INTERVIEW: JShell’s new single “Haunted”

JShell, the multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter from New York City, is back with a new single called “Haunted”, which is part of his brand new rock album In My Head. The album features special guest appearances from some of the best musicians in the business, including former lead guitarist of Genesis Steve Hackett, violinist Katie Jacoby, guitar virtuosos Jake Cinninger and Scott Metzger among many others.

His sound is a perfect blend of rock and roll, with influences from classic rock, alternative rock, and even some blues. His talent as a multi-instrumentalist is evident in his tracks, with each instrument adding depth and texture to the music. His arrangements are creative and diverse, showcasing his talent as a composer and his ability to create music that is both engaging and dynamic.

JShell’s musical influences are a mix of classic rock bands like Genesis, The Beatles, The Who, and Queen, and newer bands like Phish and Iron Maiden. For In My Head, he produced, wrote, and arranged all 15 tracks while playing all the drums, bass guitar, and keyboards, providing lead and background vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, and percussion. The album was mastered by Grammy Award-winning Randy Merrill of Sterling Sound.

JShell collaborates with Karen Abrams, Fernando Chirinos, and Sofie Jane for his recent single “Haunted”. The track starts with an eerie organ intro before a groovy bass line and punchy drums enter, followed by vocals and the crunching guitar riffs that give it its rock n’ roll edge. The compelling vocal leads from JShell and his talented collaborators add a touch of nostalgia to the track, evoking classic rock ballads from the 80s and 90s.

We caught up with him to find out more about his inspirations, his new single “Haunted” and what he’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with JShell below.

Hey JShell, how’s things?

Things are fantastic! Thanks for asking. I’m really pumped about my album In My Head finally being released. It’s been a long road.

What was your biggest highlight in 2022?

I go see a lot of live music and in 2022 alone I was fortunate enough to see Paul McCartney, The Who (twice), Billy Joel, Smashing Pumpkins with Jane’s Addiction, Jack White, Spoon, The Doobie Brothers and Phish (10 times), just to name a few. All were amazing.

So how did you first get into making your own music?

I’ve been in bands for many years and one day I woke up and realised that I had hundreds of song ideas on my phone’s voice recorder that needed a home and I’d always wanted to see if I could do an entire album where I was not just the only songwriter but I’m playing most of the instruments and singing. So I just went for it.

Which artist first made a lasting impression on you?

The Beatles and The Jackson 5 were the first 2 artists that just stayed with me. With respect to The Beatles, just seeing how they grew as a band was inspiring. They were nothing like they were when they started. It was like reading the greatest book ever written. And when I was a kid and first heard I Want You Back, Stop The Love You Save, ABC and Dancing Machine by the Jackson 5, I thought they were the coolest act on the planet.

What do you like about the New York City music scene?

On any given day, there are dozens of shows happening within either walking distance or a short drive from where I live, so that’s pretty great. But the best thing about the scene is that you can tell no matter what band or artist you’re seeing, playing in New York City is a big night for them and because of that they are usually giving it their all.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from today?

That’s a great question as most of my main influences are based in the ’60s through the ’90s. In terms of more contemporary artists, I really dig bands like Royal Blood and Maneskin but I’m also really inspired by older bands who are putting out incredible material like Red Hot Chili Peppers, whose 2 new albums have some of the best tracks they’ve ever done, plus Muse, Blink-182 and Foo Fighters, all of whom continue to be not just relevant but are putting out killer tracks.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

I find additional inspiration both in living in New York City, which itself keeps me on my toes and makes my brain work harder than it would if I was living in the country, and listening to music that’s not rock. I’m not ashamed to admit that I really dig Lizzo and Taylor Swift and what they’re doing, which is unapologetically unique and filled with confidence, is really inspiring in their own way.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

My music is, for the most part, high energy rock and roll with a lot going on in each track, so I’d say the listener should be partying when they are listening, and if they’re not partying, then they should be driving on an open road.

How did you find making your recent single “Haunted”?

It was one of the best experiences of my life to be honest. Karen Abrams, Fernando Chirinos and Sofie Jane are literally all family members of mine, and to share this experience with them was just tremendous. Plus I had the bass guitar riff in my head forever and to finally bring it to life was extremely satisfying.

What was the message you wanted to get across with this song?

At its core, it’s a song about being true to yourself and not allowing anyone to push you around. I’m writing about gravitating to powerful stuff/accelerating when the going gets tough/navigating as the waters get rough and then letting go of something that’s “haunting” you and bringing you down so that you can triumph over adversity.

How was it collaborating with Karen Abrams, Fernando Chirinos and Sofie Jane to feature on the song?

Like I said previously, it was tremendous. Karen is someone who has sung the USA national anthem at major sporting events and her voice is just so powerful. Fernando is a well known musician in his home country of Peru and he absolutely shredded. And Sofie Jane is on her way to being a global superstar.

What can listeners expect from your upcoming music?

My album In My Head, which was just released on February 14th, is 15 tracks of catchy, melodic rock and roll with some prog rock and heavy sounds that keep everything interesting. My influences are Genesis, The Beatles, The Who, Queen, Rush, Journey, Billy Joel, Iron Maiden, Styx and Phish, to name a few, and they’re all in there.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve really been digging Unlimited Love and Return of the Dream Canteen, both albums having been released by Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2022, and Muse’s new album Will of the People. I also really like Corey Taylor’s album CMFT, which is different from his stuff in Slipknot but still heavy and melodic. Rock is very much alive.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I just want people to like it and to actually want to take some time out of their busy days to give my songs a listen. If they do, I hope they feel the passion that I put into each and every song.

What’s been your favourite live show so far?

Paul McCartney, every time. He’s my hero.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

Foo Fighters, Muse and Oasis. Fiona Apple, Royal Blood and The Dandy Warhols would also be on the bill. And I’ve never been to Glastonbury so there’s your location.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Be consistent, persistent and relentless. Nobody is going to hand you anything.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2023?

Right now, I’m only thinking about getting the word out about my album In My Head. And going to see Phish another 10 times this summer.

Listen to Haunted below

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