Make You Smile

On Dec 20th 2019 Jason Sees Band released another single called “Make You Smile”. This song is special to our band as it was inspired by personal struggles from within our immediate families. Mental illness seems to be a plague running scorched earth across our nation. I’m not sure if it is how we live, what we prioritize, social media, pharmaceuticals, or just simply the human condition, but it seems like I hear about a suicide or attempt so often now its almost common place. As someone who has endured life altering tragedies at a relatively young I have some experience with the deepest darkest placed of the human psyche. I know how thick the dark can be. A line in the song reads “I know the dark can be so thick, like a tick it will suck you blood, and make you sick”.

I don’t really have any answers or know what I’m talking about when it comes to mental illness. But when I was in my darkest places I just kept telling myself I had to keep plodding forward. It was like plodding through an endless field of deep mud, every step seems harder than the prior. In the song I write “nothing worth fighting for…..is given for free laid at the foot of your door…….nothing worth fighting for is free”. Keep pushing for, keep fighting. I promise things get better. Time is the ultimate healer.

If you are someone struggling from depression or suicidal thoughts please reach out to someone. If you don’t have anyone you are comfortable talking to their are hotlines to call. CLICK HERE.

Take care of each other out there. Its a weird world and life is a weird trip. Keep fighting, its worth it.

Jason

Cover Songs!

I don’t often play cover songs, not really my thing. But when I do, I always try to play Bruce Springsteen. Occasionally we play a cover song at shows. We have covered Arctic Monkeys, Neil Young, Citzen Cope, and maybe a couple others I can’t remember. However, I have never actually recorded a cover song and released it publicly before now. Below is a link to my new single of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire”. I’ve always loved this song (reminds me of a very young Courtney Cox….though I know that was a video for a different song). I tried to take it, jumble it around, and create my own take on this iconic classic. I hope you take the time to give it a listen (cause it wasn’t easy to get a good take of this song in one run!).

LISTEN HERE

Take care,

Jason

JSB....back at it, in a freshly remodeled studio....

Hey yo…..I haven’t written an update on here for a while. As a band we have been going through some significant changes and though they took a time to sort, I feel we are finally ready to get back on the proverbial musical chair.

Musically I felt we needed a hiatus, the music was getting bogged down, enthusiasm and creativity was waning, and I felt like I was simply writing the same song over and over. In addition I have a new employer which required a fairly intensive training program, and Alex (lead guitar) has moved forward into a different phase of life which has required him to step back from “banding” with us. All this came together coincidentally with the end of the summer festival season which made me feel it was a ripe time for a hiatus.

Now, the rain has come, us in the PNW are inside a lot, and my creative juices are flowing! I took the opportunity of a hiatus to remodel my studio so I have a fresh and inspiring create space. I love my new space and I find myself down their every moment I can afford.

Tonight is our first band practice in 2 months +, down one member and still searching for a lead guitar player, but back at it and ready to make noise. I’m excited for what lays ahead for us.

You can expect new music from us starting in 2019, so stay tuned…….Play Your Hand EP is in route.

Jason

Acoustic EP enroute!

For the last year or so I have been working on an acoustic EP.  The idea was to record a block of songs that were "performed" with acoustic instruments, not pieced together as a recording cake in the studio.  Despite the apparent simplicity this is in fact a very difficult task.  I found myself embarking on a marathon task of trying to find the perfect performance since their is no amps, or studio magic to cover up any imperfections.  Needless to say I am excited that I have 4 acoustic recordings I will be releasing this summer so keep tuned.  To put icing on the cake I brought in a couple friends to make the songs more dynamic.  Danny McMahon added beautiful piano to one song and local guitar shredder and Home Sweet Home front man Adam Williams let go of his Les Paul for a nylon string acoustic guitar to add a lovely little flamenco guitar to another piece.  I am excited about these songs, they are raw, imperfect, an honest.  Keep an eye out, more details to come on an exact release date.  

Thank you!

I wanted to say a quick thank you to everyone who made our show at Conor Byrne Pub in Ballard WA on Mar 23 a success.  The turnout was overwhelming and we had a terrific time playing music (despite the struggles I was having with my equipment).  Thank you Runaway Symphony for allowing us to play on your bill, it is always an honor.  Your music continues to be mind blowing.  

We play out much less frequently than in days passed, and I must say, it makes each time more special.  From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for making the effort to trod down to Ballard and pack the place, we had a blast.  

Jason

Ballard WA, we are on our way.......

I love playing live!  Its so much fun to build setlist, tweek your tones, get in that last practice with the band.  For a long time we played live as much as possible.  We were tailoring our live set, perfecting it, making it something we could be proud of.  Now we play much less frequently, essentially placing quality over quantity.  I believe it is paying off and I hope you can join us tomorrow night, Friday 3.23 9pm, Conor Byrne Pub in Ballard WA.  

We will be joined by Runaway Symphony and Brian Stai.  It is going to be a fantastic evening of music.  IN ADDITION, we will be releasing our newest EP, Robot Dance EP.  We are super excited about this album.  Here is what the Old School Project said about our latest album.

"A light hearted, electric guitar driven, rock collection. It sharply contradict Jason's usual themes of solace and introspection. Troubadour roots be dammed, Jason rocks here and Seattle's indie music community is finally showing signs of coming to life."

We will be showcasing all the songs of this album plus many more.  Hope to see you there!

Jason