Jaxbros

Exclusive Interview

Tell us about where you are from and how you got to this position today.
We are from San Antonio TX, but I (Mark Jax) attended Texas Wesleyan University where I honed my craft as a songwriter playing songs at parties. Pierre started playing guitar when he was 13 or 14 and with in a year or so he was playing Clapton and Hendrix. He was the original musician of the group, I just wanted to sing.

After twelve years of teaching school, four spent in an alternative school type setting, I (Mark) ended up resigning my position and finished recording Elementary. Pierre and I both knew the songs I had wrote for this album were good, so he let me take the reigns on this project. Usually, we take turns writing, or we play on each others songs, which is what he did for me.

My wonderful wife loved the record and told me to take a year or two and chase this dream. I did not see eye to eye with my school district I was working for and felt it was a sign from the good Lord. So I took her up on her offer and we have begun this adventure.

What do you have coming up? What are some of the new projects we can expect to see?
We have a show at Texas Wesleyan Oct 5th, it is a charity event called Dia-beat This, as well as a show at the Coyote Drive-in in Fort Worth TX Aug 21. We are in the birthing pains of a new life and are trying to book a small tour of the Texas universities, as well as set up some times to record some live performances for YouTube.

Tell us more about the current song you are promoting to everyone.
Arab Spring was originally written during the Arab Spring right before 2012. It seemed like the whole world was imploding and people just had their fill of being oppressed, whether it was the people in the middle east or the people getting ready for the end of the world. It is a call to arms, a song that reflects my fears and my need to keep my hope.

How does your music separate yourself from other artists and bands out there?
We have our own style, I think it is because we are blood brothers who have been playing together since we were kids. We like to keep it simple with focus on the melody and solid song writing. We are fans of musicians who play their instruments and we take pride on our naturalistic approach to writing and playing. We are looking for a full-time drummer, but I would love to just do an entire tour just me and Pierre on acoustic because that is how the songs were born and that is my first love. We haven’t decided yet.

Tell us about one of the hardest challenges you had to face in the industry?
Technology has been a struggle for Pierre and I. We are so old school it is not funny. I mean I just got on Facebook like six months ago. I have not cared one bit about it before then. Yet now that I am a musician, I am having to spend a lot of time learning new things, whether it be a website, social media, press kits, even joining an association. My brother and I love to play and write, but making friends with technology has been tough. The lack of money is tough too, but a small price to pay for our dream. I know people will love our music, we just have to get it out to them.

What was one of the biggest set backs in your career and how did you bounce back?
Adapting the lifestyle of a musician is hard. Both Pierre and I had taken a four year hiatus from performing because we were just tired. Working full time, then playing a gig, or even just rehearsing became tiresome. I became just an alternative educator, where before I was both a teacher and a musician. I have been lucky enough to have a wonderful wife and kids who love my music and believe in what we are trying to do. Dave Matthews once said, “It only takes one person to believe in you to give you confidence.” I love that that quote because it is so true.

What are some things artists need to be careful of?
Don’t use Sonic Bids, what a damn rip off. They took my money and now I can’t get a hold of them. Aside from that I have no real point of reference because we are still fairly new at this. Though we have played festivals and bars, we have yet to have a proper tour.

What suggestions do you have for other artists like yourself?
Shake the haters and stick to what you know.

What is one of your favorite ways to promote yourself and your music?
Colleges, I love to play in the dorms, that is such a great vibe.

Where can people visit you?
Visit jaxbrosmusic.com to see upcoming dates and download some free songs. Our new album Elementary is available for purchase on iTunes and cdbaby.com. You can also join us on Facebook, Google plus, Twitter, and Instagram. - Warped Mag