Meet Blazing Jane: Alternative Rock Band

We had the good fortune of connecting with Blazing Jane and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Blazing, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Ken Gill (Lead Guitarist): Over the years I slowly started to listen to my own inner voice regarding what to play. To trust the melodies that came out of me naturally – it was ok to play it pretty, or rough and nasty, etc. Lissa Dee (Lead Singer): Taking risks was uncomfortable for me when I first started writing, recording and especially when playing with other musicians. As I grew into myself as an artist, I realized getting comfortable being uncomfortable and taking risks, is the best way to learn, and connect with others in music and in life.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
John Sheppard (Drummer and Clown): Blazing Jane is a very complex rock band. Some would even dare to say high maintenance. The band gets along with each other horribly, except for when they’re performing, writing or recording.They are that strange married couple that as long as they are making love every thing is wonderful. As soon as they get out of the bedroom they’re screaming at each other and hurling stuff at one another. I’ve heard some say that they’re surprised it’s gone this far. It’s that crazy insane hardcore emotional passion that sets them apart from all the other bands these days. As long as Blazing Jane stay away from each other while they’re not playing music….they might have a chance to have longevity. Ken Gill (Lead Guitarist): Getting where I am today was a lot of work for a lot of years. Music was never just a hobby, even at times when I wasn’t doing it to make a living. It’s in the blood. I’m always looking for the perfect part or melody, that was just waiting,in the great unknown, to be expressed. I try to create a mood or emotional state through the music that people can feel and get with no need for explanation. The work we do in Blazing Jane is a great vehicle to bring these melodies and emotional messages to life. Paul Harris (Bassist): In my experience, making music with others should come naturally and not need to be forced. My favorite thing about Blazing Jane is that we are all good friends… we share a love and passion for music and we enjoy each other’s company… that is very conducive to a healthy writing situation. We enjoy what we are doing and feel that it translates into the music! It’s also good to know that your bandmates would have your back in any situation… That provides a certain comfort level and with it, courage to stretch out and try things musically that you might otherwise be hesitant to try. My overall belief (from a lot of experience) is that if a band truly enjoys their music, people pick up on that and they feel good about it too!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
John Sheppard (Drummer, and A Real Comedian): When friends of Blazing Jane are down for a visit, we’ll go to dinner at our favorite place Cheetahs and have a couple of hoagies and cokes. There are always interesting & exciting people at 1 o’clock in the morning at the F street book store if you enjoy reading and winding down with a cup of fresh Java like Blazing Jane does. Paul Harris (Normal Guy and Bass Player): San Diego boasts many fine destinations, when I have friends in from out of town we tend to like to hit up some of the local microbreweries and eateries… there are far too many to mention but a great place to start is the Fall Brewing Company (in North Park). Of course if you’re going to be enjoying some tasty beer you will want some great food to go along with it! As luck would have it, Ono Grinds Island Grill is a couple doors down… you can order your food to go, take it over to The Fall Brewing Company and enjoy the good life! A trip to the beach is always a nice place to walk off your meal. A quick trip to the Laguna Mountains for a walk in the forest is another favorite destination. If music is on the menu, there is always The Belly Up in Solana Beach where you can catch a great concert.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Lissa Dee (Lead Singer): I’d love to dedicate this shoutout to my band members, Paul Harris (bass), John Sheppard (drums) and Ken Gill (lead guitar). They have been in plenty of sh*tty bands, touring bands and overall have worked with many people in the industry. Their experiences in life, and as musicians have shaped them into such wildly cool and profound humans. They inspire me so much to write more, do more and create weird and interesting music. I love how John always says, “I just want to make great music and if people like it too, great.” This alone has taught me to take a risk, do something out of the ordinary, and do what you want to do, not what others want. The Band: We want to give a shoutout to our favorite producer and engineer – Alan Sanderson, and his wife Taylin, a singer-songwriter and vocal coach. Alan and Taylin are so inspiring together, and Alan helped finish up the recording of our first album, – Heading To The Sun. We cannot imagine having a better journey than with Alan and Taylin at their Pacific Beat studio in Pacific Beach. The vibes are not only on point, but Alan and Taylin are great coaches, mentors and friends. We can’t wait to record our second album there!

Website: https://blazingjane.net
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blazingjaneband/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Blazingjaneband/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuxLy1vRxz9uLr4IzQUUHGA

Image Credits
Paul Broding