Band Members: DEREK JENNINGS
Location: VENTURA, CA
Web Link: www.myspace.com/DROCKETS

Interview With: DEREK JENNINGS
Q & A Session With: Papa Folk from GreenlandLive.net

GreenlandLive.net:  Describe your artist/band/duo/group. How did you come together?

 

I play in a band called THE RETURN but in my off time the music I create falls under the umbrella of THE ASHTRAY LIFE. I’ve been writing music for about ten years both for THE RETURN and my solo stuff. THE ASHTRAY LIFE is very eclectic and takes from all the various music I listen to. The sound is basically me and my acoustic guitar. I try to stay as creative as possible and keep from imitating my peers, but if I had to compare my self, I’d say I play Elliott Smith style but with a Jeff Buckley voice. That is saying a lot when in truth my music falls anywhere in between the two.

GreenlandLive.net:  How did you come to be known as The Ashtray Life?

THE ASHTRAY LIFE is a lyric from an old LAGWAGON song of all things! But when I heard it, to me, it described something resembling an ‘un-charmed’ life, somewhere along the lines of feeling dirty, used or just plain down-and-out. Fortunately I don’t feel like that everyday, but we all have our moments and the name just stuck.

GreenlandLive.net:  Who and what are your influences?

Ah. The question. I find myself drawn to all types of music but my essential listens are John Lennon, Elliott Smith, Stevie Wonder, David Bowie, Jeff Buckley, Miles Davis, Peter Gabriel, Thom Yorke, Jeremy Enigk and any early reggae (my first love). My list could go on and on but these artist hold my full respect in terms of talent and expression.

GreenlandLive.net:  How would you describe your audience?

 

Anyone with an open mind. My song structures tend to stray from the normal pop formula. I don’t discriminate. People tell me the music is easy to identify with. I just like to play. If people enjoy, its just a bonus.

GreenlandLive.net:  What are your goals as a group?

 

I’d like to be able to travel all year, just playing anywhere people would want me. I’d like to be able to make this not only my full time job, but my life.


GreenlandLive.net:  What drives your music?

A certain need to be creative. Life gets pretty monotonous sometimes and my outlet is songwriting. I am fortunate enough to have this ability and it feels so great to share it with others. The idea that one must carry out this ‘plan’ of school, money, job, money, family, money is unsettling to me.

GreenlandLive.net:  What message/s are you delivering to the world?

 

The majority of my songs are a type of story-telling but the underlying message is a positive one. Change is a word the appears throughout my lyrics. I feel that change is the ultimate drive in life, but always for better. I think we are capable of that.

GreenlandLive.net:  What does your latest album portray?

 

If I put an album out, ill let you know. I have a backlog of songs but have yet to release a record!

GreenlandLive.net:  What roles do each member of the band act out/play?

 

I enjoy writing songs from scratch, pulling what I can out of thin air and building upon the notion that I can create, say, play or express anything that comes into my head

GreenlandLive.net:  Describe a defining moment for your band.

The first time someone told me they genuinely enjoyed my music. I thought that was sweet. Thanks mom.



GreenlandLive.net would like to THANK The Ashtray Life for chatting with Papa Folk from GreenlandLive.net

Come check out The Ashtray Life at www.greenlandlive.net or www.myspace.com/DROCKETS.