1. PGH is all about helping artists highlight their most recent projects, so let us all know what your new project is – and tell us about how it come into the world. What has the initial feedback on it been like?

This year  in 2011   Jam Records has focused on some special charity power pop  compilations.  The   SWEET RELIEF #2  ” Hearts  on Fire” project   was released in both  CD  and DVD.  The project  features a nice variety of power pop with bands both old and new.  The Records, DM3 ,  Grip Weeds,  Starry Eyed and Laughing, Lolas,  Phil Angott, Glowfriends, Jeremy,  The Junipers,  The Shambles, etc…and just a ton of stuff

The cool thing is that the DVD does not contain the exact same tunes as the cd ..making it truly worth getting both.    Response to these releases has been amazingly positive and reveals that there are still people who want “hard copy” music.     jamrecordings.com  exists for those people …even if there be fewer these days.  I am one of those people.  I don’t do downloads, I buy hard copy music whether it  is cd, lp, or dvd !

Another new release I put out this year is  Jeremy    Alpha and Omega .   This project is a power pop praise and worship cd full of intimate love songs to God.  It’s a pure expression of my heart and a chance to break the invisible man made mold of how music should be made.   Jam as a label will continue breaking forth with new creative projects and simply be a creative outlet for pure music from the heart.

2. The Recording Process – there are so many interesting ways that music projects coming into being these days compared with what artists encountered years ago.  Take us on the creative arc of how this project came into being and any wisdom that you learned along the way.  Also, what were some of the obstacles or struggles that you encountered when you were working on the project?

This is an interesting topic for me because people assume I am a home recording artist. However, I record in many different studios. Some across the US, some in France, Spain, Sweden.  What is exciting is that the albums turn out completely different sounding …depending on what studio I use.  I enjoy the variety and it keeps things fresh.   I do a lot of recording at home as well, but I do not limit myself to that.
During the early years, I would record at home, play most of the instruments and pull off a “Todd Rundgren”.  The only constant was drummer Dave Dietrich who has been playing drums with me for almost 30 years.  But these days I have been recording more with a full band.    I usually track the guitars, bass , and drums all in one take.  That’s old school and that’s why so many of those 60’s albums sound great.  It’s alive!!!

3.  As we all know, the music industry has been devastated for many reasons over the past 10 years, what are you thoughts on these changes and are you finding some of them helpful to you with getting more people to hear your music?

I suppose that one of the most satisfying things is when I hear that the music I make brings happiness to others.   I have never been a fan of music propaganda . People who use music to push politics religion, or hidden agenda … have perverted the gift.    I just let  music come out from my heart   and  keep it very simple and pure.
4. Along the lines of this discussion, it would be really interesting to get your thoughts on what you think the future of ‘music enjoyment’ might look like?  How do you personally enjoy and ‘consume’ music?  Any trends you’ve noticed with your own habits?

More people are hearing and enjoying my music now than ever before . I am thankful for this!  It is the blessing of God in my life.  I am a Christian and put my faith in God instead of man made
systems. They are faulty and will fail eventually.  That is one reason  why I have always worked outside of the system.

5. So many artists are wrestling with different ways to approach the recording process now – I would love to hear what your plans on with your next project – Are you going to a full CD, an EP or just release songs as you finish them.  Release them digital only or combine physical with the digital or what?

I am a “hard copy” guy all the way.   I still buy cds and I still buy records!   I found out there are many people like me!  These older formats sound better!  I am not interested in downloading music because the sound is inferior.

6. Okay – time for some light humor:  Spinal Tap Moment – dig deep. Locate. Relive. Share that special ‘trauma’ with all of us!  😀

The band was playing to a large crowd and I was really getting into it! On the last song I decided to jump off  the stage with guitar in hand!   I didn’t realize how high the stage was…and I damaged both feet.  I had trouble walking for a year and a half with intense pain.  That was one of the dumbest things I ever did.   Finally, I am better now and I am back to normal . Thank God!!!!   I learned my lesson.

7. Is there a particular musician you’d love to collaborate with – and why?

There are many musicians I would love to work with.  I think it would be great to record with JEFF LYNNE..  I love the music he makes.  Also, on the prog side…STEVE HACKETT  and ANTHONY PHILLIPS. Two of my favorite guitarists.   I’d love to work with Roger McGuinn.    And while this last one is really silly….Yes, it would have been cool to have been the fifth Beatle.  ( Probably every  adolescent 60’s child secret dream).

8. Advance apologies: the ‘classic’ questions.   What other artists and bands have influenced your music and any particular reason why? Also, push come to shove: “Your Top 5 Albums Of All Time”?  (Pop Geeks really are interested in this, trust me!)

There are literally tons of those:   Here’s a few names for you:  The Beatles, The Byrds,   Bee Gees,   Zombies,  Hollies,  Leo Kottke,  Wishbone Ash,  Free,  T.Rex,   early Genesis, Yes,  Left Banke,  Kinks, early  Bee Gees,   Joe Satriani,  Hudson Ford,  Tangerine Dream,   Ash Ra Temple,   Klaus Schultz,  Supertramp,   The Who,  New England,  Amazing Blondel, Gordon Giltrap, The Cars,
Be Bob Deluxe,  Queen,  Foghat,  Status Quo,  Led Zeppelin,  Joe Walsh,   Todd Rundgren, The Move,  ELO,  The Idle Race,  Hawkwind,  The Pretty Things, Tom Petty, Pink Floyd, Kraftwerk,  The Sweet, Ten Years After,  Hendrix,  Deep Purple,  Gentle Giant, Pilot, Synergy,   Stackridge, Tir Na Nog, Cheap Trick, Simon and Garfunkle,  Matthew Fisher, The Church, U2,  Boston …and more!!!

9. We’re always trying to find new music discover here at PGH – what are some of your favorite music releases of 2011?

Favorite new 2011 releases so far … are…..
*  Jonny  (Norman Blake of Teenage Fanclub)  This album I have played over and over . The songs are so catchy.
* The Cars     Move Like This.       Picked right up where they left off and made a great one…once again!
*  Radio Days     Cest la Vie       This Italian power pop band has got the tunes and really got the sound!
*  Jeremy    Alpha and Omega       This is the album I always wanted to make and I finally did it. It makes me happy whenever I hear it.

10. Okay, last question:  Where can we learn more about your music and any other releases you have?

Sweet Relief  Volume #3  (compilation)  New ones from   The Lemon Clocks, Glowfriends,  Jeremy,  Third of Never,  and a few surprises I can’t go public on just yet.

he best place to go to get the music is   www.jamrecordings.com      If you wish to contact me personally, my email is jeremy.morris@juno.com
or you can call   269 349 2721      ( I still have customers that order by phone)   Thanks and blessings to all!