JACK+JILL

Artist Interview – JACK+JILL

October 20, 2012 By Song Revelation


JACK+JILL are an Indie band from Grand Junction Colorado. At Song Revelation when we first checked out JACK+JILL’s dynamic rock sound we were really impressed and were delighted when they agreed to share their music, experiences and inspirations with everyone at Song Revelation. Read the entire interview below where JACK+JILL discuss how they initially became interested in music, what they’ve recently been working on and what music their currently listening to when not performing themselves.



Q: If you could use a tagline to describe your music and who you are what would it be?

JACK+JILL is a Colorado based Indie/Alternative Band. Their music blends dark grungy male vocals and soft female vocals with rich chunky guitars, and semi-sweet electric violin. Performing as a duo or full band, their high energy shows also feature drums, bass, & keys, along with more back up vocals.



Q: What is your musical background?

Jill has been playing classical style violin on and off since she was 4, and only in the past decade or so she began to stretch the boundaries of what her and her instrument can do. Jack has been involved with music most of his life as well, mostly church and school choirs. He has been in bands of all sorts most of his adult life. Brian is a multi instrumentalist and graduated with a music degree. Mike has received some studies in music, and has been playing the drums since he was a small child. All the members of the band are well versed in many styles of music and often perform a song completely out of its style at shows, just for the fun of it.



Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?

The last 12 have been great, finished up our second album “Brightest Star in the Nightmare” and just made a music video for one of the songs: “Overplay Me”. It’s a really sarcastic song about pop music and the video is the perfect match for its puns. We were fortunate enough to have award winning director Todd Braley film, direct, and edit it. We have also been traveling a lot the past 12 months, hitting Colorado, Utah, Arizona, California, Wyoming, and we will be in Idaho this November. So we are definitely making our mark on the surrounding areas.



Q: Who inspires you musically?

We draw inspiration form everywhere it seems. We are blessed with the worlds greatest radio stations in the world I think we very much enjoy the College and the Community radio stations. DJ’s are passionate about the music they play, because they are the ones making the play lists, not some corporate machine feeding us with malignant monotonal pop songs. I still really dig the 90's and miss the genuine feel of a true artists art. There are bands out there, mostly independent bands, that have that sound too, but they are simply not hitting the airwaves. Who knows maybe that’s a good thing… Everyone enjoys finding that band before they get famous.



Q: Which modern day artists do you look up to?

Soundgarden, for getting back together and staying true to their format. I enjoy that they all write and contribute to the albums music. I think that is a rarity anymore to find that kind of collaboration- especially after such a long break. I also have always looked up to Fiona Apple and Bjork for breaking the mold, and finding ways to stay mainstream just enough to infect the general public, then quickly slip back into hiding. Almost like it’s a game for them.



Q: Is there anyone you would like to collaborate or gig with?

Could you see Soundgarden, Bjork and Fiona on a tour together?



Q: What songs are you listening to at the moment?

Beastie Boys- RIP homie.



Q: What is your creative process for creating a track?

There is no format, just time to take.



Q: What’s more important, melody or lyrics?

They are equally important. You cant have a great melody and then not be inspired to write decent lyrics, and I think we’ve all had an experience where you hear something amazing until the guy starts singing… ugh. No matter the lyrical content there is nothing that’s gunna save that song unless “singer dude” shuts up.



Q: Where are you based?

Grand Junction Colorado



Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?

It’s good actually. Everywhere is what you make of it, it’s a good place to have a family, go outdoors, be in a band… lol. Junction’s not big but there is still plenty to do here, and places to get away that are close by. I love the Mountains, and there are tons of them around here.



Q: What are you currently working on?

Our third album is in the works. We are really excited about it because the more we create the more we discover JACK+JILL’s true sound, our own little niche. Also we will be shooting another video for it to be released around the same time. Always booking shows.



Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

Bein - www.songrevalation.com

Artist Interview – JACK+JILL

October 20, 2012 By Song Revelation


JACK+JILL are an Indie band from Grand Junction Colorado. At Song Revelation when we first checked out JACK+JILL’s dynamic rock sound we were really impressed and were delighted when they agreed to share their music, experiences and inspirations with everyone at Song Revelation. Read the entire interview below where JACK+JILL discuss how they initially became interested in music, what they’ve recently been working on and what music their currently listening to when not performing themselves.



Q: If you could use a tagline to describe your music and who you are what would it be?

JACK+JILL is a Colorado based Indie/Alternative Band. Their music blends dark grungy male vocals and soft female vocals with rich chunky guitars, and semi-sweet electric violin. Performing as a duo or full band, their high energy shows also feature drums, bass, & keys, along with more back up vocals.



Q: What is your musical background?

Jill has been playing classical style violin on and off since she was 4, and only in the past decade or so she began to stretch the boundaries of what her and her instrument can do. Jack has been involved with music most of his life as well, mostly church and school choirs. He has been in bands of all sorts most of his adult life. Brian is a multi instrumentalist and graduated with a music degree. Mike has received some studies in music, and has been playing the drums since he was a small child. All the members of the band are well versed in many styles of music and often perform a song completely out of its style at shows, just for the fun of it.



Q: How have the last 12 months been for you?

The last 12 have been great, finished up our second album “Brightest Star in the Nightmare” and just made a music video for one of the songs: “Overplay Me”. It’s a really sarcastic song about pop music and the video is the perfect match for its puns. We were fortunate enough to have award winning director Todd Braley film, direct, and edit it. We have also been traveling a lot the past 12 months, hitting Colorado, Utah, Arizona, California, Wyoming, and we will be in Idaho this November. So we are definitely making our mark on the surrounding areas.



Q: Who inspires you musically?

We draw inspiration form everywhere it seems. We are blessed with the worlds greatest radio stations in the world I think we very much enjoy the College and the Community radio stations. DJ’s are passionate about the music they play, because they are the ones making the play lists, not some corporate machine feeding us with malignant monotonal pop songs. I still really dig the 90's and miss the genuine feel of a true artists art. There are bands out there, mostly independent bands, that have that sound too, but they are simply not hitting the airwaves. Who knows maybe that’s a good thing… Everyone enjoys finding that band before they get famous.



Q: Which modern day artists do you look up to?

Soundgarden, for getting back together and staying true to their format. I enjoy that they all write and contribute to the albums music. I think that is a rarity anymore to find that kind of collaboration- especially after such a long break. I also have always looked up to Fiona Apple and Bjork for breaking the mold, and finding ways to stay mainstream just enough to infect the general public, then quickly slip back into hiding. Almost like it’s a game for them.



Q: Is there anyone you would like to collaborate or gig with?

Could you see Soundgarden, Bjork and Fiona on a tour together?



Q: What songs are you listening to at the moment?

Beastie Boys- RIP homie.



Q: What is your creative process for creating a track?

There is no format, just time to take.



Q: What’s more important, melody or lyrics?

They are equally important. You cant have a great melody and then not be inspired to write decent lyrics, and I think we’ve all had an experience where you hear something amazing until the guy starts singing… ugh. No matter the lyrical content there is nothing that’s gunna save that song unless “singer dude” shuts up.



Q: Where are you based?

Grand Junction Colorado



Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?

It’s good actually. Everywhere is what you make of it, it’s a good place to have a family, go outdoors, be in a band… lol. Junction’s not big but there is still plenty to do here, and places to get away that are close by. I love the Mountains, and there are tons of them around here.



Q: What are you currently working on?

Our third album is in the works. We are really excited about it because the more we create the more we discover JACK+JILL’s true sound, our own little niche. Also we will be shooting another video for it to be released around the same time. Always booking shows.



Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?

Bein - www.songrevalation.com

MusicNowMagazine.com Dec. 2012 issue asks:

What is your thought process when working on new music?

Differs alot, sometimes it is a long process to "create a masterpiece"... Other times it just all comes out- lyrics, melodies, chord changes- all at once. If its actually "thought" out ever i suppose i would like to write something that is familiar, yet unique-

What inspires your music?

Everything can be inspiring, but i would say diversity in music, we are always tuned into the community radio and college radio stations, the stations that let the djs play what they want, i love all kinds of music, and its nice to get a constant injection of eclectic music.

How would you classify your music?

Alt/Jam Band


How would you describe yourself as an artist?

Very much a 90's kid. Loved the Seattle movement, and had a soft spot for all the 80s too. I would have to say we are pretty mellow people, Kinda rough on the outside, but warm and hippie on the inside.

What sets your music apart from others in your genre?

We are using alot of mixed meter still, while blending familiarity in melodies, and simplicity. Also we come as a pair. Jack+Jill are married =]

When you are working on a new song… Do you already have a concept in mind or do you rather write on top of music/beats?

We write all original music, no samples or remixes here- We usually write the music then words, melodies and harmonies, then start parting it out for other instrumentation.


What are some of your musical influences?

