Our second interview is with none other than Jamie Rowe. Jamie has been around music for a long time. He started by forming a band called Tempest with his brother. He went on to sing lead for one of the most popular Christian hard rocking outfits ever … Guardian.
Jamie's been up to a lot lately. He released a solo record; sang with the band Adraingale; and started a new band, London Calling. And there have been rumors swirling of a "new" Guardian record.
For the record, this interview was conducted in December 2004. Now, without further ado, let's get to know a great vocalist and a good friend of Liberty n' Justice: Jamie Rowe.
LNJ: Jamie thanks for doing this inteview, but before we get started we need to get something out of the way: "Do you promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth, so help you GOD?!"
Jamie Rowe: Yessiree.
First Jamie can you tell us what you've been up to and where can people go to find more about you?
www.jamierowe.com will tell you everything you ever wanted to know..and then some.
Rumor has it Guardian is getting back together. Is this a full blown reunion, tour, red wig, etc.? And what about the red wig?
Yes, Guardian is planning to reunite for some studio work. Nothing live is planned at this point, but you never know. Everyone, including myself, has their own things going so it would have to fit in somewhere. As far as the famed Fire and Love wig, it was safely returned to the store in Tustin, Ca, it was rented from! (In hindsight, it is so silly that hair was a factor in music isn't it!)
And what style are the new songs in and what label is releasing it?
We are throwing around ideas right now. But I think Velvet Revolver would be a good gauge. We are doing it with John and Dino Elefante through their 3.1 productions company
Every band has a leader: Motley has Nikki; Petra has Bob. Who pulls the strings in Guardian?
David Bach. We had good chemistry in Guardian in the fact that Bach and Karl were gifted on the business side. And Tony and I seemed to lead more musically and socially. The thing about Guardian is that all four of us never sat back and coasted. We all worked hard and equally to make things happen once a plan was created. It takes all members being equally driven to make a band work.
How did you get involved in the Liberty n' Justice "Welcome To The Revolution" project? Many believe "Noise" is the best song on the CD. How did this song come about and what are your feelings about that CD in general? (and you can be honest since you've already been paid.)
A great idea that I felt could have been produced and recorded better … but hindsight is 20/20 and I know LNJ has stepped up the level this time around … or so I am told ;-)
OK OK OK, we have been holding a grudge against you for a while. We just have to get something off our chests. Back in the fall of 2000, Justin Murr promoted a concert in Peoria, IL and you were the headliner. Another group was on that bill and believe it or not it was Liberty n' Justice. At the end of the show you were sitting around eating hot wings and Justin came up to you and gave you a cassette of his album "Forever Till The End." You replied "I didn't know you guys really do music. I thought this was a one time thing!" What did you mean by this?
I don't recall … but I am guessing maybe I thought you were just doing something for the one show … I wasn't aware that you were an active group. Good wings by the way.
You recently did a song for the new Liberty n' Justice album. Tell us about the song and why you decided to do another round at this LNJ thing?
Justin asked … I said yes … I was helping Nineteen88 record some vocals and while I was there, I tracked the song. So, the timing was great and it was a good song.
Name the three highest points and the three lowest points of your musical career to date.
I can't name three. But some highs have been joining Guardian; touring internationally; being a Christian band with a video on MTV; having Toby record Extreme Days; signing a six-figure record deal with Word in 1995; and the whole London Calling ride.
Some lows have been Bach getting off the road in 97; having to start over from the ground up after Guardian; and losing my voice for 3 months in 93-94. In all honesty, I haven't had too many of what I feel would be real low points.
As a Christian musician do you care more about the music or the ministry?
I feel the quality of music has alot to do with my efforts. I have a voice in that, but I feel the quality of ministry is up to God. I cannot save anyone … only God can. I can't force the spirit to draw people to God.
A few years ago, you tried out for the lead singer of Ratt. How close were you at getting that gig?
We'll never know. I withdrew right after doing the audition with them. It was clear to me that I wasn't the right fit.
OK OK OK … We have heard that you were born "Earl Rowe." In Tempest you went by "Junior" Rowe and my favorite, JR "Rocking" Rowe. Then in Guardian until now it was Jamie … What is your true name? With so many aliases, are you wanted for something?
The only thing I am wanted for is having been named "Earl W. Rowe Jr." At a time when the LA rock thing was booming, I needed a stage name. While I truly feel like "JAMIE ROWE" … once again. Chalk up the name with the hair comment above. Incidentally, my nickname in Guardian is "EARL."
