The music world is celebrating the dramatic return of gothic rock icons, Gene Loves Jezebel and their latest release X – Love Death Sorrow (Cleopatra Records) with founding members Jay Aston, Peter “Bugg” Rizzo, and James Stevenson, along with Steve ‘Smiley’ Barnard. This is the first studio album the band has released since 2017’s Dance Underwater, and features the return of legendary producer Peter Walsh. Walsh is credited with producing GLJ’s classic albums The House of Dolls, Heavenly Bodies, Vll, and Dance Underwater.
Few figures stand out as distinctly as Jay Aston in the ever-evolving tapestry of post-punk and gothic rock. With his twin brother Michael, Jay Aston formed the band in the early 80s, forging a path through the musical landscape of the time, with their unique blend of flamboyant mystique and dark romanticism. The twin’s angelic voices, characterized by poetic lyricism and emotive delivery, struck a chord with a generation of listeners who found solace and expression in the band’s darky romantic themes.
Jay Aston photo by Judy Lyon
Through the highs and lows of their career, including chart success, internal conflicts, and the eventual split of Gene Loves Jezebel into two factions, Jay Aston’s presence remained a constant. The new album X – Love Death Sorrow brings back that classic Gene Loves Jezebel sound into the present with an infusion of dark, romantic, and catchy songs that showcase Jay’s distinctive vocals and lyrical flair. The album is a fitting addition to the Gene Loves Jezebel discography, and a reminder of why they are one of the most influential bands in the gothic/alternative rock scene.
Jay Aston so graciously took the time to answer a few questions for Torched Magazine that bring insight into the new album X – Love Death Sorrow, as well as a few questions featuring the past and present. The new album mixes original tracks with a few covers by Magazine, The Cure, Edwynn Collins, The Only Ones and more! X – Love Death Sorrow is now available for purchase on the band’s bandcamp page, Cleopatra Records and streaming platforms.
Gene Loves Jezebel / Jay Aston photo by Judy Lyon
You once said in a previous interview, “You don’t choose music, the music chooses you”. Can you elaborate on this idea?
I think people worry too much about what’s “cool” or not. Music either appeals to you or it doesn’t. You don’t have a choice. No big deal, just enjoy it. It’s just music.
If you could step into a time machine and go back to the origins of Gene Loves Jezebel, are there any obstacles or challenges that you would change that you feel hindered your growth as a band?
I wish I’d had the courage to go alone. Guilt is a bitch.
You decided to bring the legendary Producer Peter Walsh back on board for the new GLJ album release, ‘X-Love Death Sorrow’. He produced such classics as ‘House of Dolls’, ‘Heavenly Bodies’, VII, and ‘Dance Underwater’. What would a typical day working in the studio with Peter Walsh, along with the band, look like? What has he brought to the table that’s been indispensable for the band?
He’s a phenomenal engineer & has such a great ear. He’s also a wonderful human being. We all record together as a band, to get the arrangement, tempo & feel. As soon as the drums are right, it’s usually bass guitar & then a lot of time on guitars. Lead vocals are usually last. Peter Walsh will add any extra instrumentation {like keyboards & strings} later. We trust him.
Album design by Fred Aching – Original image by Jolene Siana
Your take on The Cure’s ‘In Between Days’ was simply brilliant. With the addition of the Cello and Hammond, plus your soaring vocals.. it turned out unique to the GLJ sound. What was your inspiration behind this track? How do you feel about the overall finished piece? Were there any other Cure songs that you were considering covering?
Thank you. I thought “Boys Don’t Cry” would’ve been perfect, but it sounded a lot like The Only Ones’ song {“Another Girl Another Planet”}, so I thought “In Between Days” would be better. Very pleased with the way it turned out. I liked drawing from the melancholic lyrics. Another angle.
What is your go-to guitar and why?
That changes. I like all my guitars. There isn’t a perfect guitar. Right now I’m playing my Eastman SB55/v a lot. It’s got P90’s & is actually more expensive than the Gibson guitar it copies {Les Paul Junior}. My headspace is always on what serves my solo performances. I like using my Stratocaster with Gene Loves Jezebel. It’s a nice contrast to James Stevenson’s & compliments his humbucking Les Paul. My LSL Telecaster {“Rosebud”} usually gets the nod for solo work, but I could play any one of my guitars. They all sound fantastic to me. I like playing my Eastman Dreadnaught a lot {I have three Eastman guitars. They are hand built & so special}. I might use that for my next solo show. Or maybe take two guitars. That would be so nice.
Jay Aston Photo by Judy Lyon
Your voice stands out as one of the most inspiring of the 80s post-punk generation and beyond. How does this make you feel? Who are some of your vocal inspirations?
Thank you. I just wanted to find the real me. I didn’t want to sound like anybody else, although I can. Bob Dylan inspires me more than anyone else. I just love him & an acoustic guitar. He’s mind-blowing.
Steve Marriot & Terry Reid. Janis Joplin, Neil Young & the peerless Joni Mitchell. I like so many singers. Ronnie Spector had such a marvelous voice. It surfed. Speaking of which, The Beach Boys were a huge influence on me growing up. I like anybody that has their own voice.
Even though there were other key players in the early days of GLJ, Peter “Bugg” Rizzo and James Stevenson along with you, have been a solid foundation for most of the band’s time together. What is your secret to longevity?
They’re both brilliant musicians. We get along & travel well together. We can argue & {just about} stay friends.
Peter “Bugg” Rizzo photo by Judy Lyon
Your song lyrics really strike a soul-bearing chord that takes us all on a journey through a full spectrum of places and emotions. Where do you find your songwriting inspiration?
I just sing what’s in my head. Still searching.
I understand that you are an avid hiker. Where are a few of your favorite hiking trails or places to walk?
I love walking everywhere really. I can always (find) something of value anywhere. I love Wales, because I can be in the mountains, walking through woodlands, strolling with the river & circling lakes & then be in awe of the ocean, all in one perfect day. I love Urban hiking too. I love the ever-changing cities we live in. Catch it while you can.
Gene Loves Jezebel (1988, Wiki)
Feature photo art by Jay Aston , Original photo by Jolene Siana
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