Jak Paris :: Electric Revolution
Story and Interview by Debra Stocker
Photos by Night Visions
Las Vegas-based artist Jak Paris has been flying up the national radio charts with his debut release “Electric Revolution.” This album – supported by bassist Brian Swett, guitarist Jason Juadines, and power drummer Henry Soriano – introduces Jak Paris as an artist whose music is bursting with hooky, melodic, driving modern rock that doesn’t quit. His artistic abilities are unprecedented to crossover success with diversity between rock, pop and alternative songcraft.
It’s not easy to find a success story as genuine as Jak Paris these days when considering the falls of many of today’s independent musicians. At the helm of his own label, NEV Records Inc., Jak Paris can claim to have ascended strictly on the bands’ own merits.
GreenStock Productions is proud to announce that this year’s All Access Magazine Music Awards Show’s live performances will include the undeniable expressive music and powerful vocals of Jak Paris, joined by singer/songwriter, actress, and guitarist Scarlett Pomers (of “Reba” on WB TV). Readers of AAM will remember them from a recent event held at BB Kings, the "Arch-Angels Fund" 
National Eating Disorders fundraiser that included the release of a multi-single CD, “Project Chains.” Their performance promises to be one you won’t want to miss.
Jak Paris is an artist who takes his music career very seriously. He’s up at the crack of dawn or before, till the wee hours of the night! What drives him? Why the constant push to stay ahead? Was his family full of musicians, or artists themselves? AAM got a chance to go one-on-one with Jak Paris and here’s what he shared...
AAM: First, Jak, thank you again for joining us at this year’s AAM Music Awards Show. And congrats on your first release, “Electric Revolution.” The album is making a favorable climb up the radio charts – that’s great! Did you write, produce and arrange “Electric Revolution” yourself?
JP: I wrote most of the music on the CD and all the lyrics (except “The Chain,” of course), and co-produced the CD with an amazing undiscovered talent (till now) named Bobby Ferrari, at an awesome studio in Las Vegas called Odds On Recording Studios. But what really brings this album to life is the raw talent of the whole cast combined (Jason, Henry, Brian, and me). It’s all about a family we call “The Jak Paris Camp,” which includes Scarlett (The Chain), Mary (The Chain) and of course Bobby!
AAM: This album introduces you as an artist whose music is bursting with hooky, melodic, 
driving modern rock that doesn’t quit. What motivates you? Who were your influences growing up?
JP: That’s a great question – thank you for asking. I would say I have your typical guitar player’s early influences like Led Zep, Alice in Chains, Oasis, Lit, and the more modern Third Eye Blind. I write a lot of lyrics about my own life, relationships which have been all dysfunctional, and the struggle to be a success.
AAM: You have such passion for music and the energy to succeed in today’s music world. What pushed you to work as hard as you do at all of this?
JP: I could write you a book about that…but I’m going to try and give you the short answer. There are no more big record deals or publishing deals. There is no fat guy in a Cadillac with a cigar hanging out of his mouth yelling “I’m going to make you a star!” If you are a jackass and you act like one or expect that you are “famous” and the world owes you something, you will get tossed quick in today’s music biz. All the execs (if there are any left at the labels) are young and don’t have the experience they used to due to a changing music biz environment. Labels are trying to figure out the FORMULA for today’s music scene and how to make it work financially. In the meantime, I have to get there. I also don’t want my hard work to get shelved somewhere while everyone is figuring it out, so we have to get there on our own. We spent almost 16 months making this record so it could equal if not pass the quality of a major label release. 
The songs, hooks, mastering, presentation…I was crucial in going over in every aspect to the point where it pissed people off. The reason it pissed people off is their mentality of “It sounds fine” or “looks fine.” “Fine” sucks to me. I want AMAZING, and the only way I could get amazing was to have control over what someone else wouldn’t give a rat’s ass about. I ultimately didn’t want to cheat the consumer or the band!
AAM: Were you raised in a family of musicians? How did your passion for music get its start?
JP: I went to a concert when I was 12, and bought a guitar the next day. I was sold on performing instantly. I heard my father sing once…not good. So to answer the question about a musical family, I have to say no.
AAM: As for the remake of the Fleetwood Mac classic “The Chain,” how did it come to light?
JP: The short version of that is Scarlett (of TV’s “Reba”) and I had talked about doing a song together to raise money for her charity Arch-Angels Fund. With both of us being huge Fleetwood Mac fans, we chose “The Chain.” After recording it, I’ll say it was probably one of the most difficult songs to cover. We spent a couple months on it. We didn’t want to lose or change any of the flavor of the original, only modernize it a bit!
AAM: Do all the proceeds from this album go to support the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)?
JP: Proceeds from sales of “The Chain” single, available at iTunes and Verizon V CAST, will go to the charity. Proceeds from sales of the “Project Chains” CD will go to charity too.
AAM: Any videos in the making?
JP: We are planning a video for late January release for “Overrated” or a song we just finished recording called “Big World” that was written by Brian, Henry, Jason, and me. We are also in the process of kissing Scarlett’s ass to star in it. By the way, Scarlett is my niece.
AAM: I see by your tour dates you’ve been getting out there, most recently at the Rockfest at Lake Havasu where you shared the stage with the Black Crows, Lit, Buckcherry and so many others. Congrats! So where else will the road be taking you? Will we see you at NAMM 2007?
JP: We are in the process of booking a spot at NAMM, and we plan to hit the road for 3 months at a time beginning in late January to support the CD.
AAM: Speaking of NAMM brings to mind endorsements. Who are endorsers? I know one is Minarik Guitars, who are also a longtime sponsor of AAM. How did that come about for you? And any other endorsements?
JP: Well, I called Bill Minarik while we were making the record and said, “We need a guitar to complete our sound and nothing is holding up.” He said, “Don’t worry, I got it.” He sent a Goddess by next day delivery, and we now have an awesome guitar sound. My goddesses are the most amazing guitars I’ve ever had. We also proudly use Nady products courtesy of Michael Perez at Nady.
AAM: What is the best way your fans can keep up with you?
AAM: Once again, Jak, congrats on “Electric Revolution,” and thanks for sharing your success with our readers. Oh yes, one more question, please. What can we, your fans, expect at your performance at the AAM Music Awards Show?
Story and Interview by Debra Stocker
Photos by Night Visions
