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by Dave B. Roberts
Train's Jimmy Stafford lets his fans get to him!
An Extreme Guitars interview By Dave B. Roberts and some awesome Train fans!
In this edition of Extreme Guitars we are thrilled to welcome back our old friend, Train guitarist Jimmy Stafford. I had the pleasure and opportunity to meet up with Jimmy and Train for the first time last year in Wiston-Salem, NC for an Extreme Guitars AFS interview and just hang out with the guys for the day. I can honestly say that I have never met a more down-to-earth, funny-as-hell group of talented artists. At that time, Jimmy and the boys were in the midst of their tremendous 2005 “My Private Nation” tour and had just released their “Ordinary” single to be featured on the Spiderman 2 soundtrack. Since ending the MPN tour in July 2005, Train decided to take a well-deserved break. They may have taken time off from the road, but during their so-called break, the band had written a library of over 50 songs for next album consideration in addition to releasing two CDs; The “Alive At Last” live cd from the recent tour and the My Private Nation dual-disc featuring tons of cool behind the scenes stuff including a disguised Pat Monahan singing at a karaoke bar and “21 days with Train”. Like the little Energizer Bunny, Train’s My Private Nation album “keeps going and going…” . In early summer 2005, MPN’s “Get To Me” was picked up by Cingular Wireless to be used in their radio and television ads which prompted heavy radio demand allowing the band to release “Get To Me” as their latest single.I am thrilled to, once again talk with Jimmy Stafford, but this time we wanted to do the interview a little differently; We thought it would be cool to have the fans participate in the interview by asking the questions they want to know. I want to thank Jimmy for allowing us this opportunity and also thank his fans for submitting such awesome questions… and the readers, of course! Read on!
EG: What have you done during your brief time off?
JS: Actually, the time off hasn't been brief at all! we've pretty much been
on a break since finishing the MPN tour last July. we released a live
album called "alive at last" last november, which afforded us some time to
relax, play some golf, spend time with our families and write songs for the
next studio album. we're all itching to get back to work, though.
EG: Now Cingular Wireless is using your MPN track “Get To Me” in their ads.
I understand that because of its current radio demand, you guys are releasing it as a single?
JS:
yes we are and it's actually doing quite well! i think it was #1 most added to radio for like three or four weeks in a row. pretty exciting for a song that's two years old! The only bad thing is that due to the success of "get to me" it'll probably push back production of the new record a few
months.
EG: Any plans on making a video for “Get to Me” and if so, what do you think would be a cool concept for it?
JS:
We'll be shooting a video for it probably before this interview is released. Not sure who will be directing it yet or what the concept is. We’re deciding that stuff this week.
EG: I understand you guys already have over 50 songs written to choose from
for next TRAIN album. I know it’s early, but can you give us a little insight into any songs you feel might make “the cut”.
JS:
it's hard to say right now, because there is so much good stuff to choose from! We’ll probably be releasing an "essentials" cd before the full studio album is released. That will also include three or four new songs
as well as a compilation of our videos, so I’m not sure yet which songs are going where.
EG: The difference between MPN and your next album is the addition of 2 new
band members into the creative blend. Do you find that the songwriting or recording process has changed?
JS:
We haven't started recording yet, but have spent alot of time together writing and recording demos and it's been awesome! Brandon and Johnny have
contributed a ton to the writing and their influences are taking us in a new and exciting direction. Any time you add new opinions and writers into the mix it's going to make for change and change has always been something
that this band has embraced and made the most of. It feels like a new band and it's exciting for all of us.
EG: While in Atlanta, I understand you had some gear misfortune at the studio; Some of your equiptment being stolen.
JS:
Yes we did. Only my stuff! What’s up with that?! Didn’t they see Scott’s nice drums and Brandon’s keyboards?! Nope. Only my guitars and mandolin. they were recovered unharmed a week later, though. I was very happy about
that as the mandolin has been with me for 15 plus years and the PRS guitars that were stolen have been discontinued.