SoundGarden, The Cure, Days of the New, Bjork, Fiona Apple, Zepplin, AIC... Too many to name!

What obstacles have you faced in the music industry?

Musical independence while holding down jobs, and raising a family. We have been well received wherever we play, but its the getting there, and the making of time for everything.

What hard lessons have you learned while working in the industry?

You have to believe in your self, and your music, be determined, and always look for opportunities. Keep going!

Do you feel that people really understand the business aspect of the music industry?

Not in the slightest, It is very difficult to do what we do, and still maintain the daily grind as well. Its a challenge to figure out what the best direction to go, yet its a challenge worth doing, the rewards are great when you get them.

What changes do you feel that need to be made in the music industry?

Less corperate rock, more underground bands being truly "found" again. too many people are just grand fathered into the biz, or have the $$$ to make a much bigger footprint than deserved... Then poor people are just feeding the machine not knowing the damage they do. Vicious cycle.

What direction do you see the music industry going?

Independant music is on the rise, not sure what the future will hold for the industry, but whatever it is we're on board.

What steps have you taken to market your music?

Our music is at most digital distributors, and available in most large retail chains, We have performed and gigged aggressivly all over colorado, and have a built a great fan
base bere regionally. Also we have been on the front page of the paper, as well as local tv stations.

If you can have any collaboration with an artist who would it be and why?

Chris Cornell, sheer versatility. The mans a genius.

If you can work with any producer who would it be and why?

Unsure- Preservation of original thought through the writing process is very important to us, and would most likely stay as independant as possible.

What song are you currently promoting? Who is the producer and how did the song come about?

We are self produced, and the song would be "Brightest Star in the Nightmare" the song is about our son, and the struggles of working constantly, never seeing him grow up.

What album/cd are you currently promoting?

"Brightest Star in the Nightmare"

What is your next album/cd that you are working on? What is the concept behind your next musical project?

Self Titled Demo, out late 2012.

What are your project plans for 2012?

Tour, record, write.

Do you have any major performances or tours planned for 2012?

Working on a tour Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah in June. Planning on playing Powellapalooza again this year, as well as Desert Rocks. We will do another circuit at the end of summer as well. - www.MusicNowMagazine.com

MusicNowMagazine.com Dec. 2012 issue asks:

What is your thought process when working on new music?

Differs alot, sometimes it is a long process to "create a masterpiece"... Other times it just all comes out- lyrics, melodies, chord changes- all at once. If its actually "thought" out ever i suppose i would like to write something that is familiar, yet unique-

What inspires your music?

Everything can be inspiring, but i would say diversity in music, we are always tuned into the community radio and college radio stations, the stations that let the djs play what they want, i love all kinds of music, and its nice to get a constant injection of eclectic music.

How would you classify your music?

Alt/Jam Band


How would you describe yourself as an artist?

Very much a 90's kid. Loved the Seattle movement, and had a soft spot for all the 80s too. I would have to say we are pretty mellow people, Kinda rough on the outside, but warm and hippie on the inside.

What sets your music apart from others in your genre?

We are using alot of mixed meter still, while blending familiarity in melodies, and simplicity. Also we come as a pair. Jack+Jill are married =]

When you are working on a new song… Do you already have a concept in mind or do you rather write on top of music/beats?

We write all original music, no samples or remixes here- We usually write the music then words, melodies and harmonies, then start parting it out for other instrumentation.


What are some of your musical influences?

SoundGarden, The Cure, Days of the New, Bjork, Fiona Apple, Zepplin, AIC... Too many to name!

What obstacles have you faced in the music industry?

Musical independence while holding down jobs, and raising a family. We have been well received wherever we play, but its the getting there, and the making of time for everything.

What hard lessons have you learned while working in the industry?

You have to believe in your self, and your music, be determined, and always look for opportunities. Keep going!

Do you feel that people really understand the business aspect of the music industry?

Not in the slightest, It is very difficult to do what we do, and still maintain the daily grind as well. Its a challenge to figure out what the best direction to go, yet its a challenge worth doing, the rewards are great when you get them.

What changes do you feel that need to be made in the music industry?

Less corperate rock, more underground bands being truly "found" again. too many people are just grand fathered into the biz, or have the $$$ to make a much bigger footprint than deserved... Then poor people are just feeding the machine not knowing the damage they do. Vicious cycle.

What direction do you see the music industry going?

Independant music is on the rise, not sure what the future will hold for the industry, but whatever it is we're on board.

What steps have you taken to market your music?

