Review Fix chats with Emmy Award winner, singer and multi-instrumentalist Jacob Bunton, who discusses MYJA’s new album and what’s in store for 2018. A side project of A Bad Think mastermind Michael Marquart and Bunton, it’s an intriguing melodic rock compilation.
Review Fix: How did the band get together?
Jacob Bunton: Michael and I were introduced by a mutual friend and hit it off immediately. After hanging out a few times, we realized it was inevitable that we would do a project together.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Bunton: It’s different depending on the project. I don’t believe in just sitting around waiting to feel inspired. My typical day consists of waking up, walking to the coffee shop, returning e-mails and then to the studio to write. I’ll work on basic ideas and concepts, and once I have something that I like, I take another walk. The key for me is to stay focused, but take a lot of short walks just to keep perspective.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Bunton: I get inspired by everyday life, movies, music, friends, strangers, etc. No matter where you come from or what your background is, everyone has a story. I love listening to peoples stories.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Bunton: Melodic rock. What we do is not rocket science. I hear bands all of the time trying to describe their sound as something that’s never been heard before. Most of the time, they fall into the usual categories. There are tons of sub-genres for the categories, but it’s been a long time since I’ve heard a new band that doesn’t sound like someone else, Myja included. When I listen to our album, I hear elements of Neil Young, White Stripes, America, etc. With that said, there’s a lot of new music that I like right now.
Review Fix: What makes your debut album special?
Bunton: It was a lot of fun to make, that’s what makes it special to us. Music is subjective, either you get it, or you don’t. I could tell someone that “Appetite For Destruction†is the greatest record ever made, but if they don’t agree, I can’t change their mind. Music is all about evoking emotions and how it makes you feel. Most peoples favorite albums are the ones they have an emotional attachment to that reminds them of a certain time in their life. It will be up to the listener whether or not our album strikes a chord with them.
Review Fix: What’s the standout track? How was it written?
Bunton: My favorite is “Mourning The Death Of An Imaginary Lover.†It was the last song written, and it started with Michael playing four notes. The song keeps building in every section until it explodes in the end.
Review Fix: What are your goals for 2018?
Bunton:Â In general, my 2018 goals are to keep creating and have fun.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Bunton: Michael has a new A Bad Think album that will be coming out soon. It’s a double album, and it’s epic. I have a lot of movie stuff (scores, soundtracks, & original music) that will be coming out this year. I’m currently working with The Doors on an interesting project. We may do another Lynam EP this year.
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