Justin Murr has been called the most "untalented talented person." What does this mean?
It means Sharon has just spoken!
How involved are you in your local church? What are you reading and listening to to help your walk? What do you believe?
I am very active with my church. I sing with the vocal team quite a bit and I love doing that as much as I do playing rock shows. Sometimes I like it better cause I get to sing with Heather. Books: Rick Warren and Brennan Manning both speak to me. Musically: I like alot of modern praise songs … they speak to me.
If Liberty n' Justice decides to a third all-star CD and you are busy, can we hire Christian Rowe? And will he go on the Jamie Rowe payment plan?
You would be very wise to track Christian on the disc … he's "got it". As far as payment, speak with his management: Heather and Jamie Rowe.
What bands have you toured with or played with through the years?
Too many to name. Favorites were Stryper … dc talk … I enjoyed playing with Sponge and Days Of The New with London Calling. Oh yeah, playing my solo tour in Columbia this past fall with Latin bands Rescate and Kenosis was a blast!
Do you think this interview is a rip off of metal-sludge and if you answer yes have you seen our forum board?
Your e-mail asking me to do an interview "Metal Sludge style" was a major clue to me. I haven't been to your board, but I will!
You did 5 CDs with Adriangale. Your fans who wanted that "Miracle Mile" vocal from you were more than happy that you were involved with this project but what happened? Why no more? We have heard it was something to do with your "thankyous" in the liner notes and the pictures in the CD. Can you elaborate?
No, I won't elaborate. Enjoy the music that's there and if you like it, keep tabs on Vic Rivera in the future.
What does 2005 and beyond hold for the musician Jamie Rowe?
I don't know. I never do. I want to do a new solo disc ASAP!
What kind of vacuum are you currently using in your home?
An overpriced Kirby of course!
One thing I really do like about you is your willingness to relate and converse with your fans through your website. Most artists would not do this, so why do you?
It's not that difficult. I go to the board, open all the questions in different windows and answer them. It takes all of 5 minutes. I just made it a priority to do. I enjoy the friendships on the board.
And finally, a LNJ 4-ALL word association. We will mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts:
Karl Ney (Drummer Guardian)
Not only does he keep time, he can keep your books too! A truly great friend. Karl is probably the only person I could tell a secret to and know for a fact that it would never be shared with anyone.
Michael Sweet (Stryper)
Important to me growing up. It was really cool to know Stryper when I joined Guardian. I do remember in 1992 I had a part time job at Blockbuster video and I was walking out of the NAMM show with Michael and my drummer friend Jamie Wollam; I mentioned that I had to get to work and Michael said something like "You really work there? I was thinking of getting a job. Do you think they would hire me?" At the time, I thought he was serious. So I said "Yeah, probably." It was quickly brought to my attention by another friend that Michael was having a laugh at me … but that's the difference between being a platinum artist and being a beginner. It used to bug me, but not anymore.
John Kivel (Kivel Records)
20 years ago would have been John Kalodner.
Mookie Taylor (Producer)
Mookie is my musical hero. We have talked for years about doing a band called Olive Branch together. Someday it will happen.
Jack Russell (Great White)
I don't know him. But I remember seeing him on Fox News within 24 hours of the Station fire and that is what I base my opinion of him on. It's not real favorable.
MCFLY (webmaster of guardian-world and poster on JamieRowe.com)
He has kept the flames of Guardian burning when the band didn't. A friend indeed.
The Blue Meenie (Wrestler)
I only know of him through Sludge … unrelated. I started watching the MTV show "tough enough" a few years ago because they used some of my music. Through that show, I gained insight and appreciation for the whole wrestling thing.
Gary Manuel (Producer of "Welcome To The Revolution")
Only met him once … seemed like a nice guy
Paul Crawley (ex-singer Guardian)
I am glad he quit. lol!
Justin Murr (Liberty n' Justice)
Jerk … total jerk
Heather Rowe (your wife)
A very supportive and loving woman...In the words of Journey, "Loving a music man ain't always what it's supposed to be."
Sushi (food)
Unagi handrolls = heaven on earth! I like middle-eastern food just as much … I just haven't written any songs about it … yet!
Well there you have it. Jamie's a great guy, even if some of us here at Liberty n' Justice took exception to a certain "jerk" comment!
Visit jamierowe.com to find out more about Jamie.