Our music is at most digital distributors, and available in most large retail chains, We have performed and gigged aggressivly all over colorado, and have a built a great fan
base bere regionally. Also we have been on the front page of the paper, as well as local tv stations.

If you can have any collaboration with an artist who would it be and why?

Chris Cornell, sheer versatility. The mans a genius.

If you can work with any producer who would it be and why?

Unsure- Preservation of original thought through the writing process is very important to us, and would most likely stay as independant as possible.

What song are you currently promoting? Who is the producer and how did the song come about?

We are self produced, and the song would be "Brightest Star in the Nightmare" the song is about our son, and the struggles of working constantly, never seeing him grow up.

What album/cd are you currently promoting?

"Brightest Star in the Nightmare"

What is your next album/cd that you are working on? What is the concept behind your next musical project?

Self Titled Demo, out late 2012.

What are your project plans for 2012?

Tour, record, write.

Do you have any major performances or tours planned for 2012?

Working on a tour Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah in June. Planning on playing Powellapalooza again this year, as well as Desert Rocks. We will do another circuit at the end of summer as well. - www.MusicNowMagazine.com

FOLEY ENTERTAINMENT INC. WRITES:
NOV. 7th 2011

RATING SCALE "1" Indicates the Lowest Score "5" Indicates The Highest-

Score:

Recording Quality/Production: 4
Lead Vocals: 4
Musicianship: 4.5
Lyric Writing: 4
Music Composing: 4
Melodies: 5
Song Arrangement: 4
Quality of EPK Content: 4.5
Overall Delivery: 4

Dear Aaron & Jessica, Thanks for submitting the material for the evaluation. I enjoyed the songs very much. I was also impressed by the lengthy, informative Bio. That really gave me insight into the group as I listened to the songs. To give you insight to the scoring scale above, the majority of artists score in the 2.5 to 3.5 range in the various categories. Whenever an artist sees a 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 or 3.5 as a score in a certain category (or categories) it means that's an area I feel they need to improve and develop. When an artist sees 4, 4.5 or 5 as their score in a category, it's a validation from a professional, confirming that the songs are of the highest level and show strong potential in the ultra-competitive music industry. To really raise the bar, every artist should work hard to earn a 4.5 or 5 in every category. It's a very competitive business and people averaging in the 3's (or less) will probably not get too far without a great deal of improvement and development. I don't give out 4's and 5's easily, so any of those you see, you have earned. Well done! Thanks again for the music submission and continued best wishes to everyone in JACK+JILL. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes,
Gene Foley
www.FoleyEntertainment.com - Foley Entertainment

FOLEY ENTERTAINMENT INC. WRITES:
NOV. 7th 2011

RATING SCALE "1" Indicates the Lowest Score "5" Indicates The Highest-

Score:

Recording Quality/Production: 4
Lead Vocals: 4
Musicianship: 4.5
Lyric Writing: 4
Music Composing: 4
Melodies: 5
Song Arrangement: 4
Quality of EPK Content: 4.5
Overall Delivery: 4

Dear Aaron & Jessica, Thanks for submitting the material for the evaluation. I enjoyed the songs very much. I was also impressed by the lengthy, informative Bio. That really gave me insight into the group as I listened to the songs. To give you insight to the scoring scale above, the majority of artists score in the 2.5 to 3.5 range in the various categories. Whenever an artist sees a 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 or 3.5 as a score in a certain category (or categories) it means that's an area I feel they need to improve and develop. When an artist sees 4, 4.5 or 5 as their score in a category, it's a validation from a professional, confirming that the songs are of the highest level and show strong potential in the ultra-competitive music industry. To really raise the bar, every artist should work hard to earn a 4.5 or 5 in every category. It's a very competitive business and people averaging in the 3's (or less) will probably not get too far without a great deal of improvement and development. I don't give out 4's and 5's easily, so any of those you see, you have earned. Well done! Thanks again for the music submission and continued best wishes to everyone in JACK+JILL. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Best wishes,
Gene Foley
www.FoleyEntertainment.com - Foley Entertainment

By Ann Wright
Friday, May 13, 2011

Local band Jack+Jill is ready to party over the release of its new CD, “Brightest Star in the Nightmare.”

With King and his Naughty Bunnies to open the show, the CD release party will get started at 10 p.m. Friday, May 13, at Tenacious Brothers Pub, 118 S. Seventh St. There is a $5 cover at the door.

