Nashville, Tennesee is a city synonymous with musical legendaries. J.J. Cale, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Earl Scruggs. Kelly Clarkson. Miley Cyrus. Yelawolf. All hail from Nashville. When Jake and Jamin Orrall, brothers from Nashville, teamed up as JEFF the Brotherhood, chances were in their favor. They’ve been described as psychedelic and garage rock, but also incorporate elements of pop and punk.
On Friday they making their way to Reykjavík for a performance at Húrra. We caught up with them on their way in.
Where are you coming from? Physically, mentally, musically.
We just flew in from Nashville. This is the first day of the tour, we are jet-lagged and have been wandering Reykjavik all day. Musically we are coming from a place where there is zero gravity and zero time.
Nashville is a city well-aware of its deep musical history. Not to mention your father is a well-known songwriter and record producer. Who were some of the biggest musical influences on you growing up?
Talking Heads, Devo, The Clash, Beck, The Ramones, Smashing Pumpkins, Deep Purple, Thin Lizzy, and of course Ham.
So, why Iceland? No, just kidding. I heard that your drummer lived in Reykjavík and studied at HÍ? So to the drummer, why Iceland?
It was actually me who lived in Iceland, but it was in Höfn. I was there for eleven and a half months. I didn’t study, mostly climbed on top of buildings and got drunk with my friends. Nashville wasn’t very cool or fun in 2002 so i wanted to try something different, and it was very different. Very excited to be back, I’ve missed it!
What is the most important quality of a good live show?
I think its important for a live show to be engaging and memorable. And it has to sound good.
What has been your greatest musical experience?
Every time we get to go in a studio and record an album is the greatest musical experience for me. Also when Renate from Amon Duul II sang on stage with us in Berlin earlier this year!
What do you hope people will say about you when you die?
I hope people say that i was cool like ice and hot like lava, just like Iceland. Just kidding.
Catch their show Friday October 14 at Húrra! Begins at 21:00. Tickets are on sale now.
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