Jade Steel

EMERALD TRIANGLE:
A REVIEW BY
JOHN SIMMONS

I love being a writer, I truly do. One of the really hip things about it is that I get to meet
A lot of cool, creative people and get to experience their creativity up close and personal. One of the best, and worst, things about meeting these people is that when they discover that I am a writer, I am very often given something to listen to, read or watch. Generally, the material I am given is fairly entertaining but nothing really remarkable. Occasionally, I am required to sit through such an enormous piece of crap that I don’t tell anyone I’m a writer for weeks in fear of having a repeat experience. Every now and then, on very rare occasions, I am given something I really like, something truly unique and creative. On occasions even more rare, I have been privileged enough to have placed in my hand a real work of "art", something truly brilliant, something so remarkable that it left a profound impression on me. This has happened three times over the course of my career.
Make that four. To say that this is a great album would be not only simplistic, but a terrible disservice to both Jade Steel and my readers. This album is truly the work of an inspired genius, not only in execution but in concept as well. Humbolt’s Jade Steel has followed up his above average debut effort.
With an album that, if there is any justice in this world (or the music biz), should come to be recognized as one of the twenty or thirty finest rock albums of all time.
The songs I hear are expertly crafted glimpses into the souls and minds of Jade, Andre,
and Bay Area’s best drummer, Jeremy Hoenig, who beats the skins with his
trademark controlled ferocity.
With the exception of J.S.P.E.T., every song is a mini-essay reflecting the artists’ stands and views on social issues from the plight of the rain-forests to racism and intolerance to illegal surveillance, political corruption, the stupidity and futility of war and a plethora of other timely issues.
The reason this album is different is that to Jade these aren’t "political" issues, but personal ones and they are delivered in that manner Jade does here, you can disagree with the message and still love the song because they are all such great songs regardless of the "message".
Entertain me and challenge me at the same time.
I love it.
John Simmons - John Simmons

Jade Steel


Ten seconds into the chorus of their single ‘Code Red’ and you'll be nodding your head. With an infectious musical style and sublime chorus, the rock group known as Jade Steel seems poised to vault straight up the charts.
Surrey, United Kingdom native Jade Steel’s love of music runs deep. It shows in their unswerving movement towards their dream of rock stardom and in their award-winning work that has compelled the critics to rave: ‘Code Red' navigates a tremendous tension - you can hear it through every measure of the song; Jade Steel has endowed their creation with an incredible pathos.’ Unlike many of their contemporary rock artists, however, Jade Steel has an edge. Their music combines a flawless musicianship with evocative energy and fervor. Coupled with original lyrics and a memorable hook, their new single ‘Code Red’ is attracting fans across the globe. Recently, reporter Blake Wright caught up with this intriguing group to find out more about their musical inspiration and plans for the future.


BLAKE: As an artist on the rise, what is one thing you are most excited about and one thing you are most afraid of happening in your career?
JADE STEEL: The fact that we know people are reacting well to the music makes us excited. Not just because the new album is almost finished, but because we are about to start releasing new singles with videos. We’re confident the best is yet to come. One of my biggest fears is to not be able to be there for the fans, I fear the most important thing is always against us. Time! I often work very hard on the songs and story. We want see this as a classic story and hope it stays around forever. I’m very lucky to have a wonderful producer, band and support team. 'Code Red' is a song from the Tales of the Rondo album. We are continuing the trilogy and feel it has the right stuff to keep people fully entertained. Our next release is a single. The song is titled, Villains.

