Last week an incredible band played the penultimate show of a six-week tour in the frigid north of Cambridge. Andrew Jackson Jihad is an acoustic punk band from Phoenix, and I was lucky enough to sit down with the dynamic duo, Sean and Ben.
Because I was curious, as well as to save myself from the embarrassment of asking, my first question was what question they liked least. Apparently it’s not wise to inquire about the origin of their unique and (some might say) controversial name, although it hadn’t even crossed my mind to ask that (maybe I’m a bad journalist). I was then incredibly curious, but refrained and instead asked my first legitimate question: for what do they want to be remembered? I assumed it would be something like, “I hope our music inspires people who are different,” but their answer was that they want to be remembered simply for making a positive impact on the world. They are well on their way.
One of innumerable reasons this band is so great is the way their songs are written: with direct honesty and music that perfectly accompanies the hard-hitting lyrics. For example, the first song they played was “Straight White Male,” which is a reminder to be grateful for all the opportunities afforded to a straight white male in America. In Sean and Ben’s mind, being honest with yourself, even when it’s painful, is one of the most important things to do if you ever hope to move forward. Another is not to talk about something if you don’t understand it for yourself.
One of their fans asked them to discuss the Occupy movement at their show in New York City, but they felt it would be wrong to endorse that, as they hadn’t had the time to really learn what it was about. The start of their tour coincided with the start of the movement, so it’s hard for them to get educated on current events, as they’re somewhat cut off from their usual means of getting news while traveling the country.
When I asked Ben one thing he wished he knew when he was eighteen, he said he was told once “the older you get, the less you know.” Both members share the belief that we need to be open to hearing the opinions of others and not hold steadfast to the idea that our way is the only way. Sean added that when he was younger, he spent so much time fighting people he disagreed with – those who were racist, sexist, or ignorant towards other religions – but now he believes that having opposing beliefs does not make a person evil, and that the way to get through to others is not by attacking them, but rather by engaging them in conversation and music.
These guys are passionate about life and the human condition, and they’re also just plain fun and funny. Ben was interested in trying the UFO at the Middle East, while Sean said his favorite villain would have to be Jafar or Ninja Assassins. If you’re from Bozeman, Montana, reach out to them – this is a city they have not yet played and would most like to.
If you’ve never listened to them before, download the song “People II: Still Peoplin.” Anytime you’ve ever seen me walking down Comm Ave. jamming out with headphones blasting, this song is likely what I was listening to. It was more incredible to hear it live, but listening at home will tide you over until they’re in town again.
Although I was tempted to have a drink with them, I spent the entire show sober, intoxicated instead by their music and the feeling that all the people there felt just as connected to the words and to each other as I did.
To find out more and download Andrew Jackson Jihad, check out their website.