The 10-track CD is Jack+Jill’s second release — “Into the Open” came out in 2009 — and it keeps the group’s acoustic rock roots, while doing plenty of “genre blending,” said Aaron Seibert, who cofounded the band with his wife, Jessica Seibert.

There’s “Overplay Me,” a “kind of spoof song, a sing-along song” with some reggae sections and “happy go lucky overtones,” he said.

There is some alternative and really progressive rock that touches on heavy metal, and there also are some psychedelic overtones thanks to pedal manipulation of the sound of Jessica’s violin, Aaron Seibert said.

“The band’s melodies and lyrics, always heartfelt in their simplicity, will surely leave their mark in your soul,” Aaron Seibert wrote on http://www.sonicbids.com/jackandjill.

The CD will be available at the Friday show where Jack+Jill plans to have plenty of giveaways.

“We’re going to be throwing stuff off the stage,” Aaron Seibert said.

“This show is going to be like a fire merch sale,” he said. Band hats, T-shirts, hoodies, tank tops will be discounted and Jack+Jill CDs will be sold for $5 each, including “Brightest Star in the Nightmare.”

For those who can’t make the release party, the new CD can be purchased at Hastings, 2401 North Ave.

For information on Jack+Jill, go to http://www.jackplusjill.com, http://www.facebook.com/jackplusjill, http://www.myspace.com/jackandjill, http://www.sonicbids.com/jackplusjill and twitter.com/jackplusjill.
- gjsentinel.com

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. -- With Mesa Theater closed temporarily, local bands are trying new settings to get their music out.

Members of Grand Junction group Jack + Jill say they enjoy the more intimate setting of smaller venues.

"Tenacious Brothers, Naggy McGees, The Rockslide is really nice," says Aaron Siebert of the band. "We love playing over at the Doubletree because there's always random hotel people that drop in."

You can find Aaron Watson of Heavy Drags on some of those same stages.

"There's a lot of great places to play in town," he says. "We'd probably play in a living room if we had to!"

Watson says it's a great time for fresh faces in Grand Junction's musical crowd.

"The music scene here in Grand Junction, there's a lot of good bands starting up," he says. "It's exciting."

One of the bars helping make that growth possible is Tenacious Brothers Pub, where there's live music several times a week.

"We're trying to offer as many openings and dates that we can," says owner Mandi Kelley.

Bands like the stage at Tenacious because there's often no cover for their fans.

"We don't want the community to shy away because they don't want to pay the dollar to get through the door," Kelley says.

Whether they're paying or not, the audience is showing up and liking what they see.

"We're in kind of a weird bubble where people want to come see live music and at the moment they're willing to pay for it," Siebert says.

"It's good to see there's a little bit of a scene starting here in Grand Junction," says Watson.
- KJCT-news8

By Ann Wright
Friday, February 11, 2011

In this story, it was Jill, not Jack, who fell first.

Fortunately, her crown remained intact. But her heart, oh, it was gone.

Jill is actually Jessica Seibert, 26, of Jack+Jill, a band she founded with her husband Aaron, 31.

“I’ve been in love with Aaron since I was 14 years old,” Jessica said. “It was like a heartache. I was so in love.”

They met through mutual friends in the Grand Valley, and although Aaron would flirt with Jessica, he “would never take me seriously,” she said.

In his defense, Aaron pleads “jailbait.” He was 18, and she was four years younger. Jessica just rolls her eyes.

Years passed and Jessica moved away from the Grand Valley, returning in 2006. That’s when Aaron “caved” (another eye roll from Jessica) and they started dating.

They married on July 9, 2007. They wrote their first song together, “In All Ways And Always,” for their wedding.

Son Ezra arrived on April 3, 2009, and another little He or She Seibert is expected in March.

Love isn’t in question for the Seiberts, but time for romance is rather tough to come by these days.

Each weekday morning, Aaron is out the door early for work as a therapy assistant at the Grand Junction Regional Center.

Jessica teaches violin and piano lessons and has 12 students who keep her busy, along with Ezra, who likes the piano and loves the drums, just like his dad.

Aaron also has six music students and teaches bass guitar, guitar, drums and voice.

Then there’s Monday evening band practice for Jack+Jill with three other band members — Steve McGarry on drums, Allen Bradley on bass guitar and Jodi Mills on keyboard and backup vocals — and the various shows the Seiberts play as a duo or band.

Oh, and Jack+Jill plans to release a new CD on April 1. No joke.

The CD, name undisclosed, will have at least 12 original songs, including “Brightest Star in the Nightmare,” which Aaron wrote about Ezra.

A CD release party will have to wait until after the family is settled with the new baby and the new CD, Aaron said.

With all that going on, it’s fortunate that work, music and family mix for the Seiberts.

“Our romance is playing music together,” Aaron said.

Date nights are the third Friday of every month at the DoubleTree Hotel and the third Saturday of every month at Enzo’s, where the Seiberts play a duo Jack+Jill shows.

Romantic time together is “snuggling on Saturday mornings,” Aaron offered.

Never mind that Ezra might be snuggled between them watching a “Baby Einstein” program, Jessica said.

But if it were just the two of them for a romantic getaway, no expense ... “Can we teleport somewhere? I don’t know. Where do you want to go?” Aaron asked Jessica.

“Alaska?” Jessica suggested.

How about going to Great Divide Studios in Aspen to record a song, while staying at a bed and breakfast, eating at fancy restaurants and snubbing celebrities, Aaron said.

Jessica considered that. She liked the bed and breakfast part, but — “Oh, this is going to sound so cheesy” — the room would have a balcony with a hot tub and as it snows “you can feed me strawberries dipped in sour cream and brown sugar.”

It was Aaron’s turn to roll his eyes.


Jack+Jill plans to release a new album April 1 that will have a “modern taste of ‘90s alternative and progressive rock that features alternating tempos and time signatures, plus gripping psychedelic overtones,” according to http://www.jackplusjill.com.

The new album will be available on Amazon.com, iTunes and other online locations and follows Jack+Jill’s first album, “Into the Open,” which came out in 2009.

Stay tuned for more details about the new album and a future release party.

Jack+Jill plays a duo show from 7–10 p.m. the third Friday of every month at the DoubleTree Hotel and from 7–9 p.m. the third Saturday of every month at Enzo’s.

Along with local shows this year, Jack+Jill plans to play at the Desert Rocks Music Festival from May 27–29 in Moab, Utah, and at Powellapalooza from Sept. 23–24 in Page, Ariz.

Online: http://www.jackplusjill.com, http://www.facebook.com/jackplusjill, http://www.myspace.com/jackandjill, http://www.sonicbids.com/jackandjill.
- The Daily Sentinel, GJSentinel.com

By Ann Wright
Friday, February 11, 2011

In this story, it was Jill, not Jack, who fell first.

Fortunately, her crown remained intact. But her heart, oh, it was gone.

Jill is actually Jessica Seibert, 26, of Jack+Jill, a band she founded with her husband Aaron, 31.

“I’ve been in love with Aaron since I was 14 years old,” Jessica said. “It was like a heartache. I was so in love.”

They met through mutual friends in the Grand Valley, and although Aaron would flirt with Jessica, he “would never take me seriously,” she said.

In his defense, Aaron pleads “jailbait.” He was 18, and she was four years younger. Jessica just rolls her eyes.

Years passed and Jessica moved away from the Grand Valley, returning in 2006. That’s when Aaron “caved” (another eye roll from Jessica) and they started dating.

They married on July 9, 2007. They wrote their first song together, “In All Ways And Always,” for their wedding.

Son Ezra arrived on April 3, 2009, and another little He or She Seibert is expected in March.

Love isn’t in question for the Seiberts, but time for romance is rather tough to come by these days.

Each weekday morning, Aaron is out the door early for work as a therapy assistant at the Grand Junction Regional Center.

Jessica teaches violin and piano lessons and has 12 students who keep her busy, along with Ezra, who likes the piano and loves the drums, just like his dad.

Aaron also has six music students and teaches bass guitar, guitar, drums and voice.

Then there’s Monday evening band practice for Jack+Jill with three other band members — Steve McGarry on drums, Allen Bradley on bass guitar and Jodi Mills on keyboard and backup vocals — and the various shows the Seiberts play as a duo or band.

Oh, and Jack+Jill plans to release a new CD on April 1. No joke.

The CD, name undisclosed, will have at least 12 original songs, including “Brightest Star in the Nightmare,” which Aaron wrote about Ezra.

A CD release party will have to wait until after the family is settled with the new baby and the new CD, Aaron said.

With all that going on, it’s fortunate that work, music and family mix for the Seiberts.

“Our romance is playing music together,” Aaron said.

Date nights are the third Friday of every month at the DoubleTree Hotel and the third Saturday of every month at Enzo’s, where the Seiberts play a duo Jack+Jill shows.

Romantic time together is “snuggling on Saturday mornings,” Aaron offered.

Never mind that Ezra might be snuggled between them watching a “Baby Einstein” program, Jessica said.

But if it were just the two of them for a romantic getaway, no expense ... “Can we teleport somewhere? I don’t know. Where do you want to go?” Aaron asked Jessica.

“Alaska?” Jessica suggested.

How about going to Great Divide Studios in Aspen to record a song, while staying at a bed and breakfast, eating at fancy restaurants and snubbing celebrities, Aaron said.

Jessica considered that. She liked the bed and breakfast part, but — “Oh, this is going to sound so cheesy” — the room would have a balcony with a hot tub and as it snows “you can feed me strawberries dipped in sour cream and brown sugar.”

It was Aaron’s turn to roll his eyes.


Jack+Jill plans to release a new album April 1 that will have a “modern taste of ‘90s alternative and progressive rock that features alternating tempos and time signatures, plus gripping psychedelic overtones,” according to http://www.jackplusjill.com.

The new album will be available on Amazon.com, iTunes and other online locations and follows Jack+Jill’s first album, “Into the Open,” which came out in 2009.

Stay tuned for more details about the new album and a future release party.

Jack+Jill plays a duo show from 7–10 p.m. the third Friday of every month at the DoubleTree Hotel and from 7–9 p.m. the third Saturday of every month at Enzo’s.

Along with local shows this year, Jack+Jill plans to play at the Desert Rocks Music Festival from May 27–29 in Moab, Utah, and at Powellapalooza from Sept. 23–24 in Page, Ariz.

Online: http://www.jackplusjill.com, http://www.facebook.com/jackplusjill, http://www.myspace.com/jackandjill, http://www.sonicbids.com/jackandjill.
- The Daily Sentinel, GJSentinel.com

Neighborhood pub to open on 7th and Main

By EMILY ANDERSON/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tenacious Brothers Pub plans to open at 701 Main St. by the end of the year, ushering in the first sign of life at that address since the Cabaret Dinner Theater and the Spotlight Lounge closed last year.

Business partners Ben Dial, Mandi Kelley, Michelle Knapton and Justin Morgan began renting the old Spotlight Lounge location this month and hope to open the club as early as mid-November. Bands King, and Jack and Jill are slated to play opening night.

The concept for the bar, which will feature one or two live bands a week, karaoke, theme nights and music piped through a jukebox, is a neighborhood hangout where people can gather for music, have a drink and play video games. All of the pub owners have worked at the Quincy Bar downtown and hope to bring some fun ideas they brought to that bar to their own bar and come up with plenty more ideas.

The bar will also feature art from local artists, including Morgan.

Tenacious Brothers began with a conversation three months ago. Dial suggested to Kelley that they start a bar, and they had worked with Morgan and Knapton before and wanted to bring them on. The four started brainstorming and remodeling the bar. They received a conditional-use permit for the pub Tuesday from the city of Grand Junction. They expect to receive a liquor license Oct. 21, and invite anyone in favor of the bar or opposed to attend the hearing.

Knapton said she wants to hear from all sides before the bar opens, and the owners have talked to law enforcement, the city, and every home or business owner from Hill Avenue to Fourth Avenue between First Street and 13th Street.

“We want our customers to know we were thinking of them every minute we were planning this,” Knapton said.

They were also thinking of the people they’d rather not have as customers.

Bad behavior will not be tolerated, and the bar will be open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends to avoid the morning crowd.

“There’s enough places for people to drink and fight,” Dial said.

“The farther we can get away from that, the better,” Morgan said. - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

Vinnie Waite, 10 months old, loves the drums like his father, Chris Waite, drummer with Jack + Jill.

Vinnie Waite likes to fall sleep to the sounds of metal music and drums.

In fact, Vinnie loves to play the drums. Head over to Vinnie's house, and there is a good chance you'll find him hitting a snare drum with a drumstick while his father, Chris Waite, holds Vinnie in his arms. There may be half-eaten Cheerios and animals crackers on the floor by the drums because Vinnie is 10 months old.

"I want to teach him everything I know," Waite said.

Local musicians Waite, Aaron Seibert and James Williams count on understanding wives and accommodating band members to make being both a musician and a father work well, they said.

It requires balance. There are times when they need to rehearse, and there are times when they can't travel to gigs because they need to be Dad.

"You just have to make it word," Seibert said.

Seibert is the vocalist and guitarist with Jack + Jill. Waite is the drummer in the same band. The local acoustic rock group plays Monday, June 22, at Weavers' Tavern and Wednesday, June 24, at Smuggler's Brew Pub.

