For years, Jet Circus fans have been waiting for new music. Now they will get it! Ez Gomer has just released a new Jet Circus CD, but that's not all. He is also one of the singers on the new LNJ CD, as well. See, we here at LNJ listen. You ask and we give! So, no more jabber. Here is Ez Gomer.
First EZ can you tell us what you've been up to?
I have had a good time. Since we toured in the States with Jet Circus I've been working with my advertising agency. I have built a professional recording studio - Hypersonic Studios, in the center of Gothenburg, Sweden where I live. Then I have some other companies in the internet business and an import company that imports and sells boats, motorcycles and electronics. Musically, I've been writing some music for commercials, TV series, and films. I have made some small contributions to other artists' work. And last, but not least, I have met the love of my life — my wife — and raised two great kids.
If someone wants to read the whole Jet Circus story, they are most welcome to read my bio on www.jetcircus.com
What do you think will be released first: the new Jet Circus CD or Guns n' Roses "Chinese Democracy?"
March 31 was release day for the "Look At Death Now" album and the news is going out as we speak. We have begun shipping to the USA, UK, Australia, Norway and Sweden already. Place your orders at http://www.jetcircus.com and you can rock your butt off in a few weeks.
Why did Terry leave Jet Circus? Did he get sick of doing "The Victory Dance?"
Well, maybe he did. I have to dance alone now and it works fine as well.
The break had its beginning as far back as when we got home from touring in the States in 1991. We began almost immediately to work on a new album, writing songs and making some rough demos. This was also the time where the record company should pay us for the selling of "Step On It." There was always strange news about that, and no money. We did not receive any support from the record label and the follow-up album we were working on in 1992-93 never got finished because of that actually. As the band's motor, I needed to find confidence and support in this situation to get my energy going. I needed to have some exchange from carrying the load a bit. Now I had the opposite to deal with and it killed my joy of working with them. If we in reasonable time had found an honest and good label, I guess I would have got new energy but things were the way they were.
Terry was moody in this situation. I always tried to encourage, but the years began to pass by this way. Some short periods, a week or two at a time, the longest period lasted a month, Terry was excited to get it going again and I was happy for it. But it never lasted long enough to make something out of it.
There was at least one occasion some years ago, Terry told me he almost considered calling it quits, but he never could get it over his lips himself. And I did not fill in the blanks. Instead I tried once again to encourage and this was the normal procedure.
Then in 1997-98 I built Hypersonic Studios. I wanted to have a place to work with my music, that meant in the first place Jet Circus. I thought this could spark the flame for Terry as well but the hours we spent together in this fine studio is easily counted on my both hands.
In 2002 I began thinking of doing a solo album, and later on also decided to really finish the "No Mercy" album. I told Terry I wanted him to be in the studio to sing and do his guitar tracks, but if he did not show up this time, someone else would play guitar and I would do the vocals. Eventually I had to ask if he was interested in the band at all or cared about the result.
No, he did not care and said he just wanted to leave the band and quit music totally as he questioned himself being in the right place in life being a musician.
I can't speak for anyone other than myself, I just have to respect his decision even though I don't like the fact that it was based on disbelief rather than belief.
From my point of wiew, it's on the other hand also a relief to know the score, face the fact and be able to move forward without any hesitation of any kind. But of course I miss the good times when everything was fun and Terry was a happy fellow.
You stated in the biography on your website that during your tenure in Leviticus and Jet Circus you were never once paid a dime for record sales or publishing. What happened? Wasn't Jet Circus released by a major label in the States?
That's not cited 100% correctly - $150 USD from Leviticus and half a peanut for "Step On It." It's a shame they never paid as they should but they know it and have deal with it. I will leave the rest of this talking to what I wrote in the biography which I stand behind to the last word.
Back in 1991 you guys were the buzz at the Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Ill. Justin Murr grew up in Peoria, which is about a hour and half from Bushnell. At the festival he saw you perform and even met you. He told you at the time he was starting a Christian band and you replied "Good luck, my prayers will be with you." Given that, we suggest that you helped start this Liberty n' Justice thing! Do you have any words of wisdom for Justin now?
That's a nice story! I really hope I did my prayers as I told him then. I can't honestly remember this now, but anyhow, I will in no way take any personal credit for what Justin achieved himself, walking his path with the Lord. That's his work, struggle and success.
My words of wisdom would be: Go with the Lord and you never get lost. Work hard and don't expect to get anything else for yourself than the satisfaction of knowing that you did what you knew was the right thing to do. That's the only satisfaction you need when you sum it up in the end.
