New York singer-songwriter has been pretty much the critical darling since his first solo record, 2002’s Ryan-Adams produced ‘The Fine Art of Self Destruction’. 7 albums on, and with the release of new EP ‘Meet me at the end of the world’ Malin brings, Malin brings his high-intensity punk-meets-Springsteen show to Newcastle’s Think Tank on 7th July.
We caught up with Jesse to talk about the new record, the tour and what punk taught him.
Damian: Hey Jesse, how’s it going?
Jesse: Really well thanks. We’ve just finished in the studio recording a new 5 song EP called ‘Meet me at the end of the world’ which will be out in time for our UK tour in July. And then we’re working on another record at the moment as well. We’ve got a long summer of touring so I want to get in the studio as much as I can while I’m home.
Damian: That sounds amazing; you’ve been very prolific over the past 3 years with 2 albums, the new ep and soon a new album, what’s been inspiring the new material?
Jesse: There’s so much inspiration at the minute; there’s idiots in the oval office, Brexit, people trying to stop the climate agreements; everything is just crazy. I think we need to stay positive and keep fighting, and music is a great way rally people and fight back.
Damian: That’s a great attitude
Jesse: Trumpland is certainly giving me something to write about, but so too is the fact that good and rock roll music is hard to find at the minute and that society is encouraging us to be disposable and bury our heads in our phones. There’s a lot to try and write about.
Damian: And how’s the sound on the new material?
Jesse: I hate to categorise myself but there’s a mix of sounds. The record was produced by Joseph Arthur who has a great album called ‘redemption son’ which has just been reissued and he’s been amazing to our sound. One new track is called ‘Fox new funk’ which is a take on the Clash Magnificent 7 and Blondie Rapture and is a really new sounds for me.
Damian: Wow, I can’t wait for that. Your live shows are legendary for being intense, meaningful and uplifting. Where does that motivation come from and how do you sustain it?
Jesse: You’re very kind, thank you. The people I always liked to watch live like Little Richard, or James Brown, or Bruce Springsteen, or Joe Strummer played like they had a gun to the back of their head and that this could be their last show. They taught me to try and communicate the message to anyone watching that you’re not casual about your music and that every word could be your last. Additionally, punk rock taught me that the band need to break down the walls in order to connect and that the more energy you give out to a crowd, the more you get back, and the greater the chance you have to take a show to a higher level
Damian: We’ve seen you at the Cluny, the Academy and the Uni, but this will be your first time at Think Tank. What can we expect?
Jesse: It’ll be the whole band, so Catherine on bass who’s played with Ryan Adams, Randy from St Marks Social & the Scissor Sisters, and then horns and drums. I’ll play stuff from the Fine Art of Self Destruction, and the Heat and some of the new stuff as well.
Damian: You tend to throw a couple of covers into your set as well; is there anything you’re enjoying playing at the moment?
Jesse: We’ve been playing ‘Hey little rich girl’ by the Specials and ‘Pocahontas’ by Neil Young recently, but we keep mixing it up so we’ll see what mood we’re in on the 7th July.
Jesse plays Newcastle’s Think Tank on the 7th July. Support from Matthew Ryan. Tickets £16.50.