Booking local gigs is much easier when it comes to family, Seibert said. Jack + Jill looked in to playing a show in Moab recently, but the band had to commit to playing two consecutive nights in order to schedule the show. Seibert had to say "no."

"It is a little rough sometimes," Seibert said while holding his son, Ezra, in his lap.

Ezra is only 10 weeks old, so Seibert is a relatively new father. Ezra has brown hair like his dad's, although it's not as long - yet.

"I definitely wanted kids," Seibert said.

Waite, Seibert and Williams all knew having children would affect their musical careers, but they wanted both.

"There are times when I can't jam. But I want to be the best musician I can be to support (Vinnie)." Waite said. "I enjoy music a lot more."

Williams intentionally incorporates family into his musical career.

As a guitarist in the Williams Brothers Band, Williams schedules band rehearsals at opportune times, making family get-togethers and barbecues part of rehearsal.

His two daughters, Chloe Williams, 7, and Kiya Williams, 2, love music. They both sing and Chloe plays the piano.

When people ask Chloe what her dad does for a living, she proudly tells them," My dad plays guitar in a band."

Now that Chloe and Kiya are getting older, they can stay overnight with a baby sitter, allowing Williams and his wife to travel to shows. And Williams is less likely to find sticky handprints on the mysteriously out-of-tune guitars.

"Kids are rad," Williams said. "When I come home, I'm just Dad. I'm folding laundry and changing dirty diapers. Plus, they give me something to write about."

The Williams Brothers Band, made up of Williams and his brother, Phillip Williams, play a show at 9:30 p.m. Saturday, June 20, at the Rockslide Brewery.

"You can't take (just) and gig," James Williams said. "It has to work into the schedule. THere are times you have to say 'no.'"

And there are family-friendly shows in the afternoon or early evening that young children can attend. Vinnie, Chloe and Kiya all have seen their fathers perform.

"Sometimes I go on stage with my dad," Chloe said.

On the occasion the shows are late at night or out of town, the men perform and go home.

Seibert has learned that when he gets home, no matter how much he wants to cuddle little Ezra, it's best just to let him sleep.

When Waite gets home, he always talks with his wife, but the sound of his voice often wakes Vinnie.

"And then he's up for 1 or 2 hours," Waite said, shrugging his shoulders.

Williams said sometimes when he's on stage he really just wants to be with his gals: his wife and his two daughters.

"it's tough, and it takes a lot of work to give the other what it needs," Williams said. "It's all about balance"

Or, in Seibert's case, "We have great baby sitters in Grandma and Grandpa.
- The Daily Sentinel Out & About

Neighborhood pub to open on 7th and Main

By EMILY ANDERSON/The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Tenacious Brothers Pub plans to open at 701 Main St. by the end of the year, ushering in the first sign of life at that address since the Cabaret Dinner Theater and the Spotlight Lounge closed last year.

Business partners Ben Dial, Mandi Kelley, Michelle Knapton and Justin Morgan began renting the old Spotlight Lounge location this month and hope to open the club as early as mid-November. Bands King, and Jack and Jill are slated to play opening night.

The concept for the bar, which will feature one or two live bands a week, karaoke, theme nights and music piped through a jukebox, is a neighborhood hangout where people can gather for music, have a drink and play video games. All of the pub owners have worked at the Quincy Bar downtown and hope to bring some fun ideas they brought to that bar to their own bar and come up with plenty more ideas.

The bar will also feature art from local artists, including Morgan.

Tenacious Brothers began with a conversation three months ago. Dial suggested to Kelley that they start a bar, and they had worked with Morgan and Knapton before and wanted to bring them on. The four started brainstorming and remodeling the bar. They received a conditional-use permit for the pub Tuesday from the city of Grand Junction. They expect to receive a liquor license Oct. 21, and invite anyone in favor of the bar or opposed to attend the hearing.

Knapton said she wants to hear from all sides before the bar opens, and the owners have talked to law enforcement, the city, and every home or business owner from Hill Avenue to Fourth Avenue between First Street and 13th Street.

“We want our customers to know we were thinking of them every minute we were planning this,” Knapton said.

They were also thinking of the people they’d rather not have as customers.

Bad behavior will not be tolerated, and the bar will be open from 4 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekdays and from 2 p.m. to 2 a.m. on weekends to avoid the morning crowd.

“There’s enough places for people to drink and fight,” Dial said.

“The farther we can get away from that, the better,” Morgan said. - The Grand Junction Daily Sentinel