Jack's Biography
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  Who are you, and where are you from?

NICK-NAME: Jack
FULL NAME:
BIRTHDATE: 10/12/1983
HOME TOWN: Easton, Pennsylvania, USA

How did you learn your art?

When I was 8, I took guitar lessons from an old man who liked to knock down a few drinks while teaching. This may be one of the reasons why I lack the ability to write logical music. My dad changed jobs and I moved to California, where I met Matthew. Most of what I now know about guitar is from experience and practice following my move to California. As far as the topic of writing lyrics, I've been writing my thoughts and feelings for as long as I can remember. I came to the point where I could no longer ignore the fact that I wanted my thoughts to be heard by others. I was forced to find an outlet in music, by putting my lyrical writings to music.

What are your professional musical influences
and what effect do they have on your art?

Chevelle is really good. Their music is worthy to be enjoyed. This band is not so original, but they are rather talented, and I love their songs. Listen to them. Enough sad.

The Cure has been one of my favorite bands for a long time. I consider myself a "Cure Junky" if that is possible. Robert Smith isn't afraid to make his expression. He does his whole makeup bit and sings however he wants, and fans love him for it.

Björk has an incredible ability to be extremely creative. She has a voice that no one can easily imitate, and her experimental style is sexy. Her background of post-punk and jazz, make a strong original sound. Also, her lyrics are very different, which is inspiring. She is the goddess of all music that does not suck.

Silverchair has made a huge impact on me. Some of their songs that have meant the most to me are Black Tangled Heart and Paint Pastel Princess. The fact that they were already known at 14 and 15 years old is a little frustrating because they're so talented, but it's just another reason why I enjoy their music so much.

Bright Eyes is the perfect example of a band that has limitless talent and potential. Matthew told me about this band, and after hearing the song 'Lover I Don't Have to Love', I have never been the same. Connor's voice is so painful and awesome. The honesty in his lyrics is sweetly embarrassing. I'm liking his music more every time I hear it. I also like his prior band Commander Venus and am listening to a lot of Desperacidos lately, which is his most recent musical project.

Weezer is a great post-grunge band, with so many songs that mean a lot to me. Their self-titled album and Pinkerton are in my opinion, better than the new stuff which is not as creative. Now the motivation to make hits has overwhelmed their desire to interest me. They are still a great band, but I just don't like their newer material very much, even though it is catchy.

Deftones... what to say about them. It's not often that you come across a great band that knows how to perform their style like no one else can even imitate. But when you do come across them, it is hard to resist adding their work to your car CD collection.

Radiohead is a disturbingly talented group. They're one of those few original sounds out there today. They perform as if they are simply in their own little jam session, and you're an observer. I respect how they can switch from genre to genre so seamlessly. They have a very broad range of fans, as well as sounds. They are a fantastic band to listen to, and a little too inspiring to actually learn anything from, other than to not be afraid of creativity or standing out in a crowd.

What was your popularity status in High School?

I wasn't very popular my freshman year. I would mostly observe everyone and keep myself at a certain unattainable level of mystery. It brought me some positive attention as well as some negative. The popular groups seemed more annoying than interesting, so it just didn't make any sense to even want to be anything like them. Those who did not understand my style, were probably not worth getting to know. I never change myself to fit in. If anything, I'd rather be outside of the crowd, and that was what I did in High School for the most part. I've noticed that one can find comfort in unexpected places. Around junior year, the incoming freshman girls seemed to have an interest in me. At this point, I had been in theatre for a while, and found a home in that community. I kept my mysterious side, but was more open to my friends, which eventually drove away the obsessive stalker girls who were interested in me. In high school, people would sometimes refer to me as "Vampire Boy" and a "freak" or something along those lines. It was apparent that the movie 'The Crow' was a source of inspiration during these years. Senior year came and went quickly, and I am still in contact with many of my friends from theatre. I've had my share of ups and downs in high school, but overall it probably made a lasting impression on me.

Give a summarized description of your life in general.

I was born, and now I am alive. I plan to live for a while. Have a nice day.

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