EMQs With JAWFANE
EMQs With JAWFANE
Hi everyone! Welcome to another EMQs interview, this time with USA Post-Hardcore band, Jawfane. Huge thanks to their Keyboard player, Jesse, for taking part.
What is your name, what do you play and can you tell us a little bit about the history of the band?
The name’s Jesse Jawfane. I play keyboard(s). Jawfane formed in 2020 with an ensemble of experienced players in the Nashville scene. Cory Pack (Guitar), Chase Schumann (Bass), and Zachary Cenate (Drums) were fresh from a prior project, and were still hungry to make music. Deciding to enlist another from outside the band to provide main vocals, they reached out to Paulsdeeep, who welcomed the challenge. That was the birth of the first phase of Jawfane.
The lineup held strong until 2024, when both Paul and Zachary were no longer a part of the band. The next phase of the band saw the additions of Austin Heipp and AJ Chacon on main vocals and drums respectively. With Jesse Marquez graduating from filming the band to playing keyboards and singing on stage. While Austin’s tenure in the band was short lived, he did offer his vocals for our debut EP, “Me and All My Demons”.
That leads us to the present lineup with Cory, Chase, AJ, and Jesse. Right now, they’re forging ahead deep into writing.
How did you come up with your band name?
Paul came up with it after some research. Wanted something that had little to no results on Google, and was one word. He landed on a spelling of “Jawfain”, which was a medieval term for lockjaw. It clicked instantly with the band, and thus, with no ‘i’ and another vowel, Jawfane was borned!
What Country / Region are you from and what is the Metal / Rock scene like there?
We’re from the Middle Tennessee region in The United States of America! The scene is as varied as it could be. There’s someone from everywhere trying to make some kinda music here, and that’s fantastic. In the Metal scene, it’s every flavor of Metal you could ask for. I’m sure there’s someone trying to bite Norwegian Black Metal and somehow make it work for them. But the scene is magnificent, and thriving! We’ve had the opportunity to play with people that do Hardcore, to Noise, to Emo, to more Thrashy guttural stuff. They’re all wonderful.
What is your latest release?
Our newest single, “Raise. featuring Paulsdeeep”. Accompanied with a music video to boot. Witness the beginning of Jawfane with a song that was only heard during live performances, given new life. It was a lot of fun to get to do this, along with Paul for one more song.
What first got you into music?
Chase Schumann dragged me kicking and screaming into this ordeal. I was first tasked with acquiring as much footage of the band as possible to be used for both content, and for archival purposes. Maybe one day we would make a music video out of the footage I got. Hah. But as things went along, I had gotten to assist with production, and even a vocal here and there. I was recruited as an active member of the band, and began playing on stage with my keyboard.
If you could collaborate with a current band or musician who would it be?
Loathe or If These Trees Could Talk would be awesome.
If you could play any festival in the world, which would you choose and why?
Louder than Life is looking larger than life, I’m not gonna lie. Would be a sick experience to do that with all those other bands.
What’s the weirdest gift you have ever received from a fan?
I’d have to say that it was a card that had an Estus Flask from Dark Souls on it. I still have it somewhere, you’ll never know if you’ll need it.
If you had one message for your fans, what would it be?
What you’re feeling is valid, you’re not crazy. You are worthy of being healed and to move ahead in life. That you’ll be able to say the thing that you’re holding back that’s holding you back. We believe in you.
If you could bring one rock star back from the dead, who would it be?
None. Let them rest.
What do you enjoy the most about being a musician? And what do you hate?
That I get to be surrounded by so many talented people, and I get to see the passion in their work. I get to hear the stories they have to tell.
On hate? Social media. Or rather, the effect it has had on society. Just a downside of everyone being connected at all times.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Royalty distribution to the artists. Seems like the most profitable time to be a musician was the 90s.
Name one of your all-time favourite albums?
“Above The Earth, Below The Sky” by If These Trees Could Talk. No talk, only listen. Now shhhhhh.
What’s best? Vinyl, Cassettes, CD’s or Downloads?
The one you chose to listen to us on, big boy.
What’s the best gig that you have played to date?
It will probably be the ones at Mayhem House. Every single time, it’s an amazing time. House shows are somethin’ else.
If you weren’t a musician, what else would you be doing?
I would be writing/directing movies. It’s something I set my eye on when I was in my tweens. I love film, and I love the passion people have for filmmaking. Being able to get an idea down in a film just seemed like the way, until music. Or who knows, maybe one day I’ll do both.
Which five people would you invite to a dinner party?
Jay-Z five times just to piss him off.
What’s next for the band?
Right now, we’re deep into writing our debut LP. When we have more to share on that, we will gladly talk about it. But for right now, I can say that we are all very excited for you all to hear this!
What Social Media / Website links do you use to get your music out to people?
Facebook – Jawfane, https://www.facebook.com/Jawfane
Instagram – @Jawfane, https://www.instagram.com/jawfane?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Youtube – Jawfane, https://www.youtube.com/@jawfane
Time for a very British question now. As an alternative to the humble sandwich, is the correct name for a round piece of bread common in the UK either a Bap, a Barm (or Barm Cake), a Batch, a Bun, a Cob, a Muffin, a Roll or a Tea Cake?
I’m going to assume it’s a Roll. Got round bread, that’s definitely a roll. If I’m wrong after the Google, then I’m going to take a bite out of a candle.
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else that you would like to add?
LISTEN TO HERLY BERLY RIGHT NOOOOOOWWW!!!
Also, manual breathing: activated.
Disclaimer: This interview is solely the property of Ever Metal. It is strictly forbidden to copy any part of this interview, unless you have the strict permission of said party. Failure to adhere to this will be treated as plagiarism and will be reported to the relevant authorities.
