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One band is kicking up a storm in and around the USA. Vains of Jenna originally from Sweden are back with their sophomore studio album “The Art of Telling Lies”. The band currently has a hit single ‘Get it On’ and are on the road this fall across the US with LA based rock band Dirty Penny. The new album was just released this September and is doing exceedingly well. Road Crew mag was very fortunate enough to contact drummer Jacki Stone via email to answer some questions about the new cd and his personal influences and more.

Road Crew: The new album, ‘Art of Telling Lies’ has just been released and it does appear to being doing well, please tell us more. How does it feel to be out with a new album?  What does the new album offer?

JACKI: Yes it was released on Itunes in September.Many cd's have already been sent out all over the world, it feels great!
"The Art Of Telling Lies" is filled with great rock n roll with a sweet touch of pop, funk and much more.
It feels great to have a new album out... it's been 3 years since the last one, so it is definitely time to get something fresh out there. This album, I would say, have songs that whoever in the world can relate to and dig, whatever age or what kind of music you usually listen to. I am very
happy with the result of this album!!! We had a great producer that we worked with too... His name is Brent Woods.

Road Crew: Almost a year ago, the band went to its homeland of Sweden, how was it  to be back? And playing at the Sweden Rock Festival?
Did the band find any inspiration for the new album being back in Sweden? How so?

JACKI: We hadn't been in Europe for 2 years and it was cool coming back
there. We had no idea what to expect when we started playing around in
Europe... Mind you that we only did about 20 shows in Europe before we
headed over to the States in 2006... But it was great! Did many cool shows
in Sweden, Italy, UK, Scotland and Denmark, touring with bands like
Crucified Barbara and Viking Skull.
Sweden Rock Festival was amazing. A dream coming true to play there for
sure. That was the last show in Sweden/ Europe before we came back here in
Los Angeles so it was very much a great "goodbye" (for a little while) to
our European fans!
The album was already recorded and done when we went back to Sweden... But
for new material it will probably be inspired by the homecoming.

Road Crew: The band is currently on tour across the US with Dirty Penny, how did the two bands meet up and decide on this?  

JACKI: We have been friends and crossed paths on the road before playing
shows together here and there. Both bands have new CD's out and we are all
hungry and ready to hit the road. So it kinda came naturally for us to get
together and plan a tour. I'm very excited that it will happen!

Road Crew: Theres a cover song of Tom Pettys ‘Refugee’ on the new CD, which isn't just like any cover it does have the VOJ unique sound and feel on it,  how and whose idea was it for it be included?

JACKI: We've played that one for a while... actually since the Poison/Ratt
tour in 2007. That is probably why we have a good VOJ feel to it. It just
felt nice to have that one on the CD... A great song.

Road Crew:The band has a very colourful image that appears to be influenced by the 80s where you rarely see it these days (in comparison to some of the mainstream bands) in the US, do you think that ever hinders the band being taken seriously?

JACKI: I don't think that we are treated unfair or not being taken
seriously because the way we look... Our music and performances has it's
own life and kicks everyone's ass when they see us! And I feel that we are
respected in and around the music industry.

Road Crew: How and what did age did you get into drumming? Who’s your favourite
 drummer ever?

JACKI: I borrowed my uncles drum kit for a summer back in -97. I was 11.
Then, me and Nicki started our "real" first band when I was 13. And since
then I've been hooked on the drums!
I don't know what I would do if I didn't have my drums... I play everyday,
many times for hours, by myself and with the band. If i don't play for a
day I don't feel good, hehe.
Hmm... There are so many good drummers out there, but one of my favorite
drummers ever is Dave Grohl.
I get inspired by many different drummers... one of my favorites right now
is Dominic Howard from MUSE.

Road Crew: What artists/bands have been your constant inspiration in making music? What kinda songs would we find on your playlist?

JACKI: Wow... so many... Queen, Nirvana, Led Zeppelin, The Who, GnR, Ozzy
etc. etc. This is a question that I can give an answer that will go on
forever, so i just shorted it down and gave you a handful of bands that
inspired me, hehe.
On my playlist would probably be some Pantera, MUSE, Metallica, Pink
Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Avenged Sevenfold... The list goes on and on.

Road Crew: You have had the chance to meet up and even share the stage with members of bands that have influenced the band and you personally, how has that been?
Any others artists/bands you would love to tour/work with?

JACKI: We've been very lucky to play with such great bands! It's
amazing!!! It's something we've dreamed of...
I would love to go on tour with The Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Buckcherry,
Papa Roach, KISS and many more! We are aiming for the top and work really
fuckin hard to achieve it too!!! Hours and hours in the rehearsal, working
on the computer and being out there kickin ass at every show!
So to get to the top and tour and work with bands like that... You gotta
give this 200%!

Road Crew: What is the creative process like when making a song especially for
 you?

JACKI: I usually have something that comes back in my head over and
over... like an idea for a melody, drum part or guitar riff... Then I just
try it out. Lyrics and songs comes from so many different ways... It can
be something that is going on in your life, sometimes just stuff that you
feel... that's whats coming out on a piece of paper or in your hands with
a instrument in your hand.

Road Crew: Any songs from the new album that are personal to you or are your
 personal favourite?

JACKI: Hmm.... Nicki Kin [guitarist] and Lizzy DeVine [lead singer] wrote most part of the songs on the album and did a hell of a good job! My favorite to play right now is "I Don't
Care" or "The Art Of Telling Lies".

Road Crew: How is it being in a band with your brother JP White?

JACKI: It is fuckin awesome!!! We have a great chemistry on and off stage.
He's great to work with and we understand each other so good that I can
never even think about not having him in the band!

Road Crew: What has been your ONE greatest experience in being with VOJ?

JACKI: I don't have just ONE actually... many great things have happen...
and more will come!
Whats one thing about the band or you, that would surprise fans?
JACKI: Ohh I don't know... haha.

Road Crew:  Thank you for the interview, I personally wish you and the band the best of success, hope the tour goes well. Any final words to all your fans?

JACKI: Thank you very much!!! Thanks to all our fans all over the world!
You guys kick ass!!!
Keep an eye and have your ears open for more news about Vains of Jenna...
check out our myspace, facebook and Twitter for more info about the band
and upcoming shows!

SEE YA ON THE ROAD!

Check out Vains of Jenna on myspace for more information regarding tour dates and to purchase their new album.
www.myspace.com/vainsofjenna

By Siddiqa