How did you get involved in the new Liberty n' Justice CD? Also, can you tell us about the song you and Justin co-wrote, "Kings Of Hollywood"?
I got mail from Justin, asking me if I wanted to sing a track on this album. He explained about the album briefly, I asked a few questions and said OK. Then I understood that he wanted me to co-write the song as well and that was fine too. I got some lyrics and some MP3 files, which I didn't listen to (sorry Justin). I especially liked the concept of the fifth lyric he sent me, it was called "Kings of Hollywood." I had some musical ideas which I retired after a few weeks. Then I wrote the song in exactly 1.5 hours including the recording of the bass tracks. As far as the lyrics I kept some great lines from Justin and re-wrote the rest.
The lyrics are about discovering that life can be easily wasted and how you can long deep inside for the truth and meaning of it all. I always like the small details in a lyric because I think that for another person, just this single phrase can give another meaning to the lyric than what I was thinking when I wrote it. I never liked to explain my lyrics because of that. I like to keep it open for the listener's own impressions and interpretations. So, you as a listener might get something else out of "Kings."
Can you tell us three of the highest and lowest points so far in your musical career?
Highs:
1. Playing my home arena Scandinavium, in Gothenburg for 10,000 people was special. That was a fine moment with Leviticus and I'm happy for it.
2. When we began touring the US with Jet Circus and got to know in the tour bus that we had a number one with "Break This Jail" on the CCM chart. That was really a great point of success for me and for Jet Circus as a band. Almost everything about "Step On It" was a high actually.
3. The making of "Look At Death Now" is the absolute strongest point in my musical career so far. It was a struggle to do it alone but the reward is without comprehension. It's a great album, not at all perfect, but it contains the best pieces of music I have ever written.
Lows:
1. We played a show with Leviticus in Aal far up north in Norway and this became the name in our camp for a show that sucked, so I have to name the original Aal show to be the real mother of bad shows. I guess we all were off that night, normally every show has it's golden moments but this was poor all the way as I remember it. People in Aal - NOT your fault!
2. In 1997, Jet Circus was booked for a gig in Pattee, Iowa but we were stopped by the immigration office at the Minneapolis airport because we had no working permission. All the bands I knew back then was travelling their tours as tourists and we did as well. Not this time, the regulations were stiffer this year and we were sent back home on the next available flight. That's not a golden memory. On the other hand I have on video Terry sitting in the officers room with those signs on the wall that said "Lying to an officer can get you maximum 5 years in prison." Very nice footage and pretty funny. There might be something to smile at in every bad situation.
3. The co-opereation with Wonderland got me to the lowest point in my career. I felt drained.
As a Christian musician do you care more about the music or the ministry?
I try to keep the talk of ministry very simple. I see music as a gift and I am free to do whatever I want with this gift as free person. So without staring too much on the ministry I just try to do as much good as I can with the music. I can honestly say I want to do my part and give something of everlasting value before the Lord and I hope and pray he keeps me on the right track. I am just a musician trying to do the best of the gifts I have got in life. To serve the best way I can and do the work God wants me to do. Call it a ministry if you like. It's between me and God.
What would it take for you to have a reunion with Leviticus?
I can tell you that I could never consider a reunion as band member, but I could easily get up there and have a good time with the guys, kick Bjoerns butt and play some songs. It wouldn't take anything, just ask. If I'm around I'll do it.
How involved are you in your local church? What are you reading and listening to to help your walk? What do you believe?
Since I moved to a new area, I have no local church to call home yet. We'll see what happens, I'm in no hurry but I look forward to find a fine fellowship in a church when it's time.
I like to read good books of every kind but if you ask for reading to help my walk with the Lord, I think C.S. Lewis was brilliant when he was in his heavy philosophy mood. But what about a good uplifting mag like Hard Music with Doug Van Pelt and his staff. That's good reading too. For listening, I came across Michael Sweet's album "Truth," and that was such a blessing to me. Good music right in my taste, well performed and good lyrics too. Otherwise I guess I have much to discover as far as Christian bands. I never listened to any of them but the "truth" album put me on the track for discovering more of my brothers' music.
I have a very simple belief in the authority of the Bible as the word of God. I also see too many quarrels about interpretations. John 3:16 says it all.
How many CDs did Jet Circus's debut album sell worldwide?
I don't know. It sold pretty good from the start and it still sells today after 14 years. It seems to be a couple of hundred thousands from what I heard and understand. Maybe more, maybe less — I can't confirm it.
Is it true that you started playing bass because you couldn't figure out the other two strings on a guitar?
