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North Carolina Southern Rock band Jive Mother Mary has just released the official music video for their new single, “Hope It Ain’t That Bad.” We spoke to co-founder Mason Keck (guitar/vocals) about the single, the origins of the band, and the all-important question: AC/DC – Brian or Bon? Or both?!
What are the origins of Jive Mother Mary, how long have you been playing together?
Our drummer Fluff and I started the band in 2006. He and I had jammed for about a year before we ever started doing anything serious. My dad’s band would leave their equipment set up in the house, and when he saw that we had a knack for it, he encouraged and helped us to get started.
How did you feel performing your first gig? And how was it?!
Our first gig was at a “teen club” called Splash. There were three bands on the bill, and it was actually a packed house…Probably 150 people in there! I have a board tape of that show, and to be a bunch of 14-year-old kids, I think it sounds pretty damn good! On that gig, my cousin Elizabeth played rhythm guitar. We switched to a power trio not long after.
*interesting fact… our friend Will Sanders who played bass with us for years was also on that bill with another band, and our current guitarist Tyler Schulz was in the audience watching!*
What should people expect when they check Jive Mother Mary out? How would you describe yourself?
Our music is very guitar-driven, with a lot of harmony leads as well as vocal harmonies. Our rhythm section, Keith and Fluff, are tight as can be. It’s truly wild to watch Fluff do his thing on stage! We try to encompass our favorite things from all the greats of all the genres.
Since we have a wide variety of influences, it can be tough to nail down our sound. If I had to describe what we sound like, I would say that we’re like a rock band you missed from the 70s that was hip to things to come.
The new music scene is bursting at the seams with fresh talent, in what ways do you feel that a band has to stand out from the others trying to build a name?
In my eyes, longevity is an important factor. It means something to say you’re committed to the long haul. Also, of course, having a unique sound! It’s tough to stand out in today’s music scene, and I think it’s important to have your own touch where people hear it and know what it is.
What are you working on at the minute that people can check out?
We just released a single “Hope It Ain’t That Bad” available on all streaming platforms. Our friend Jay Tooke engineered the new music at Pentavarit Studios in Nashville. There is a really cool video for the single filmed and edited by our buddy Justin Gartman that you can find on YouTube as well. We’ll be releasing another track in a week or so, and 5 more around the new year!
What band out there at the minute do you feel that you would be best suited to open for?
I would love to open for Blackberry Smoke again. It’s always been a dream to open for Gov’t Mule or the Black Crowes as well. Chris and Rich, if you need an opener for the rescheduled tour, holler!
Who do you feel is the next band to break out?
There are so many new bands that are absolutely crushing it. I love The Texas Gentlemen, Ryan Scott as well. Aaron Lee Tasjan is making music that is catchy as hell and he deserves to be a household name. I also just discovered a guy named “Bahamas” this week who did a record with Jason Isbell’s band. It’s super well-written and catchy. I could see that becoming huge.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
I am lucky in the fact that music was always around when I was growing up. My dad played in bands and I can remember singing with my mom and my heart when I was young. The first time I remember thinking I might be onto something, my dad had a really nice Fender Stratocaster that he didn’t really let me play when I was young. He had left the house for a couple of hours and I went and played it, and when he came back and saw me playing it, he wasn’t mad. He just said, “sounds good”. I would jam with his band when I was about 10 and just learning to play, and I could tell then that I had a sense of what was going on. I also really cut my teeth watching him run sound for bands on weekends at local clubs. I learned what to do and a lot of what NOT to do!
We recently had the tragic passing of Eddie Van Halen, do you have a particular favorite Van Halen track?
Historically, “Women In Love” from Van Halen II was my favorite Van Halen song. That is the first CD I ever remember getting on my own accord. Since Eddie’s death, I have been listening to the catalog pretty extensively and I would have to say “Dirty Movies” from Fair Warning is the current favorite.
AC/DC – Brian or Bon? Or both?!
Oh man, what a question! They both had their own distinct thing that helped to define different eras of the band. Gun to my head, I’d have to choose Bon.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
Billy Strings at Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro, NC.
What current issue are you particularly passionate about?
The past few years, the last 5 Sundays of the year, we’ve played small local shows to help raise money for Christmas Cheer. They’re a charity that helps provide not only toys to families that can’t afford them, but clothes, food, or whatever a family may need. It’s killing me that we couldn’t get out and help them like we have in years past.
There is great debate at the minute about whether or not musicians should use their platform to talk about political issues, some for and some against. Music has always been a form of protest, surely an artist has just as much right as the next person to offer an opinion? Or should they “just stick to the music”?
I think everyone has their right to an opinion. Just because someone is an artist does not mean they have to detach themselves from things they feel passionately about. That being said, in today’s social media world, it’s tough to get a clear message across. I’ve always valued artists that make their statements with their music and make you think about something from a perspective you haven’t seen before. It’s a strange juxtaposition to see people get so riled up over something an artist says when those same opinions are clearly expressed in the songs. I think people relate to musicians on a personal level, and when viewpoints don’t necessarily line up, it can be frustrating for both the artist and the listener. But at the end of the day, there’s always a common thread that runs through everyone. Music is one of the few things that can bring together people who are vastly different and make them feel that they’re all a part of something.
The album that you have in your album collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
Hmm, maybe D’Angelo’s “Voodoo”
Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?
Andy Sturman and the guys from Jellyfish were ones who slid under the radar I feel. The albums they put out in the 90s were absolutely amazing. Some wild amalgamation of Queen, ELO, and The Beatles.
As much as 2020 has been a year to forget, there has been some incredible music released: what would you say is your favorite album of the year?
That’s a tough one! I’d say either “Floor It!” by Texas Gentleman or “Keep Em On They Toes” by Brent Cobb.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
The band is very active on Social Media! You can find us at:
