Ocean Beach is renowned as an artist’s community, so it’s no surprise that some of San Diego’s most popular bands are based there. Such is the case with rock / reggae hybrid, Jet West, who are in the midst of moving to the national level through relentless touring and the release of a new album this week, “Wake Up.” The quintet next hits the road on Aug. 12 with a string of dates through Northern California, Washington and Idaho, before returning for a homecoming show at the Music Box on Aug. 26. The event will include performances from Krooked Treez, Broken Stems, Casey Turner, DJ Carlos Culture and DJ Mission, and will also serve as a benefit for the San Diego Food Bank, but the focus will be squarely on Jet West’s latest. Formed in 2008, the band includes drummer Derek Potter, bassist Deren Schneider, singer Scott Floquet, guitarist Chris Warner and trumpeter Jack Taylor. “Wake Up” is produced by Kaleo Wasman, guitarist for indie favorites, Pepper, the new album features 10 originals and a choice cover version of the Doors classic, “People Are Strange.” “That was suggested to us,” said Warner. “We had a lot of good originals, in fact there are several songs left over from the sessions, but we tried it out and the song was a good fit. As far as it working alongside the rest of the songs, it’s a timeless tune, it could have been written yesterday, so its pretty seamless,” he said. Taking the recording experience to the next level, Jet West recorded the track at Doors guitarist Robby Krieger’s studio in Orange County. “That was really a great experience,” Warner continued. “We actually got to use some of his guitars on the track, as well as (Doors keyboardist) Ray Manzarek’s gear.” Did Krieger get to hear their version? “He was there, it was incredible,” Warner confirmed. While Krieger didn’t produce the track, he still influenced the recording. “He listened to what we were doing throughout the recording and gave his feedback,” Warner said.
For Warner it’s all a long way from his days in high school jazz band, though it’s been clear to him that a life in music was in his destiny since he was an early teen influenced by David Gilmour and Jerry Garcia. “I got my first Stratocaster and that was that,” he laughed. Making it on the national level is tough, but Jet West has paid their dues over the past eight years, with the growing fan base to prove it. Warner is hopeful their new release will help bring Jet West to larger audiences. “We put all of our blood sweat and tears into this album over the past two years,” he said. “We gave our all to this recording, trying to bring music to people that they can enjoy at home or in a live setting, but either way gives them a bit of a release from the drudgery of everyday life.”
According to Warner, there is a message in Wake Up’s groove. “The message behind our album is to follow your inner voice, disregard conventionalism in the name of chasing your dreams and be thankful for the love and support around you,” he said.
Eight years on from the band’s beginnings, Warner considers the band to have changed in many ways as they improve their craft, but he’s happy that one key element is still the same. “For me, it’s really all about playing live,” he said. “Giving something to the people and having them respond, is something special.”
Jet West : Friday, Aug. 26 at The Music Box, 1337 India Street. 9 p.m. Cover TBD. 21 and up. www.musicboxsd.com