A Conversation with Jordan from the Band After

The band After originated in Longview, Texas in January of 2003, when guitarist Tom Stott and drummer Eric Alban joined forces to create an original band that was far from the typical hard rock and metal bands on the East Texas music scene at that time. Former vocalist Ryan Taylor he met with Tom and Eric at a local coffee shop in answer to a "Vocalist Wanted" sign he found at a bookstore. Following several months of failed try-outs, they found bassist Jordan Jackson to complete their musical creation. After toured all over East Texas, winning over hordes of loyal fans with their music, often described as "Ambient Metal." In 2006, singer Ryan Taylor announced his amicable departure from the band, much to the collective disappointment of their fans, leaving guitarist Tom Stott to step up to the microphone as temporary front man until current vocalist Casey Johnston recently joined forces with After. Each band member brings his own influence to a band that is never lacking in originality. Now with soon to be released new recordings to unleash, After is poised to usher in a whole new era for After's avid followers, as well as new fans soon to be discovered.

We recently caught up with bassist Jordan Jackson, who obligingly took time out of his busy schedule to answer questions and provide an accommodating insight into After's past, present, and future.

Jordan of AFTER: I will speaking on behalf of the band.

Riley the promoter: Thanks, Jordan, for granting this interview. First question... where did you guys come up with the name After?
Jordan from AFTER: Well Tom and Eric were sitting around one day years ago trying to come up with a band name. Eric was saying how much hard work you have go through to get on top in music that he wondered what it would be like After you get to where you want to be. Then Tom stopped him right there and said that's it...After.

Riley the promoter: So who are all the members of the bands, the instruments they play, and their ages?
Jordan from AFTER: Tom Stott-Guitar-26, Eric Alban-Drums-26, Jordan Jackson-24-Bass and Casey Johnston-25-Vocals.

Riley the promoter: What is the bands favorite song to play?
Jordan from AFTER: OMG! There are so many of them. We roughly have around 40 originals. I can't speak on behalf of them, but my favorite is probably "Paper Bullets" or "The Wrench."

Riley the promoter: Fair enough answer.

Riley the promoter: Are you guys writing any new material?
Jordan from AFTER: We just got done with 2 new songs last month. Since we just got our new singer we have been rewriting a lot of older music so we can have a set down for the shows, but me and Tom were working on a new song over the phone last night. Him and I seem to write a lot of music over the phone.

Riley the promoter: Now that's rather unusual working on music over the phone?

Jordan from AFTER: Yes it is.

Jordan from AFTER: We just play guitar over the phone telling each other what we are writing and the rest is magic.

Riley the promoter: OK, next question , if you had to answer for the other guys , what would you say is your favorite part of performing in front of a crowd.
Jordan from AFTER: We absolutely love to perform. We love the energy we receive from the crowd cause that is our fuel. For the most part we just hope to touch people with our music.

Riley the promoter: What is the band's expectations and goals for the future.
Jordan from AFTER: We want to record really bad. Honestly, money means nothing to us with music, but we all agreed the other day that we want to do this for a living and to live you have to have money, but the only reason the money even matters is just so we don't have to work a normal 8-5 job. In other words, that is what we want to be rock stars when we grow up.

Riley the promoter: I think everyone wants to find money to get out of working 9 to 5.
Jordan from AFTER: Every one of us works long hours to make everything happen.

Riley the promoter: If you guys had to tour with any national band after being signed, which band would it be.
Jordan from AFTER: That is where every person in the band would totally have a different opinion. We completely listen to different music. Hmm this one's hard, but for me it would probably have to be Incubus, but for them I am clueless.

Riley the promoter: Where is your favorite place to play?
Jordan from AFTER: That's easy, Clicks in Tyler and no, I'm not afraid to say it either, but we love to play anywhere that will have us.

Riley the promoter: Last question, tell everyone where they can listen to your music and when your next show is?
Jordan from AFTER: Well currently we don't have any new music to listen to at the moment, that is where we need to record comes into play. We don't have any music with our new singer available just yet but it will be there soon. Our next show is at May 4 2007, 8:00PM, TriggerFist CD RELEASE PARTY at The Party Zone in Longview, TX.

Riley the promoter: Cool , and thanks, Jordan for your time.

Jordan from AFTER: Thanks a million for having me.