Jonesez
isn't really a band, even though it certainly sounds like one. It's best described
as a solo project with a little help from some friends...
Jonesez is the
brain child of former Horsell Common frontman Mark Stewart. After 5 releases and
5 years of touring, Horsell Common called it a day in 2009. The guitarist/singer
spent the majority of 2009 writing the debut Jonesez album in his basement in
suburban Melbourne. Darren Cordeux (Kisschasy) came on board as the producer and
after demoing the songs in Darren's home studio they entered the studio with Hadyn
Buxton (Blueline Medic) as engineer.
The album, titled 'Betty's Soup' is
completely self-funded and self distributed. Jonesez has teamed up with Topspin
(direct-to-fan distribution company) and will release the album through his website
www.jonesez.com.au. Apart from buying directly from Jonesez, fans will be presented
with multiple options. From high quality digital downloads to a deluxe "all
you can eat" package, whatever the level of fan, Jonesez has something to
offer.
Jonesez has already given away a couple of album tracks as free
downloads through the website and will continue to give away more music both via
the mailing list and social media channels like Facebook & Twitter.
"Financing
my own recordings is a new experience for me, it feels extremely satisfying. The
possibilities for independent musicians are now endless. I can control what I
sell, how much I sell it for and where I sell it, which I was never able to do.
If I want to give my music away, I can."
'Be That Guy' is the 1st single
off the album and is the 2nd installment in the 'Basement Video' series following
the hilarious video for 'The Money Will Roll Right In'. Mark plays 3 of the 4
characters and there is also a guest appearance by Fuzz Phantom's drummer Tahlia
Shaw. More 'Basement Videos' to follow.
Jonesez will hit the road shortly
to promote Betty's Soup. Drum Media says "Jonesez dialled up the fuzz and
made a glorious racket.The bands sound was reminiscent of those great Melbourne
indie bands of the '90's like The Fauves and Pollyanna and it was hard to imagine
that it was the bands second ever live gig together - the first being two nights
before in Canberra".
Keep up with Jonesez...
www.jonesez.com.au
www.facebook.com/jonesezmusic
'Betty's Soup' is available now.