Twin brother departs
Terrified by the challenge Jay Aston fronts GENE LOVES JEZEBEL

It’s been about nine years since two self-described “wide-eyed, arrogant, naïve young men” came up from Wales to London to form a band. That band, Gene Loves Jezebel, has gone on to success, both in its native England and in America. 

“We had a pocketful of dreams back then,” said lead singer Jay Aston in a recent interview from London, referring to himself and his twin brother, Michael. “We were just messing about and performing where we could. It was very bohemian,” Aston said. 

GLJ’s fifth and most recent album, “Kiss of Life,” is the first recorded without Michael, who left the band earlier this year. It was a potentially irrevocable traumatic break for the twins, but it has instead resulted in a strengthening of their relationship. 

“We got into the band by accident in the first place,” the soft-spoken and amiable Aston explained. “The pace just got faster and faster. We became exhausted emotionally after the last tour, and we began to impinge on each other’s creativity.” 

“We had different ideas about the theatrics of our shows and how to pace them. For instance, we were compromising each other on songs and videos.” 

“Mike is very sharp-witted and funny, and he needs a lot of space. You don’t often get two lead singers in a rock band.” 

“The exit of his brother from GLJ brought the two close again. We’re not in each other’s way anymore. We were too close, but now it’s easier to be truthful. The whole relationship is much more open now,” Aston said. Michael is currently signed to Virgin Records. 

Thrust into the forefront of the now four-member band, which includes lead guitarist James Stevenson, bassist Peter Rizzo, and drummer Chris Bell. Aston admits that it’s “really weird for me on different levels. I worried about keeping the name for awhile. Then again, there‘s more room on stage.” 

“It’s weird being the spokesman. It’s a new responsibility. I have to guard my words, and be careful not to wound people. I was fairly terrified, but now I look forward to (the new role he plays).” 

Some of the songs on the new album were written during the time it took for Aston to be terrified and then accept the changes in the band, and it’s not hard to understand the darker side of some of the songs. Not only did Michael leave, but at the same time, the band changed managers, and Aston ended a long-term relationship with his girlfriend. 

“I wrote some of the songs in a period of isolation,” Aston said. “Suddenly, I had all this new space. Actually, a block in the group was removed and I became very prolific.” 

“The concept of the LP is isolation, confusion, identity crisis. I was at a crossroads and did a lot of self-appraisal. The album details a very confusing period for me. I feared for my sanity. I was overworked. When your dreams don’t mean the same thing anymore, things get hard.” 

“Ultimately, the album is positive. It’s full of hope and joy, although there are some colder moments. It’s really about resurrection, rising up,” Aston reflected. 

The single, “Jealous,” receives heavy airplay on KROQ-FM. Though linked in sound to previous GLJ efforts, Aston insists that each song has a “separate identity.” We’ll never write another “Desire” (a big hit for the band, reaching No. 7 on the dance charts in America). Each song is different.” 

One aspect that isn’t different is Aston’s onstage flamboyance. Aston gets irked by fellow British bands who “turn their backs on the audience and hardly move. Communication is the point of our songs. We’re warm, outgoing, and multi-faceted. If you block off those emotions, you’re fucked.” 

Aston attributes his outgoing personality to his Welsh background. “The Welsh have a sparkle, like the Irish,” he said. “They love literature, film, and culture.” 

“The English used to have an empire. They’re used to empty sloganeering and can be begrudging. They never give anything a shot. The post-punk wave is just like this; they don’t know how to have a good idea.” 

“The flamboyance is a part of my personality, even though I used to hide behind Mike sometimes on stage. I’ve toned it down for the videos. I’ll probably be as flamboyant as ever (during the upcoming U.S. tour). A concert is an event that should be enjoyed,” he said emphatically. 

Aston talked enthusiastically about the band’s two-day stint opening for David Bowie, calling it GLJ’s “baptism as a four piece band.” It was brilliant. I was very surprised. The audience was very warm. It was a good atmosphere. 

Also good was the band’s opening for Billy Idol in Canada. “Canada is a weak market for us, for some reason, but they were good to us. Billy invited us back on the European leg of his tour,” Aston said. 

The 29-year-old Aston is looking forward to the U.S. tour but is relatively unconcerned as to whether or not the band achieves superstar status. “As much as we hate it, music is a business. You have a budget, and it’s a battle to maintain integrity. With success, you can’t win, you achieve it, and then someone tries to tear you down. We don’t worry about it.” 

Aston remains philosophical about the band’s prospects, especially with the departure of Michael. “We can prove something or not. It’s our story, not anyone else’s. We’re always aware of our identity. You can really grow (through performing, etc.), and that’s important.” 

“If there was no growth in our band, I wouldn’t be involved.” 

Previous Article

Home

Next Article