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NW Noise Interviews
Jaycob Van Auken Interview
Recently, Jason Gears caught up with Portland, Oregon musician Jaycob Van Auken and attempted to pick the brain of the now southern Cali singer/songwriter and get a few answers regarding his journeys up and down the west coast, what beer truly disgusts him and why the hell cats are superior to dogs in his opinion. Sit back, crack open that adult beverage and enjoy some Northwest Noise, one on one time with Jaycob Van Auken in this latest internet interview.
Hey Jaycob! How’s your fall season going so far?
Great! All my favorite TV shows are back chalk fullo’ new episodes.
You moved recently down to Fullerton, California. What brought on the move from Portland to Fullerton?
Timing. Timing was everything. It all happened very quickly and unexpectedly.
How was your recent tour up and down the west coast?
It went very well. Not every show can be a big winner, but we had both had a good time playing for everyone.
Who have you been touring with?
How did you originally meet up with recording artist Kelly Jones?
We both have mutual friends up in Portland, OR. I’ve done one tour with her supporting her previous album, and I went in and recorded some guitar and vocals on her new one Handle With Care.
Are you planning on touring with her more in the coming months?
I’m not sure. She lives in NYC and has a kick ass band over there. Her guitar player was unavailable for this tour, that’s why she called me in. I’m sure she would like to bring her players whenever she can. But we discussed the possibility of doing shows together.
You’ve taken over the Plush Cafe spot on Thursday nights for Universal Republic Records recording artist Tyrone Wells. How did that come to be and are you enjoying Thursday nights with your Fullerton, CA brethren?
Yeah, Ty called me up a few weeks before he was leaving on tour and asked if I wanted to come down and take over his weekly thing. That’s about it. Tyrone’s a very persuasive man. There’s a lot of very young talent that comes in on Thursday nights. I think in a few years the OC is going to be overflowing with pretty good music.
What other Portland musicians have you had the privilege to play with at shows while on tour?
Let’s see… we played with Dana Little from Late Tuesday, Cabinessence, John Weinland…
Who do you have playing with you down in southern California, now that you’ve left the Northwest rain for southern California’s clear skies and sunny surf?
At the moment, playing with a band is not high on my list. Although, I do have a show coming up that requires a band, so I’m throwing some guys together for it. It seems most of my friends down here are incredible musicians, so I’m not really hurtin’ for good players. But I’m not really lookin at anything permanent.
I’ve heard that you have a live disc that’s available at your shows. Is this true?
It was true and could possibly be true again.
If true, can people still somehow add this live disc to their music collections?
I’m not sure I want to duplicate more of them or make another live acoustic of unreleased songs. Maybe like a “C” sides type of thing.
Your debut album, Soundtrak, is out of print but people can still purchase it at the iTunes music store. How long did it take to get that project off the ground and as a musician, were you satisfied with the end result of the record?
I don’t remember how long it took to get into the recording process, but over all it took about a year’s time to do the whole album. Which is weird, because if you count only the time we spent tracking, mixing and mastering it probably ands up more like 3 months. I used players from L.A. for most of the record so it was tough scheduling everything. But I think that might actually be kinda typical for most records. Especially the budget I had to work with. Which was basically pocket change.
I personally love it, and it’s one of my favorite discs I own. Like people in all sorts of occupations, musicians draw inspiration from various people, places or instances in their lives that drive them in their craft. Since the early days of artistic inspiration for you, what, who or where has driven or inspired you to make the kind of music you’ve created lyrically and musically?
Shit man, I don’t think you have the time or space for me to give that question it’s proppers. It’s varied so much over the years, and it’s become such a collage that’s ever expanding. Musically, I’ve been inspired by everything from Jackson 5 to Prince, James Taylor to Billy Idol, Bob Dylan, Townse Van Zandt, Van Morisson, Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers, The Boss… Seriously this list can on and on. But I think I’m rooted in the classics. I grew up listening to what my mom listened to, classic rock, so I feel like I have a solid foundations there, and lyrically it’s limitless there are so many good poets out there and there are just great songcrafters especially in country music. There is always something out there that will challenge you.
Does it make you uneasy when people try and label your music into a specific category?
I’ve learned to deal with it. People need definitions. Especially these days. Labels are not great, but I think it’s easier for some one to say, “oh, he’s this kind of music” or, “he sounds like so and so…”. I think we’ve lost the capacity to effectively describe something with out stating the obvious. Adjectives are poorly under-rated. We should all take the approach of thinking as if we are a critic trying to describe this music we like to someone who never heard it. Drawing on references are important when it’s obvious and helpful but lets all think a little bit more. I really should take my own advice, I’m pretty lazy most of the time.
I dig your music because of the variety of styles I personally hear in your music such as southern rock, folk-blues, classic rock with a touch of honky tonk that doesn’t intimidate a non-country music listener. Now, if you’re not incredibly angry with me for now personally labeling your music, what kind of musician do you consider yourself as; one with a label or just a guy playing guitar and singing his songs for the music-loving public?
I think I can be labeled a signer/songwriter at heart. But I don’t really control what comes out, stylistically that is. I have a song that is inspired by the Indie movement that was happening in Portland, and then I turn around and write a very contemporary country music ballad. And everything in between. So it’s hard to say.
Can you explain how True American Records came to be? What is T.A.R. all about and who’s involved with that entity?
When I lived down here, before I moved to Portland, I was in a pretty tight community of singer/songwriters. Tyrone Wells, Mike Barnett, Danny Vasquez, myself and Beardan Coleman there were others but we were the ones who started TAR. It started as way of cross promotion. Then moved more into a grassroots community label type of thing.
What, if anything is wrong with the music industry today?
