Interview: Jake Bowen of Periphery

[avatar user=”James” size=”50″ align=”left” /]

Just under two weeks ago, I had the opportunity to chat to Jake from Periphery before their show in Glasgow. We chatted about how the tour was going, what inspired him to start playing music and the craziest thing he’s ever seen on tour.

Click for all dates, including Europe
Click for all dates, including Europe

Thanks to Nina at the Noise Cartel for organising and Jake for his time.

You’re currently on tour with Veil of Maya and Good Tiger, how’s it been going so far?

It’s been great. It’s a little interesting to start the tour in the UK as the UK always treats us so well. The last two shows were sold out and we always have a good time in Glasgow. It’s a tall order for mainland Europe to keep up with, as I’m not sure whether we have the same impact over there as we have here. I think the UK is one of my favorite places to play in the world.

You were last here with Devin Townsend about 7 months ago. What have you been up to since then?

Well, we had the whole summer off so we caught up on all the stuff that was neglected at home. We just recently got back from a run with Devin in Australia, which was sort of an extension of that tour. Not too much has been going really, but we’ve been working on some music as well.

Is the new material similar to previous material?

 It’s completely different to it actually. At least from our perspective but we don’t really know how it will turn out.

Last time I spoke to Mark, he mentioned that you were using Axe Fx. Has that changed or are you still using them?

Nope, we still use Axe Fx. I don’t see that changing any time soon as it’s a very versatile set. We use it live and in studio so what we use in the studio is what you will hear live. We carry all our gear on the airplane when we come over here, as it’s a lot easier for us as we don’t have to hire amps. I use Ibanez guitars and have my own signature 6 string with them and I also have a few LA customs shop ones that I use.

What inspired you to start playing music?

For me, it was easy for me start playing music as I come from a musical family. My mum has studied the flute and my dad has played in country bands as a guitarist. I started when I was about 8 as I’d been fiddling about the guitar that was just in the house.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen whilst on tour?

I saw a band (Not naming) have a foursome with some slutty girl in a van. It was in Denver a few years ago and I was on the phone to my girlfriend pacing around outside. I causally look over to left and see some people in a van, and a lot of movement causing the van to rock. I didn’t know it was happening at first, as I’m so innocent. Of course my girlfriend asks “what’s up, what happening?” and I’m like “It’s really hard to explain, but I think there is a gangbang going on…”. The girl was a total whore, like she was just there to bang band dudes. That’s probably the craziest thing I’ve seen.

Like Misha, are you quite an avid gamer?

Oh yeah. The whole lot us are, we’re big gamers. I’ve brought my PS4 with me and started playing fallout 4. I normally play a lot of destiny and old Nintendo games. I’ve lately not been playing a lot of games as I’m not really in the mood for it. On this tour we’ve been hanging out in venue and meandering around the city. That’s not happened today sadly, because of the weather. I don’t think I’ve ever been to Glasgow where it’s not been raining. I’ve been here 5 times and it’s always rained!

My final question for you, what advice would you give to a new band that is just starting out?

Always be on time. It’s always best to be there either early or on time as it shows you have enthusiasm for the music and it makes a good impression on anyone that might be working there.

Thank you for your time!

Periphery: official | facebook | twitter | instagram | youtube

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

0 Comments
Oldest
Newest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments