Steevi Jaimz Interview

STEEVI JAIMZ INTERVIEW:
December 20, 2009

Websites: www.steevijaimz.com – www.myspace.com/steevijaimz
Interviewer: Grant W.

Steevi Jaimz’ new album, My Private Hell, is in my top five releases of 2009 to date. It’s a big production release with killer songs, and if you haven’t already bagged a copy get it quick, because it’s selling bundles and will likely be a sought after CD in the future. And yes, Steevi Jaimz was that bloke, in THAT band (that band being Tigertailz for those that didn’t know), but this release really puts his name out there as a credible solo artist. Now should be the time that he gets some much deserved respect and reward for sticking it out in this industry.

Sleaze Roxx: First, let me just say congrats on My Private Hell. Should we be reading anything into the album title – what made you decide to call it that?

Steevi Jaimz: Thanks!! I’m thrilled that you like the record so much, it’s really appreciated. Yeah, you can and should read into the title. It sums up my state of mind perfectly with all the trials and tribulations whilst making it. We were finishing recording the last two tunes on the record, and whilst I was putting the lyrics down for one of the last tunes My Private Hell came up, it fit the song perfectly, and as it happens the whole mood was set up in it too. It’s one of my favorite tracks on the record as well.

Sleaze Roxx: Am I right in saying the album actually sold out?

Steevi Jaimz: Yeah. It did sell out of the initial pressing. Not bad really, as it has had zero advertising. Even the release was ignored by every major glossy rock mag in the UK, with the exception of Rocksound. I think the likes of Classic Rock etc… were too busy putting Phil Collins on the cover or topping up Gene Simmons’s ego. Maybe I shoulda’ put masks on everyone, pretended to be someone I’m not and called the band Timber Hitch, I might have got acknowledged then. It’s always been something personal against me in the UK ever since the notoriety I had in the 80’s. Certain people still hold a grudge and live in the past I guess. I’ve always been real, if I don’t like someone or something I let them know, fuck off with the two faced bullshit that goes on. And the only difference being back then is I used to care, now I couldn’t give a fuck about those clowns. I made this record ‘cos I enjoy making music, and mainly ‘cos of the fans of the music I make. If they enjoy it then that’s all that matters to me!

Sleaze Roxx: I was really impressed with the album, in particular Something Good Something Bad. I just love that one, it’s reminiscent of something off Kiss’ Unmasked, with big production and a full sound. How will you manage pull that sound off live?

Steevi Jaimz: Yeah, it does have that Kiss vibe all through it. We play pretty much all the new tunes live, and have been doing so now for a long time. My band pulls it all off very, very well. They’re great songs and sound even better when they come to life live onstage. I always thought if you write an album, or a majority of songs, what’s the point in writing them if you can’t perform them live? Unless of course you’re making some kinda complex concept record maybe.

Sleaze Roxx: On the subject of live stuff, when can we expect to see you around the UK, or overseas for that matter?

Steevi Jaimz: No, no plans for the UK. I haven’t been asked to play here for a while to be honest. In fact the last show I did here was Z-Rock fest in Wigan, in 2007 I think, with Dokken, House Of Lords and Kingdom Come. But I’ve been playing all over Europe for the last few years now. I just played in Denmark for the first time last weekend, and I have to say it’s been fuckin’ great. Everywhere I’ve played in Europe has been cool and I’m really looking forward to playing some more next year too. Audiences in Europe are always louder and way more enthusiastic I find. It’s a little different to that in the UK nowadays. Nothing like the crazy shows of the 80’s anymore when England ruled.

Sleaze Roxx: Would it be fair to say that the market overseas is bigger now as band like Vains Of Jenna seem to have to relocate to be within a shout of getting the sales.

Steevi Jaimz: Definitely… Overseas seems to still have a real feel for it. And people still wanna go to shows and have a good time it seems. Obviously, the arrival of the internet etc… has had a great bearing on a lot of band’s record sales. I just remember as a kid I used to love going to my local record store and picking up the latest release on vinyl. If you were lucky it would be a killer gatefold sleeve or some kind of cool album cover and inner sleeve. Today that’s like the dinosaur, and it’s a real shame. But, times move on and nothing can stop progress. Unfortunately progress is not always for the better.

Sleaze Roxx: Was there a shortlist of songs for the album, because I’m guessing if there was any leftover material, we can expect another killer album after this one right?

Steevi Jaimz: There were plenty of leftovers. We also re-recorded some of my old tunes acoustically too. Not sure if any of it will see the light of day though. Maybe, who knows. But I would love to make another record to follow My Private Hell up for sure.

Sleaze Roxx: Do you write all of your own material of do you collaborate with other songwriters and musicians?

Steevi Jaimz: The whole record was done with other songwriters and collaborators. Myself, Chris Laney and Anders Ringman, wrote and recorded it. And Chris and Anders produced it at Polar Studios in Stockholm, Sweden. Ryan Roxie was a collaborator on Don’t Say It’s Over, another great guitar player/songwriter. In the past I used to write almost everything, so this time it was great having two or three pro musicians and songwriters help with it all from start to finish. And as a result it’s by far the best material I’ve ever been involved with.

Sleaze Roxx: You’ve been around the glam scene since I can remember. How difficult is it to survive these days when what you do is your bread and butter?

Steevi Jaimz: Hahahahahahaha, seems like I’ve been doing this shit forever. Back in the day it was so much fun and much easier, now it’s tough to even catch a break. But I’ll always keep writing and making the music I like, and go out and play every show as if it’s my last ya know. If people come to the shows and listen to the records that’s good enough for me.

Sleaze Roxx: What’s next on the horizon then for Steevi Jaimz?

Steevi Jaimz: Making more music, playing more shows… I’ll keep on keeping on, it’s the only thing I know!

Thanks to Steevi Jaimz