Josh Epstein of JR JR

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This past week I was able to connect with Josh Epstein of the band JR JR to discuss what went into their latest album called Back To The Land. In this interview, I asked Josh about some of the lyrical concepts/themes present in the new LP, the band’s approach to their dynamic live performances, and the freedom they feel in releasing their music. Back To The Land released last Friday on all streaming services, and there is also a vinyl pressing available here.

Thanks for your time today! Let’s start off by discussing where the title of the new record, Back to the Land, came from. The lyrical themes throughout the album seem to point to nature and human connections. How did you decide on this title?

We were thinking about what we can do that might be more unique to us. We landed on the way we sing together, and that started us on the path to recording an album that’s more focused on the songs and vocals/harmonies themselves.
We made a decision to not use modern recording technology as a crutch, and ended up making an organic record.
Lyrically, I think it’s a reaction to the speed of information we’re experiencing. Information is more accessible than ever, yet fewer people are taking time to be fully informed. It’s a life of convenience that sometimes feels inconvenient. Our response is to get back to nature/simplicity.

I understand JR JR will be playing a show this coming August 22nd at The Magic Bag in Detroit. What is your band’s plan for shaping out the setlist for this show, and when can fans expect more tour dates?

I think we’ll do songs from all of our albums and likely include 5 or so from the new album. As far as more dates, I’m not sure that’s something we will do. That’s less threat than resignation, and things can always change.

I’ve caught your live performances at the 9:30 Club in Washington, D.C. a few times in the past, and I’m always blown away by how well JR JR can replicate the sound live that comes through on the studio recordings. What is the band’s warm-up routine these days to ensure you sound your best on show days?

We always do a “dress rehearsal” before we perform. Usually it’s for friends and family. Then we take notes from everyone and rehearse again before the show.

As a fellow vinyl collector, I was thrilled to see Back to the Land get a nice pressing on “Eco Jade” vinyl. How much freedom does your band feel in releasing new music; from the packaging, art direction, single choices, etc.?

That’s one area where we feel totally unencumbered. It’s mostly a desire to keep costs down for fans that keeps us from going even crazier!

JR JR has been described as an “indie power pop band”, to an “indie rock band”, all the way to even an “experimental band.” What words would best describe where the band is at today, stylistically?

I think we are writers, first and foremost. We have spent years building and tearing down songs. Genre feels like less of a consideration to us, and perhaps that’s been to our detriment as it’s tougher to label our sound. But mostly we revere the song and will attempt to serve it however we can.

Back to the Land, sonically, has a great vibe and rich sound throughout the album from start to finish. What thought processes went into not only the recording process, but the decisions that led to the final tracklisting?

The final tracklisting was really hard. You have to be aware of the tendency in the streaming age for listeners to stream the first few songs more than whatever follows. We ended up cutting 4 or 5 songs at the end because they didn’t feel as uniform thematically. As far as recording, we used microphones and real instruments for everything. No recording DAW tricks or loops or midi. It’s just us in a room.

The opening lyrics in “Domino” of: “The world is a commercial for things I shouldn’t buy / Some days I can’t tell what’s dead from what’s alive” seems to perfectly sum up what it’s like to be not only a music fan these days, but also just living through the current political climate. What advice would you give your fans for balancing out all of the “noise” and protecting their mental health?

I think it’s important to realize that nobody is entitled to your thoughts. You don’t have to have a public opinion about a topic you’re unfamiliar with. I had always hoped that the internet would lead to a democratization of information, so that every sub genre might have its own vibrant public space. I’m not sure that it’s gone that way. The internet is ultimately capitalism distilled, so it seems top heavy too often. But you can read a book or go on a walk! Try it!

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