BLAKE: Your song 'Code Red' ’Code Red’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
JADE STEEL: Personally, I was stoked, I’ve always loved that song. It sets a real rock tone and it’s always a fun song to perform as well. A crushing tune. A post apocalyptic nightmare. The world in ruins as Aliens and machines hunt for my character and the Rondo. It’s an urgent call for help, CODE RED, CODE RED…

BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
JADE STEEL: I was inspired while writing the “Tales of the Rondo Story”. When the Mondo Kush built the Rondo out of love for his betraying Queen Cheeba he did not realize it would eventually fall into the hands of Jade Steel, creating an upset within the balance of the Galaxies and beyond. Among the many things inspiring me to write: love, death, and so much of life, the many comics and images that I have grown up on, skullduggery and heroism. You can read it by going to my website: http://www.jadesteelcom

BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
JADE STEEL: It’s true, a lot of ideas come from emotional pain, or usually a mind blowing experience. But this really is a fun project. Your planet and all life on it is doomed anyway so all of my songs have a piece of my life imbedded within them. Love, betrayal and a host of Villians.

BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
JADE STEEL: Although I consider myself fun loving, I too have a dark side. (Heavy Darth Vader laughing and breathing) Serious is as serious does when business calls for it. And yes, I am all of the above LOL. down-to-earth, fun-loving and complicated.


BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
JADE STEEL: So far so good, minus the many fatalities. So many talented people. A blessing. We get better by having others push us. Running through tunnels underground wearing a gas mask and traveling through space and time can be very exhausting.

BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
JADE STEEL: Yes, my younger brother Brody, plays guitar, currently in a band called “Irie Rockers” & “Humbros”. My father was a writer and beat poet from Hells Kitchen, New York. Some say he probably passed down some kind of mysticism. He passed away a few years ago and I took a break from Rock music and wrote a healing album titled “Children Of Humboldt”. This is a world beat reggae album that gave me another spin on this thing we call music. I’ve alway been a soul singer as well as a rock performer. The album became quite popular in many areas worldwide, although we haven’t had the proper promotion. It has songs that resemble classics. The internet has broken walls that have no boundaries. I grew up in a musical community, a small town on the edge of the world called Humboldt County. I’ve been a performer since I was young and been a part of a great community that has always supported me performing “Reggae on the River” several times and also being an M.C. As much as I enjoy Reggae music, I feel rock music is still the most dominant in my life.

BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
JADE STEEL: The power, the sheer power of the snowball effect of a song, the timeless immortality of good music. The look on someones face when the words hit home. The complexity of the metaphor. The color. The feeling. I can tell when something has staying power. That is the most challenging thing, to remove your ego as an artist and not believe everything you do is good. To be able to step back and look at it from a different perspective. To write what could be a hit.

BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
JADE STEEL: So many, all the greats from Stevie Wonder to Michael Jackson, from Bob Marley, to Rage Against the Machine, from Bob Dylan to Slayer, from AC/DC to Beres Hammond. I love so many genre’s. I do admit, there is a time and place for it.

BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
JADE STEEL: I found it harder to perform for few than many. I remember singing for some people in Mexico and a woman started to cry. Stuff like that is hard to forget. There have been shows in India, and Thailand. Jamaica and Berlin, I remember how the people listened to the lyrics so carefully.

BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
JADE STEEL: Work on one song at a time, give it creative lyrics by trying to think outside the box and not word it into a silly love song. Try to not be too preachy. Be innovative and make sure the melodies and hooks are sharp and clever. You don't have to be the best singer, just make sure you sound good.

BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
JADE STEEL: Yes, we are currently in the process of mixing and mastering many singles that revolve around the story “Tales of the Rondo” http://www.jadesteel.com. The plan is to release one every 4 to 6 months. These new tunes are geared to liven things up in the room with killer beats, great hooks, great stories; modern rock tunes guaranteed to make people dance and turn some heads. Sexy, exciting and powerful. The world is about to be aware of the artist known as Jade Steel.

BLAKE: That is quite exciting, congratulations! Thank you for taking the time to let me get to know you a little better. We wish you the best of luck and continued success.
http://www.jadesteel.com
© Marquix Global Network - blake@Marquix Global Network

'Code Red' navigates a tremendous tension - you can hear it through every measure of the song; Jade Steel has endowed their creation with an incredible pathos. - ak