Artist Spotlight – Jones For Revival
written by Ryan Neeley
photos provided by Jim DeCapua
Jones for Revival has an intriguing name. When formed in 2004, lead vocalist Jim Decapua and his band had a sort of “jones” for reviving the improvisational aspect of music and positive vibes of bands from earlier days. “Why are there no Claptons for kids to emulate any more? Why is fighting in a mosh pit the reason people go see a band?” he asked in an 2008 interview with Jambrain.com. “We decided we wanted to make a difference, to influence the quality and the attitude of the music around here,” he stated. And five years later, Jones for Revival has done just that, and in the process has become one of the most popular regional bands in the Youngstown area. They have played shows with many national acts including Further, Dark Star Orchestra, Keller Williams, Rusted Root, Gov’t Mule, EOTO, Tea Leaf Green, BoomBox, Blue Oyster Cult, The Everyone Orchestra, and Zach Deputy. The band also has their own annual music festival – JONESFEST, now in it’s sixth year, held at Ohio’s famous Nelson Ledges Quarry Park.
The group consists of DeCapua on vocals and lead guitar, drummer Gino West , Dace Lynn on bass guitar and vocals, Jay Stephens on organ/piano and PJ Rosenberg on percussion / synth / vocals, and each member brings phenomenal talent and extraordinary energy that flows from the band to the audience each show. According to their bio, “Jones is a firm believer in the power of music and will continue to fill people’s souls with great energy for years to come.” They currently have an EP avail on iTunes, Spotify, and other online retailers called Golden Sun, and their much anticipated new release, ‘Youniverse’, mastered by Anthony Thogmartin from Papadosio/Red Oak Mastering will be coming out in the very near future.
Appalachian Jamwich sat down with lead vocalist/guitarist Jim DeCapua recently for an interview regarding the band, the music scene in Ohio, and the future of Jones for Revival.
Appalachian Jamwich: First off, thanks for taking the time to talk to us.
Jim DeCapua – No problem, thank you!
AJ: You guys have quite an interesting sound. Extended psychedelic guitar licks, soaring, full organs, and driving percussion. What are the group’s influences?
JD: We are influenced by alot if music but we invest time in what we consider is our original flavor. We aren’t pressured to do anything we dont want to do. Its all about the groove. That’s what keeps ppl moving. That’s been the main ingredient in our music from the get go. But I guess if you want specifics, we’re influenced by String Cheese Incident, Phish, Medeski Martin & Wood, Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin and The Beatles.
AJ: How do you think the marriage between Electronic Dance Music and traditional rock groups at music festivals will evolve? Do you think that it will continue to be popular to have a festival with many genres of music or more focused ones like Delfest?
JD: I think there are successful multi genre fests and successful one genre fests, everything just depends on the listener. I like that fests give bands opportunities to network with fans and other bands.
AJ: I noticed that at your festival, Jonesfest, you had some different events, including a run?
JD: Yes, we try to make it so it’s a little something for everyone. This year we did a show of all Grateful Dead songs on Friday, we had live art installations, and we like to have a run or bike race, yoga on the beach, basically something to promote good health.
AJ: What’s your take on the Ohio music scene as it currently stands? What can fans do to help foster it’s growth so Ohio can be the next hotbed of music like Athens, GA or Asheville, NC?
JD: I think we’re well on our way. The Ohio music scene is alot of fun. There are alot of great people who love to get down to live music. Tons of festivals, really great fests. Rootwire, hookahville, All Good – Really, its great.
AJ: I’ve listed to the EP, Golden Sun, and really like it – Now you have a full release coming out?
JD: Yes, it’s the five songs from Golden Sun and four new ones – called YOUniverse. I think it’s a good representation of where the band is currently at. We’re adding lyrics to a lot of songs. We’ve been mostly instrumental for the last eight years, but we’re coming to the realization that lyrics add to the connection between the fans and the band. It sometimes takes a while to get the words out, but I’m getting more comfortable doing it.
AJ: And it’s being mastered by Anthony Thogmartin from Papadosio?
JD: Yeah, from Papadosio/Red Oak Mastering. We’re really excited about that.
AJ: Excellent = we’re looking forward to it. Thanks for taking the time to chat with us!
JD: Thank you!
Jim DeCapua of Jones for Revival
FUN FACTS – JIM DECAPUA
Favorite (Living) Musician – Paul McCartney
Favorite Deceased Musician? Joe Pass
Favorite Group? The Beatles
Favorite indoor venue (that you’ve played?) – Quixotes in Denver , CO
First concert – Michael Jackson when I was 6.
Favorite Festival Food – Chicken Stir Fry from Gilligans
Beer, Liqour, or neither? I dont drink much.
Favorite Festival – Jonesfest of course
Favorite show you’ve attended – hard to break it down.
Hobbies besides music – restoring/collecting classic vw beetles. I have a 1970 and a 74 super beetle. I also run, and exercise daily. I like to watch movies and read.
UPCOMING SHOWS:
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Dec 22Lemon GroveYoungstown, OH US
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Dec 31Phar Mor CenterYoungstown, OH US
CLICK HERE FOR A FREE DOWNLOAD OF JONES FOR REVIVAL’S GOLDEN SUN EP
FOR JONES FOR REVIVAL’s FACEBOOK PAGE, CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE FOR JONES FOR REVIVAL’S WEBSITE