We are all complaining about the industry these days. But it’s hard to complain about something that hasn’t done anything for or against you.
What feasible solutions are out there to counteract the problem(s)?
I think just doing the best you can on your own and making the industry notice you is really the only way for an outsider to become an insider. If that is what you want. I look at the record industry for what it is; an industry. It’s automated, it has to deal in high volume to make a profit, the focus is the bottom line. Every now and then they take their chances but, it’s rare. If you can make them money then you most likely get them to come to the table. I don’t think we can fix anything. We, as consumers, just have to support quality over quantity. And make our own trends, not buy into theirs.
Is there a venue you haven’t played yet that you’d like to book?
There are a few. But they’re pointless if you can’t get people to come out. I’d rather play anywhere to a people who want to listen than in a great room to no one. But yeah, I would love to do a concert on the International Space Station.
Are there one or two particular musicians you’d love to book a show with that you haven’t yet?
I’ve trying for years to do a show with a guy named Mark Alan out of Eugene, OR. He’s my favorite singer.songwriter.
Who’d you love to be on the same billing with?
Patty Griffin, Martin Sexton, Buddy and Julie Miller. That would fawking awesome.
Do you have anything in the works for a new album?
I started a project up in Portland before I left. Pat Teatrualt is helping produce it.
If so, what kind of vibe can people expect from it?
It’ll be more acoustic based than Soundtrak but more produced than the live acoustic ep. I hope to have it finished by the new year.
If not, then why in the hell don’t you make a new record! I need me some new Jaycob Van Auken material for those long car rides.
Dude, you’re fired up.
Who will be working with you on the new record? Musicians? Producer? Etc?
Pat and myself are producing it. I’m just going to use local musicians from the NW. Mostly my friends who I’ve played with over the years in Portland.
Okay Jaycob, brace yourself for some questions that’ll make you question you agreeing to do this interview. Ready, set, go!!!
Okay, I’m going go to all “tabloid” on you right now? Are you currently dating anyone?
No.
If so, who? If not, why not?
Going through a divorce right now… nuff said.
Are you a fan of: A) Oregon Ducks, B) Oregon State Beavers, C) Other, or D) Don’t give a damn about any of them?
I’ve gained an appreciation for the Ducks, but I’m not really a college sports fan.
Are you a cat or dog person?
Both. But I would probably get a cat before a dog..
Why are you into that animal more than the other?
Cats don’t need as much attention.
When not writing and playing music, what’s your favorite thing to do?
I love to play darts in the pub, or shoot pool, or throw some horse shoes. Dude horse shoes is a very under-appreciated game. I guess I like to a lot things that require drinking. Although I do like to shoot some hoop.
Are you originally from Portland?
Nope, Grew in the O.C. Spent a few years in college outside of Seattle, eventually ended up in Portland.
Do you remember being me and Tim’s camp counselor a decade ago with Tyrone Wells on the coast? You had much shorter hair then and Tyrone actually had hair!
Dude, that question makes me feel old. I’m going to pretend you didn’t ask that.
What’s your favorite brand of beer?There a Brewery in northern Cal called Bear Republic they make the best IPA, “Racer 5”.
What’s the most disgusting brand of beer you’ve ever drank?
Becks. Taste like what I imagine dog piss tastes like.
Do you enjoy playing or watching any sports?
I’ll get flak for this… but I love the Lakers. That’s right I said it! Been a fan since my Dad took me to my first game when Magic, Kareem, A.C., Rambis, were playing.
Can friends really listen to “Endless Love” in the dark without making out and gettin’ hot ‘n heavy?
Depends.
What’s your favorite movie of all-time?
The Big Lebowski.
What’s your favorite television show of all-time?
I really like CSI:Crime Scene Investigators. It’s the only show I watch on TV. But I do own the first 3 seasons of Stargate: SG1. Dude, Richard Dean Anderson effing rules.
Do you have a favorite actor/actress?
Mark Ruffalo is pretty cool. He’s done some great movies. Kirsten Dunst, she’s just so damn cute.
Who’s the most annoying person in entertainment today and why?
Tom Cruise with out a doubt.
Can you tell us some of your guilty pleasures?
Nope, If I feel guilty about it then I’m not being honest about it.
What’s the origin of your last name, Van Auken?
Could be German if it was changed from Von Auchen, but if not then it’s probably Dutch. I vote for German.
What’s your favorite type of food?
Mexican. I love the divey Taquerias.
For all the ladies out there, is it boxers or briefs?
If any… then it’s boxer briefs.
The look of Tyrone Wells: With hair or bald?
He is one of the few dudes that can pull off bald with style. Definitely bald.
Can you share with us one of your most embarrassing moments?
I did track and field in high school, and trying to be “cool” I ran over the baseball field and soaked my head in the sprinkler as one of the “star” athletes runs over and yell to me that those sprinklers use liquid fertilizer mixed with water. Needless to say the ladies were not impressed.
Is there a place in the world you’d love to visit where you’ve never been to yet?
Would love to go to Italy.
Why Italy?
Historic architecture and Art. Beautiful women.
Do you have any fears?
Plenty.
If you weren’t a musician, what other line of work would you be pursuing?
Something in art.
Finally, what sentence would best describe you as a whole, all-around?
Kindhearted fucked up straight shooter. Did I mention fucked up?
Thank you for your time, Jaycob. Can’t wait to see you again soon back in the Northwest!
You can purchase Jaycob Van Auken’s 2003 release Soundtrak at the iTunes music store! The hard copy of the record is out of print so do the right thing and go to iTunes and support this neato rad musician from Portland!
Jaycob Van Auken Websites:
www.jaycobvanauken.com
www.myspace.com/jaycobvanauken
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