Interviews: JOLLY JACKERS

On this new occasion, we have had the opportunity to interview the Irish Folk/Celtic Rock band JOLLY JACKERS from Hungary. Check out this band and follow them on their FACEBOOK PAGE.

1. Where did you get the idea for the band name, you plan it or come out just like that?

The idea is so lame, it's almost funny. We wanted something Irish and fun, so we figured: Let's go with Jolly Joker, but somehow put booze in it. The 'Jackers' part is a reference for Jack Daniels whiskey (which is nor Irish or fun). After that, we kind of just went with it. Fun fact: The first idea was 'Drunken Harbor', but we are glad that it wasn't the final choice.

2. Why did you want to play this genre?

It was at that time that this style began to become popular in Hungary and we liked it too.

3. Did you know each other before the band was formed?

We met in the band.

4. Each band member's favorite band?

Metallica, AC/DC, Offspring, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sting.

5. Who or what inspires you to write songs? 

Composing music can be inspired by anything, whether it's a mistake when you're practicing or another poorly played song. We try to make sure that every song has an extra hook and that each one has a real character. Over time, we realized that we needed to be different from bands with similar styles, so we allowed ourselves to have other influences in our music, such as classic rock, pop punk, heavy metal, and modern rock. We also had drinking songs, but sometimes we tried to tell stories. In recent years, we have been trying to write about ourselves, our fears, and our struggles. On this record, our song "I'm not drunk" isn't about drinking, it's about feeling drunk with love. So we're trying to be more colorful.

6. Where was your last gig?

We have just finished a mini tour with stops in Germany, the Czech Republic, and Hungary, where we played songs from our new album, "Welcome to the Grind". The audience and we love the new songs. We love being on the road and doing concerts.

7. Where would you like to act?

Unfortunately, we do not belong to any booking agency, so we organize everything ourselves. Putting together 400 concerts was no small task and we love performing everywhere. We've been to festivals and clubs in 14 countries, but we haven't been to England or the United States yet. We are looking forward to coming to these countries, so we hope there will be a booking agency who sees our potential. Three girls and two guys playing the most colorful Irish/Celtic punk you've ever heard with amazing energy. Sounds good, right?

8. Whom would you like to feature with?

Oh man. :) We like to play with anyone, but Dropkick Murphys, Flogging Molly from our genre, and then anyone from A to Z. Now we had a few parties with a Hungarian hardcore band (Don Gatto) and everyone had a good time, but we also played with Toy Dolls, The Rumjacks and Europe. You can put us anywhere.

9. Whom not?

Definitely not with hateful and fascist bands.

10. Any of you has ever suffered from stage fright? Any tip for beginners on how to beat that?

You don't go on stage to take exams, you go to give people love. Your mistakes and stumbles make you special. Love yourself with your flaws and then you will be able to give to others.

11. What bands have inspired you the most?

Black Sabbath, AC/DC, Metallica, Dropkick Murphys, Wes Montgomery... Pantera :)

12. What's the weirdest thing a fan has ever asked you for?

He did not ask for it but gave it. In a small club, someone walked up to the stage and handed me a bag of forbidden substances :) Poor man was wrong because we don't use anything like that.

13. What do you think of your fans?

We feel gratitude for everyone who comes to our concerts, listens to our songs, or supports us by buying a T-shirt.

14. What do you think of our site? 

It's great that there are sites that support less well-known bands and give them the opportunity to introduce themselves. Even better, some people are interested in the underground. There are a lot of talented musicians and bands in the world. In times when AI can make music, it's even more important to support real creators. 

15. Something you'd like to add?

Give our songs a try and give your opinion on our Facebook site or comment on our YouTube channel. Let us see you. We look forward to seeing you all.