Heeeeey, that's the old bass joke. I think every bass player gets that. Seriously, it's so far from my personality to give up something whatsoever. Even moreso to give up without trying, which would be the case in your question.
You see, I decided when I was a kid that everything good is for me, I just can do whatever I want to do and no one can shut me out from something I want to do. And thats what I go for still. Then of course you have to deal with getting the priorities right and not ever to step over others, be ruthless and selfish. But everything is yours — so get in there and NEVER quit! Don't let the two extra strings keep you from it — or whatever seems to be the problem.
It is rumoured that you are the forefathers of the rock-rap movement. How do you feel about bands like Limp Biscuit, Lyncoln Park and others like that?
I'm honored if that's the case. But we were just playing with the rap-genre. Not to make fun of it, but to use something that did not belong in our music or in our musical heritage. Just as a classical piece could fit in the same way. Now, if that gave some other bands a good idea to use, that's great and I'm thankful for being a forefather as long as I don't have to retire.
What style of music do you prefer to listen to? What is in your CD player right now?
I like hard rock n roll and metal. Always did. I want the music to carry some good melody — but never name it melodic rock, thank you! Right now I am listening to Motorhead's "Inferno." Great album!
Ez, I know your a smart guy but what was up with the old cover of "Look At Death Now" you posted on your website?
The one you refer to with all the cartoonish figures was used as promo stuff. It's now replaced with the final cover (at right), more fitting to the music — darker, heavier and very classy.
But what about the cartoons, brother? If it made you give it an extra thought that means it works for me. It was a comic book style line-up of some of the people in the lyrics. The album is called "Look At Death Now" and it is kind of the theme for the album as well. I take a little look on life and death and I get to the conclusion and belief that death, in all it's frightening power is defeated, once and for all by the blood of Jesus.
What kind of vacuum do you own?
Now, that's a good question. I own some different vaccums for different places. Interesting enough only christian vacuums, of course.
What does 2005 and beyond hold for Ez and Jet Circus?
If everything goes my way I will see Jet Circus' new album spread some joy and strength to new and old friends this year and I will begin making another album as well. It would be fun going on the road again and I will in different ways try to co operate with other musicians - Play, sing, write or produce. Any suggestions? Drop me a note at
When is the last time you performed live and who was it with?
In 1997 as a rehearsal for the Jet Circus US tour that was later cancelled by the immigration office in Minneapolis, we played as a no name act at a private party. Some people left the hall because of the volume and others ran out to call their friends, yelling on the phones they couldn't believe the quality of the band that was playing. Well, it was a show. Good and loud. Sorry we could not deliver the goods in the States at that time. But I hope to make it up for you soon.
And finally, a Liberty n' Justice 4-ALL word association. We will mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts:
Terry Haw (Jet Circus)
A longtime friend of mine, an honest and good-hearted guy for whom I wish all good things in life.
Michael Sweet (Stryper)
Here's another great guy! I never listened to Stryper when they were happening. Last summer I immediately fell in love with the "Truth" album as I told you. Hey Mike, keep it up!
Jamie Rowe (Guardian)
Another new good discovery for me. I really like Jamie's voice and he seems to be a nice guy as well.
Mikkey Dee (Motorhead)
A very nice guy and a superior musician, never late to help with his extraordinary skills. One of the world's best rock drummers ever.
Bjoern Stigsson (Leviticus)
We actually bumped into each other at a Deep Purple concert in December 2003, for the first time since 1987. We small talked a few minutes and I just had to tell him to read my bio. I still like Bjoern in many ways and I think I told him that as well. Go get 'em, Bjoern. And good luck with the re-united band!
Justin Murr (Liberty n Justice)
I appreciate getting to know this bro during the last year. It's so good to see enthusiasm that doesn't stop as a great thought. Justin sharpened his tools and took on the world. And see what he did. Good job Justin!
Hakan Andersson (the bass player you replaced in Leviticus)
Hakan worked as a live sound engineer in Leviticus after I replaced him on bass but we never got to know each other that well. Hakan is a good guy who I guess anyone would like.
Caesar Kalinowski
Money
Joel T Weiss (manager for Motor Clothes Marketing)
I got an appointment with Joel at the Harley Davidson headquarters in Milwaukee and he was a real nice guy. He told me that Jet Circus could borrow motorcycles anywhere we needed them for publicity, shooting videos, etc. Then he handed me his card, telling me this would do the trick. Same deal as Aerosmith, he said. I'm still grateful, but we never took him up on the offer.