THEM EVILS – AN INTERVIEW WITH JORDAN GRIFFIN
At this moment in time, Them Evils are one of the hottest bands around. Since 2016, they have released countless galvanic singles and a monster EP entitled Rollin’ Stoned and Livin’ Free. The southern Californian three piece have a hard hitting rock sound that can cater to any music devotee. The band describes their glorious pandemonium as “Classic Rock, Modern Roll”. Them Evils is made up of Jordan Griffin (Guitar/Vocals), David Delaney (Drums) and Jake Massanari (Bass). Their live shows are storied and they have opened for such top notch acts as The Pretty Reckless, Alter Bridge and Pop Evil. They have also played several festivals including Welcome To Rockville and Rock On The Range.
Them Evils have just released their driving new single, “Burner”. The song simply cranks with its propulsive tempo and fiery guitar riffs. Griffin’s vocals are spectacularly fearless. His guitar soaks with high grade engine fuel. Massanari’s bass is muscular and pummelling while Delaney’s drums slam like atomic fireballs. Speaking about the tune, Griffin acclaims:
“The song is an absolute “Burner”! From the fast-paced up-tempo drum intro followed by the catchy driving guitar riff, it’s a Rock Anthem that keeps your head moving. We experimented with vocal harmonies on the verse and a lot of backing vocal layers, which is a texture we haven’t really applied to previous songs”.
Produced by Jim Kaufman (Dee Snider, The Black Moods) at his Santa Monica based studio, “Burner” truly captures Them Evils‘ infectious intensity.
The following is a cool interview with vocalist/guitarist Jordan Griffin.
AMP: What inspired you to start playing music?
Griffin: I think the first time I was inspired to be a musician was when I was five years old and my parents took me to see Green Day. I saw Billie Joe Armstrong spit out a loogie and catch it back in his mouth. That’s when I realized that this is what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.
AMP: Your new single “Burner” has a slightly different musical feel than your previous material. How have your fans reacted?
GRIFFIN: I think they really love it. Organically it’s spreading. It’s been put on a lot of streaming service’s playlists especially Spotify. Jim Kaufman (producer) killed it. We did a lot of harmonies and the music was inspired by old school metal like Metallica and Motorhead. It has a driving fast paced riff…higher BPMs than usual. We did a little Alice In Chains vocalization which was interesting. There is a lot more parts to the song. There’s a extended pre-chorus and a bitching solo. It was really written well. I simply love the song. I think it’s one of our best tracks.
AMP: Since you mentioned Jim Kaufmann…you have worked extensively with him. How was that experience?
GRIFFIN: Working with Jim is always fun. He knows what he wants the band to sound like. I think we’re one of the hardest bands he’s worked with sonically speaking. He is always referencing all the old albums we love. In the studio, he’s like “what do you want to sound like” and “where do you want to take the guitar and drums”? He’s totally hand on! I love playing his old vintage guitars and gear. Jim’s a gear junkie like me. The studio is always super fun.
AMP: Them Evils have a reputation for hard hitting live shows? How do you capture that energy on your recordings?
GRIFFIN: You know that’s a good question. I don’t believe we have yet! That’s something I’m still trying to figure out. We are such a high energy band live and we play so well on stage. The energy is fucking astronomical! We have yet been able to achieve that feel on a record. I think “Burner” is a step in the right direction but I’m still trying to deliver that drive in the studio.
AMP: How does the band stay musically focused in these trying times?
GRIFFIN: Music is something we all love to do. So regardless, the music is what keeps us focused. We all get along even though we have our tiffs but we are a band. We’re in it to win it! It’s what we want to do for the rest of our lives. It’s easy staying connected and focused when you know your goals.
AMP: If you could collaborate with anyone (past or present)…who would it be?
GRIFFIN: Layne Staley or Bon Scott. Guitar-wise, Eddie Van Halen or Randy Rhoads. I would love Randy Rhoads to rip a solo on one of our songs.
AMP: You guys are constantly on the road. Tell us about your favorite show?
GRIFFIN: We played in Canada with The Pretty Reckless in 2016 and the crowd was so big we couldn’t see the back of the venue…a sea of people. It was an amazing sight. Another great gig was when we played at Rock On The Range. The night we were to perform got rained out but they still wanted us to play. So we opened the festival the next day. It was our first stadium show ever.
AMP: Favorite track to play live?
GRIFFIN: Probably “Burner” or “Untold”. Without a doubt!
AMP: What’s next for Them Evils?
GRIFFIN: We are going to keep writing and recording. We have a ton of new songs. Some are already recorded. We want to come out swinging with the right PR, the right team, the right songs at the right time! We want the perfect storm! Them Evils are always going to release new music. We are constantly working.
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