EG: I’ve read that Train has, in the past, done mini tours under a pseudonym
to test and work out new material, what were some of names you had used in the past?
JS:
We’ve only used one so far. "Ben Days".
(Question from Sarah P.) Can you play any other instruments besides guitar and mandolin?
JS:
I started out on the drums when I was little, which is where I get my amazing sense of rhythm! I do some writing on the piano when I’m at home and wish I could play it better. Guitar is definitely my most comfortable instrument.
(Question from Jill): Pat calls you Mister a lot, Mister Jimmy Stafford. Does he do that all the time, or just on stage?
JS:
I’ve never noticed! But I kinda like it better than "asshole"!
(Question from Jill, Dave, Gary): Is there something the band does as a group before going on stage, some sort of superstar team huddle cheer or something?
JS: We spend time joking around in the dressing room and just staying mentally loose. After all, it's not rocket science! It’s entertainment and we enjoy going out there every night as much as the fans enjoy being there.
Scott usually pounds on a chair for a few minutes, Johnny will play his bass a little, but that's about it. I don't like to touch a guitar until I walk onstage. Keeps it fresh and exciting for me.
(Question from Jill): Johnny Colt has 97 tattoos, how many do you have? (That's just a guess, I really I have no idea how many Johnny has)
JS:
He does have alot! Head to toe. I have none, but was considering getting one. I don't think I’m really the tattoo type. I was thinking of maybe getting a tattoo of a nice ass on my ass, but then I realized that I already had a pretty sweet ass, so decided against it! I did put my
earrings back in after a 15 year absence. I’m wild!
(Question from Jill and Andrew, Jason and a couple others) How many guitars do you have? Do you have a favorite?
JS:
Not really sure. 20 or so. I only tour with about six or seven (two custom fender telecasters, two PRS single cutaways, a Gretsch and my custom Benedict). I’ll probably add a Gibson 335 on the next tour as I’ve been using one quite a bit to write the new album. I string them all up with
D'addario strings.
(Question from Jill) Tell us a secret about one of your band members, but don't tell us who it is.
JS:
I don't know any secrets! They never tell me any because I can't keep them to myself!
(Question from Jill) Tell us a joke; a funny one - not one of Pat's.
JS:
I am the worse joke teller of all time! I only remember the beginnings and can never remember the punchlines. Ok...here it goes.... did you hear the one about the guitar player and the singer that were thrown into a pile
of Jell-o together? I did and when I remember what the punchline is I’ll let you know! See? I suck at jokes.
(Question from anonymous) Boxers, briefs, or commando?
JS:
Boxer briefs when wearing shorts or slacks. Commando on stage. jeans are too tight!
(Question from "T") McDonald's or Taco Bell?
JS:
neither.
(Question from "T" and Alex) The one guitar he has always wanted but hasn't got/found yet.
JS:
A vintage Gibson 335.
(Question from "T") When not touring or recording, what's an average day like in the life of Jimmy?
JS:
Awake at 6:30 to trade a few stocks online and watch the market for a few hours, make some coffee, work out, get dressed and shave and then either go golfing and write some music or see a movie in the evening or pick up my 5
year old daughter and go for a swim and go out for dinner (she's an expensive sushi date!).
(Question from Lauri B.) What is that blue block you use to play "Mississippi," and where did you learn to do that!?
JS:
It’s called an ebow and i learned to do it in the studio. It’s basically just a magnet that vibrates the string. A vibrator for guitar! Sexy.
(Question from Tina) Where is your favorite place in the world to tour? Why?
JS:
I love playing anywhere there is an enthusiastic crowd to see us. It really doesn't matter where. It’s always fun to visit new places in Europe or Australia, but at the end of the day a stage is a stage is a stage. Give me an audience!
(Question from Alison W., NH) How did you become interested in playing guitar?
