Few bands know how to add the spice of Latin influences to their music as effortlessly as Nothin But Jam does. Adding samplings of unique sounds from each band member’s heritage, Nothin But Jam has created a rock sound that is very much their own. This distinctive sound, coupled with original lyrics that are drawn from personal life experiences, make this band a force to be reckoned with. Be sure to check Nothin But Jam out as they perform at The Lair in Sydney on April 13th!

FIRST OF ALL, WHAT MADE YOU DECIDE TO COMPETE IN EMERGENZA FESTIVAL?
We saw the Emergenza Festival as a great opportunity to widen our listening audience, but in particular it was a great avenue to work with a professional organization supporting original music as not many band competitions promote ‘original only’ material.

YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN PLAYING TOGETHER FOR QUITE SOME TIME, HOW HAS YOUR MUSIC EVOLVED OVER THE YEARS?
NBJ was formed after Fernando approached his long-time songwriter friend Christian, with whom he had played in other bands, with a desire to create & perform original music. Together with Nick on lead guitar, NBJ began crafting songs which had a folk ballad & slow rock influence. Life experience, and the addition of formidable lead vocalist Rachel, has led to NBJ evolving into a more diverse band in which we all bring influences that create a more soulful groove.

IN WHAT WAYS HAS YOUR LATIN HERITAGE SHAPED YOUR MUSIC THE MOST?
Although NBJ has a natural slant towards Latin rhythms, the songs themselves have a unique fusion of Rock, Bossanova, Jazz & Soul which, complemented with vocal harmonies & lyrics in both English & Spanish, make up the NBJ sound.

Rachel has experienced success as a No.1 solo ‘Latin’ artist in Chile, Spain and parts of the USA. She joined NBJ in 2011 bringing some of her own songs to the band, as well as taking existing NBJ originals to a new level of vocal professionalism. Three of the band members have South American heritage but as Nick, the sole Italian always seems to remind us, “Italians are the real Latinos!!!”

YOU GUYS ARE VERY UNIQUE IN THAT YOU WRITE YOUR OWN, ORIGINAL MUSIC. WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION FOR MOST OF YOUR SONGS?
The gift of musical expression and creation is motivation in itself. Christian & Rachel take their songwriting inspiration from life experiences and seek to convey our underlying band motto of “love, laugh, dream”. Our musical influences range from classic artists such as Cat Stevens, Van Morrison, Anita Baker & Santana, through to contemporary artists such as Jason Mraz & Joss Stone. Our songwriting has no boundaries. It is deeply rewarding to see raw songs we bring to the band come to life with the creative talents and input of all those in the band.

WHAT CAN AUDIENCES EXPECT FROM ONE OF YOUR LIVE PERFORMANCES?
To let them experience our feel good music and to go away feeling better than when they got there!

AS I SAID BEFORE, YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN PREFORMING TOGETHER FOR A LONG TIME IN COMPARISON TO OTHER BANDS COMPETING IN THE FESTIVAL. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS THE KEY TO STAYING TOGETHER FOR SO LONG?
The key to staying together for so long is Passion, Passion for music, for life, for family, for friends, and for each other. We aim to play to our strengths, whilst challenging each other to improve both as musicians and as people. We have become first and foremost very close friends, and the joy of playing and creating music together is the icing on the cake!!