I have been blessed to have made some amazing new friends over the past couple of years since starting this website. Most of which I have met through friends or even this very blog itself. I met Jake and his brother Jeff the old fashioned way when they came to eat at the little cafe I work at in Long Beach, CA. Since then we have become good friends. If you don’t know these guys, you SHOULD know that they are the most genuine couple of guys in the music industry. (which can be a RARE find) Jake and his brother play in the band Say Anything and their amazing side project called, XO. Both of these bands are amazing. I am sure most of you have heard of Say Anything, but if you have not checked out XO please do it! You won’t regret it, that I can promise you. My favorite song of XO is actually an older one called ‘High School.’ It makes me feel full of life. I am so excited about the new music they are putting out soon!!
I know that so many of you have been anticipating this interview so here we go!!!
Name: Jake Turner
Hometown: Peachtree City, GA
Current location: Long Beach, CA
Website(s): www.sayanythingmusic.com & xotheband.tumblr.com
Hometown: Peachtree City, GA
Current location: Long Beach, CA
Website(s): www.sayanythingmusic.com & xotheband.tumblr.com
1. When did you know that you had officially fallen in love with music?
As far as I remember I’ve always had music be a part of my life from day one. My parents both had musical backgrounds growing up. Neither one of them played an instrument, but had a natural instrument of their own, their voice.
2. What was the first live show you ever attended?
The first show I remember was Face To Face at The Echo Lounge in Atlanta. I think I was 15 years old and pretty sure it was an 18+ show. It was my first time seeing the music fire up a crowd like that. The connection that the singer, Trevor Keith, had with the crowd was beyond any religion. I left that night with a new perception on what the effects of music has on a person. It was only the beginning.
3. Top 5 favorite albums?
5 – Face To Face – Big Choice
4 – Jimmy Eat World – Clarity
3 – My Bloody Valentine – Loveless
2 – Beach Boys – Pet Sounds
1 – The Beatles – The Sargent Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band
4. What would you say the main difference is between playing music with Say Anything and XO?
There was not much difference up until about a year ago when I decided I wanted to play bass live with XO. Before, I was playing guitar in both bands so it was not much different other than who the other musicians were in the room. Playing bass has always been something I’ve enjoyed outside of playing guitar. The main difference between the bands is mainly the creative cycle. In XO, Jeff and I collaborate on the music creatively.
5. You and your brother Jeff play in both bands. What is the best part about that?
It’s sweet! I’m so thankful that I get to play music with him everyday. I think any musician would call his bandmate a brother, although mine is actually real. The best part is being able to be creative with my brother. Music is an art form… not many people have the opportunity to create with someone else. Especially a twin that sees the other side of everything.
6. Who is your biggest musical hero?
Dave Grohl is “My Hero”.
7. If you could be in any band, past or present, which band would you choose and why?
I’ve always wanted to be a Beatle. To write and play music with the fab four is a dream of every musician somewhere deep inside.
8. What song would you say is your favorite to play?
“Admit It!” off of ‘…Is A Real Boy’ is easily one of my favorite songs to play. It might be one of our longest songs, but the lyrics and energy behind it live make it somewhat an organized riot of emotion on stage. It’s a song that truly challenges my idea of what music is and how powerful it can be.
9. If you were not a musician, what would you do with your life?
I would love to be a doctor. Helping and caring for people for a living is never a bad way to live a life.
10. What advice do you have for anyone looking to pursue a career in the music industry?
Live the dream and work hard for it. If you can dream it, you can achieve it. Be passionate, be confident, and always believe in what you stand for. It’s not a championship, it’s a challenge. A challenge to express yourself to your fullest. Listen, Learn, Love. Listen to music, Learn music, Love your music. Be the creator and don’t let someone create you.
(begin silliness)
11. If you were the topic of a headline magazine, what would you like it to say about you?
Living The Dream
12. Who would you say your musical “guilty pleasure” is?
Justin Bieber is a guilty pleasure of mine. Boy does he get the party started.
13. What is a music or fashion trend you would like to see disappear?
I’m gonna have to say I’m not a fan of the word SWAG. I’d like to see that disappear.
14. If you could commit one crime and get away with it, what crime would that be?
Robbing a bank. Of course no guns involved. Just a casual front door being left unlocked would work just fine for me. Breaking the code of the safe obviously is the true test.
15. What song would be the soundtrack to your life at this moment in time?
Talking Heads – “Once In A Lifetime”. My life amazes me with every new day, I’m thankful for it all.
16. If you stumbled upon a time machine, what time would you travel to? and what would you do there?
The 70’s. I’d love to be around during the hippie age. Peace and love is something I already like to preach on a daily basis. I’d just go to a ton of concerts.
17. If you could have one superpower, which power would you choose and what would you do with it?
The superpower of flying. To be able to have the power to fly without a plane or jet pack would be amazing. I travel so much while touring, so it would help quite a bit with that.
18. What was the last movie you saw? How was it?
The Great Gatsby. Amazing! Very nice spin on the book. I think it was the only book I actually read in high school. It was a great take on the book.
19. If you could live your life in any movie which movie would you choose?
Groundhog Day. I could hang with Bill Murray everyday.
20. What makes you come alive?
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive and then go do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive.” -Howard Thurman …. I was shown that once while in college. I’m pretty sure it was the quote that made me realize I should go live my dreams. They are what always keep me coming alive.
Thank you so much Jake for taking the time from you busy schedule to be a part of “20 Questions.” I appreciate you so much!
Thanks to you the reader!!! Would love to hear your feedback!!!
XOXO
Check out Say Anything on tour SOON!!!!!
you can also check out my interviews with
MAX BEMIS – Say Anything
&
Jeff Turner – Say Anything/XO
