Music head Jar-e is one of those musical jack of all trades – one of those artists that can put just about any instrument or even genre of music to work. He was playing the scene at the tender age of 12, and it wasn’t just as some child trying the shock factor method to garner some of the audience’s attention. He’s been an unreal talent from the start – playing in rock bands, jazz bands and even flies solo when the opportunity presents itself. So with so much experience, it should come as no surprise that Jar-e wrote just about all of the music on his sophomore record, “Chicas Malas;” developing pieces for the keyboards, bass, drums, guitars and horns. What better way to truly represent yourself as an artist? One writer – one vision.

“Chicas Malas” doesn’t have one song that sounds just like the other either – “It recalls soul, rock and funk; it defies categorization and it'll make you dance.” Jar-e has a story behind the album too – “It was conceived in Mexico after Jar-e's travels took him through Greece, Cuba and Britain. It's a clear product of his psyche: totally self-sufficient, self-aware and responsive to the environment and people around him. ‘I start as an empty vessel,’ Jar-e says, ‘and I absorb the sounds of my environment into the music.’” If this hasn’t been enough to warm your eardrums, how about the fact that Ali Shaheed Muhamed from A Tribe Called Quest once gave Jar-e a rave review. Put that in your pipe! Look into “Chicas Malas,” and check out the schedule – this guy will be all over the road in support of the album. Read on for the XXQ’s.

XXQs: Jar-e
 
Having been involved in music for a very long time, how and when did you first make the leap into a musical career? Was it something you always aspired to do?

Jon Reid: I've wanted to do music for a living since I wrote a song called "Baby, Baby" when I was ten. I tried to teach English for a while after college, but soon realized I had to try to make this music thing happen.

PEV: Hailing from Asheville, North Carolina, what kind of music where you listening to growing up?
 
Jon Reid: I actually grew up in Norfolk, VA so I missed out on the mountain music from this region growing up. I had an older brother and sister who played some of the better music from the 80's (U2, Talking Heads, the Police etc.) on the rides to school. I also grew up with a steady dose of The Beatles and Simon and Garfunkel. I have to say, I've never been a huge fan of bluegrass.
 
PEV: When and where was your first live performance? How have you changed since that first one?

Jon Reid:  I started playing shows with a group called Equally Blue when I was about 12 years old. Our band is about to play the Jewish Mother, the same club I started out at. I've come a long way.
 
PEV: What can fans expect from your new release, 'Chicas Malas'?
 
Jon Reid:  Pregnancy i.e. mixed babies.

PEV: How is 'Chicas Malas' different from other music out today?
 
Jon Reid:  I'm having a really hard time answering this question without sounding like a chode. More "song based?"
 
PEV: When you sit down to write music, what kind of environment do your surround yourself in?
 
Jon Reid:  Songs tend to come to me in strange settings. I have a tendency to call my voicemail on other people's phones and sing myself song ideas so I don't forget them.

PEV: What is your take on the current mainstream music scene today? Where do you see Jar-e making the biggest impact?

Jon Reid:  I long for the days when there were well written songs on pop radio. Sometimes, I wish that Jar-e could bring back that Paul Simon, Elton John, Billy Joel pop radio vibe. Most of my musician friends are more into the indie way of doing things. I definitely understand that point of view, but I find that I'm a bit too earnest and emotional to really pull it off. I resonate most with the hip-hop way of doing things.
 
PEV: How has your musical styling changed since your first years in music or over the years?
 
Jon Reid:  I've become direct.
 
PEV: Tell us about the first time you stepped into a recording studio. What was going through your head?

Jon Reid:  I was in high school thinking, "I might have just gotten too high."
 
PEV: No strangers to touring, what is "road life" like for you? What are the best and worst parts?

Jon Reid:  The best part is life; the worst part is "rode chode" or "square butt."
 
PEV: In all your travels, which city (International or US) do you think offers the best music scene? Why?

Jon Reid:  I don't really know. There are a lot of great music scenes and a lot of great cities but it takes a while to find your way in any town. My favorite cities are Asheville, North Carolina and New York City. I also love Montreal, Toronto and Chicago.

PEV: Who is currently in your CD player or on your iPod right now?
 
Jon Reid:  The Kinks, Lola vs. The Powerman and The Moneyground.
 
PEV: Is there an up and coming band that you think we should all be listening to?
 
Jon Reid:  Seth Kauffman, he's on Park the Van Records and will be opening for Dr. Dog a whole bunch this year.
 
PEV: Having played with several elite artists in the business who would you wish to collaborate with that you have not had a chance to yet?
 
Jon Reid:  Phil Collins.

PEV: What do your friends and family think about your musical career? What's it like when you get to play your hometown?
 
Jon Reid:  I made hundreds of dollars playing music last year.
 

PEV: What has been the most memorable part of your career so far? Why?
 
Jon Reid:  Having Ali Shaheed Muhamed from A Tribe Called Quest give our last record a good review. Like most white kids, ATCQ was a rap group that had a huge part of my upbringing
 
PEV: What is one thing we'd be surprised to hear about Jar-e?
 
Jon Reid:  I don't like it when people say, "Do what now?" when they mean, "What did you just say?"
 
PEV: Where do you think you will be in 10 years?
 
Jon Reid:  Either a mental institution or acting in movies.
 
PEV: What one word best describes Jar-e?
 
Jon Reid: Empty.
 
PEV: So, what is next for Jar-e?
 
Jon Reid:  Lots of touring, then a new record.