THE JETSETTERS – A COOL CONVERSATION WITH TOMMY LONDON & BRITT LIGHTNING
By Ralph Beauchamp
The Jetsetters, the new rock band founded by SiriusXM personality Tommy London and Vixen guitarist Britt Lightning has announced a new partnership with The Label Group, another step forward for the band as they continue to build momentum following the release of their debut single and music video, “Above The Noise.”
The Jetsetters bring a crisp charge to the present music scene. The band combines Tommy London’s singular vocal presence with Britt Lightning’s brilliant guitar arrangements. Their sound is based on arena rock swagger while embracing a modern hi-energy approach. The end result is music that feels both contemporary and new. Their songs are built around excellent vocal intonations, punchy riffs and a glorified sense of momentum.
At the center of The Jetsetters is the chemistry between London and Lightning. Their songwriting feels organic and natural. London’s vocal grit works well with Britt‘s destroying guitar licks. The two seemed destined to play together. The Jetsetters embody an entity that knows its true worth. Their musical interplay makes the band feel totally relevant and fun. In addition, the music carries a strong sense of movement and excitement;
“Above The Noise” embodies everything The Jetsetters are about. The track has an exuberant flair and the groove is full of anthemic overtones. London’s vocals are adventurous and Lightning shines on her guitar riffs and solos. The entire track shimmers with impetuous character and celebration. The imaginative video adds to the overall charisma of The Jetsetters. They will definitely make waves when their debut album releases next year. Be ready.
Tommy London and Britt Lightning was kind enough to sit with AMP for this cool conversation.
AMP: When you first started writing together, did you have a sound in your head for The Jetsetters or did the sound reveal itself as the songs started coming together?
TOMMY: We both come from a rock background. So, I think we both knew what lane The Jetsetters would eventually be in. The sound and song development started to form when we began to write together.
BRITT: I totally agree. But I feel the sound came about naturally. We both enjoy big rock riffs and oversized pop choruses. Our goal is to create memorable melodies that stick in your head. Musically, we are both on the same page.
TOMMY: Everything just clicked!
AMP: There is a real sense of classic rock DNA in “Above The Noise” but the production feels contemporary. How conscious were you of making something that sounds modern rather than simply recreating the rock you grew up on?
BRITT: Pretty conscious. We went out of our way to make something modern and hip. We want our songs to feel fresh. Additionally, we didn’t want to concentrate strictly on 80’s guitar tones. Tommy and I love that feel but we still wanted the Jetsetters to be more current.
TOMMY: I’m glad you picked up on that because that was what we were striving for.
AMP: The “Above The Noise” chorus has an immediate sing-along quality. When you are writing, do you actively chase that hook or do you know you found it only when it happens naturally?
TOMMY: Sometimes one and sometimes the other. When I am writing a song, especially the melodies, I am always looking for something I would find catchy. Something I would want to play over and over again. I keep working on it until I find it. Then Britt will throw out a comment like “try it this way” or “make a left instead of a right” and it makes the track even more accessible.
AMP: Was “Above The Noise” deliberately chosen as the introduction to the band because it represents the overall sound or was it simply the song that felt right to release first?
BRITT: Both! We tracked about 10 songs. Some were more poppy than others. We wanted the first single to be a little more rocking. “Above The Noise” is a high energy pop/rock song that seemed the epitome of where we wanted to be. When the track was finished, we realized this was our sound.
AMP: Tommy, how do you balance Britt’s heavy guitar background with your strong melodic and vocal sensibilities?
TOMMY: I think they come together perfectly. Britt also has a great pop perceptiveness. Besides awesome guitar riffs, she has amazing ideas about lyrics and melodies. We both come from the same space where you want music to raise fists and feel alive. Britt and I love that classic rock sound and we try to capture that vibe while still remaining relevant. We want people singing our tunes when they leave our shows. That’s important to me.
AMP: You said the songs started “pouring out” once you began writing together. Why do you think the chemistry clicked so quickly?
BRITT: For me, when we started talking, he was very passionate and driven. Those are the qualities I need to work with somebody on a musical project. Tommy was willing to do the hard work necessary to develop something special. We both want this band to succeed. Our goals are similar. We want to play out and make a splash. I knew he would put as much effort into The Jetsetters as I would.
TOMMY: I felt the same way 100%. Britt always brings her “A” game.
AMP: Britt, how important is the guitar tone to the identity of The Jetsetters? Did You spend much time finding the right combination of amps, guitars and effects?
BRITT: The guitar tones were deeply important to me. I do like that “straight to Marshalls” sound. Even though it seems retro, that sound will always feel right since it is timeless. I like a guitar tone that doesn’t fit into any one musical genre. In addition, I still use tube heads. I try to keep it all organic. If overdubs seem to be needed, I add them in the post production so that if they don’t work, I can remove them. I like that kind of control.
AMP: You’ve said you wanted to make the kind of rock n roll that made you fall in love with music. What was the first record or first song that made you want to become a musician?
BRITT: “Eruption” by Van Halen. That was it!
TOMMY: Yeah, Van Halen in general for me. When I saw David Lee Roth play live, I knew I wanted to be a singer. He was the host of the party. I wanted that job. That’s another bond between Britt and me.
BRITT: At our first meet, on the count of three, we shouted out our favorite band and we both shouted Van Halen. Because of that we decided to form a band (laughing).
AMP: Is there a place for vulnerability or darker material in The Jetsetters, or is the band intentionally about energy, fun and escapism?
BRITT: There is surely room for vulnerability. We just wrote an amazing ballad. It feels great and it has deeper overtones.
TOMMY: We are definitely about positivity and fun but you never know where a song will take you. Sometimes the story goes down one road and other times down a different one. All we are looking for is balance. We will incorporate anything a song needs. Like Britt said, the new ballad has a serious bend to it.
AMP: Do you think rock needs to evolve sonically or can a great riff, melody and chorus still be enough in 2026?
BRITT: I think those components can be enough. All that matters is if the song is good and can weather the sands of time. A great song will translate well acoustically or even as a hum. That’s what every songwriter strives for.
TOMMY: I totally agree. A good song plays well everywhere. All you need are big riffs, imposing melodies and a sublime vocal. That’s how it has always been done. I love when a big rock song gets stripped down in an “unplugged” version and it still shines. It also allows the story and textures to sparkle even more.
AMP: Tommy, you’ve spent years listening to and talking about rock music from the radio side of the business. Now you’re creating the music yourself. Has being a listener and curator of rock changed the way you write rock songs?
TOMMY: No! I am always a fan of the music I play on the radio and that music has always been an inspiration. But in reality, it hasn’t changed my writing style. It does make me more determined to get our music out so we can join those great bands on the airwaves. I know Britt and I are on the right track. We can’t wait for our debut album to drop next year. As to my radio gig, it’s nice to get paid to talk about the music I love.
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