JS:
Started out on the drums, but wasn't getting enough attention back there, so I made the guitar player trade instruments with me! They were all my
instruments anyways, so I could do what I wanted.
(Question from Alison W., NH) What's your favorite song to perform? Why?
I love playing "Getaway" which we don't play that much anymore, because I love the guitar solo in that one and the song just makes me feel good! "Get To Me" is a fun one, too. Good energy on that one live.
(Question from Alison W., NH) How has being a part of Train changed your life?
Uh...I was able to quit my day job and do music full time and make a living at it. I get to travel the world and play concerts. I have a nice house and a car and don't have to worry about putting food on the table.
(Question from Alison W., NH) Where's you favorite place to be (while not on tour)?
home or on the golf course near my home!
(Question from Alison W., NH) What qualities do you admire best in a person?
honesty and sincerity.
(Question from Alison W., NH) How do you think that Train's music has changed over the years, and what
has brought about these changes?
Just touring, recording and spending so much time together has made us a tighter unit. We think alike musically and it's easy for us to go in any direction a song takes us. Pat has grown lyrically just by getting older and wiser and experiencing more in life, and of course the addition of
Johnny and Brandon to the band has taken us in a new and exciting direction.
(Question from Alison W., NH) What do you miss most from home while you're on tour?
My daughter.
(Question from Alison W., NH) What do you like best while you're on tour?
Being onstage every night.
(Question from Alison W., NH) How do you decide which songs get put on an album?
Collective input from the band, manager, producer and a few Columbia execs.
(Question from Alison W., NH) What's one of the funniest memories you have with Train?
We have way too many laughs together to try and remember just one funny story. Scott and pat could have been comedians if the music thing didn't work out for them.
(Question from Christena) Alot of the band members had odd jobs while they were trying to get the band really going. What was yours?
I worked as an office assistant at a tax preparation company in the financial district of San Francisco.
(Question from Christena) I read another interview awhile back that you have a weakness for girls in hats...I adore all the band members but being that you're my "CRUSH" I'd like to know exactly what kind of girl in what kind of hat??? Just asking so that I'll be dressed appropriately for the next show...
Nothing specific. I just tend to notice a girl in a hat or a sundress. I’m a sucker for pretty women! Can’t help but look at them. Guess I chose the right job!
(Question from Alison W., NH) Was being a musician something you always wanted to do or did have one those AHA moments.
I did have an "aha" moment when i was about 5! I think I’ve always known that I was going to do this. I thought it was my destiny and so I stuck with it and vowed to never give up on the dream.
(Question from Monty) What is your favorite food.
I’m a big sushi fan.
(Question from Monty) Who inspires you the most.
My daughter! Musically I was inspired by jimmy page and angus young. I’m inspired by beauty. Beautiful weather, beautiful people, beautiful stories or movies, beautiful music....
(Question from Monty) What are you listening to right now.
The new Ben Bolds, Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Aimee Mann and of course the new
Train demos!
(Question from Monty) What do you like most: corduroy or velvet?
I’d have to say corduroy.
(Question from Monty) Where do you think Train is headed after the upcoming project and given tour?
Hopefully back into the studio to record yet another smash hit CD!
(Question from Monty) Favorite moment of creative awareness with Train.
Wow. There are so many of those. They happen every day onstage when we're sound checking. They happen when we're building a song in the studio. They happen when we're writing music together on the bus. Sometimes they even happen spontaneously onstage during a performance! It’s really a great band to be a part of. The creative juices are always flowing.
Copyright 2005 Dave B. Roberts & www.extremeguitars.com is the web home of articles and interviews written by Dave Roberts. All Dave Roberts interviews & articles are available for use or FREE reprint ONLY by Permission and proper credits. Permission can be obtained by contacting dave@extremeguitars.com. All materials are Copyright 2004 Dave Roberts and Oceanbreeze Ent., All Rights Reserved.
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