Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Jack: I grew up listening to what my parents listened to, which was a lot of The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen and mostly other classic rock staples. It was really when I watched wrestling I started becoming drawn towards heavier music.
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Plastic Rhino”?
A: Jack: In this day and age, we have all sorts of AI flooding the market with audio junk. We write, record and perform stuff that comes from a real/human place. If you want to laugh, cry and/or throw down in the pit, we have something for all of the above.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Jack: Inspiration comes from everything and everyone. I love seeing people crush it at what they love doing, not just in music, but at their career, favorite hobby, etc.
Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit has always been a guitar player I look up to. His sick riffs came to me at a pivotal time in life and I admire that he has embraced being a goofball and stands for what he believes in.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “Dark Horizon.”?
A: Jack: The way I interpret the main theme of the song, which may mean something completely different to anyone consuming it, is that even if things appear to be dark, don’t dismiss it. If things are looking grim, lean into it and see why we feel that way. Get to know the darkness a little better.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Jack: Multivalent (hey, new possible song title)
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “Dark Horizon”?
A: Jack: There were three guitars used to record all of the parts, each with different string count and tuning. Will have to create a custom detuning preset to play it live with a six string. This is also the very first song that I have done any vocals at all. I had to develop the aggressive vocal part I wanted pretty much on the fly.
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: Jack: Be true to yourself and do the things you want to do. You never know when life is cut short. I just want to perform to bigger audiences and share the experience with as many people as possible.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Jack: Metallica is forever the GOAT when it comes to live shows. Getting to be a part of a production of that caliber would be life completing.
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: Jack: Never stop practicing and always listen to your intuition. If you get a bad vibe from someone, it’s ok not to vibe with every single person.
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: Jack: My younger self was a butthead. Pretty sure he would ignore me and do his own thing still.
