in the meantime, been jamming ideas with Bryce Soderberg from Lifehouse, and we're excited to see where that leads!
I've been hearing Juke Kartel a lot more frequently in Australian radio stations lately; which brings the inevitable question of any news on your upcoming Australian tour? I've heard December and January, any truth to this?
Yes mate, we are currently finalising dates from December 22nd to January 12th. A relatively brief visit, but we'll make it memorable! Can't wait to jam some new tunes and see all our friends and fans. Even though LA is where we are based, Australia is where our heart lies. We miss home, but we're not stopping 'til Juke blows up in the US.
Not literally blows up, of course! Wishing you all the best, I know you guys will kill it with your new single. Thanks for your time!, Can't wait to see you guys on your homecoming tour! Keep rocking!
Thanks for the chat Josh, can't wait to see you and the Aussie's over summer!!
Check JK out on their website and add them on Facebook!
www.jukekartel.com
www.facebook.com/jukekartel1
Read about and donate to Susan G. Komen foundation, helping people who are fighting breast cancer.
ww5.komen.org/