Geoff from Jaya the Cat
In my mind Jaya the Cat is the only foreign band that has played 512429 gigs in Sofia. They keep coming over here year after year, and they have now built quite the fanbase. That’s far from the most interesting thing about this band of hedonistic dudes, though. Here’s a short chat with their frontman, Geoff, about some of the other important Jaya trivia shieet:
LC: Going back in time – how did you get into playing music? Where does Jaya the Cat come from?
Geoff: I don’t know really. It was never a plan or anything. I guess it was just around me all the time, living in places where everyone kinda played something even if they did it really poorly. It was something to do when you were stoned and broke, pick up the guitar someone left in the corner. I guess the band came from that, a bunch of idiots living in a house and someone had a drum kit and a few amps in the attic and it just evolved.
LC: What made you leave the States? Have you got any regrets?
Geoff: I left cause I had a tour set up in Europe and it was just me and my drummer at the time, so musicians here offered to fill in and I came for what I thought would be a summer and just stayed. I don’t miss the USA much no. especially with how it’s going now.
LC: What would you say are the pros and cons of being an underground artist in Europe and in USA?
Geoff: I dunno, its easier to make a living in Europe as a mid level band. Arts are more supported rather than just exploited here I guess.
LC: Do you still go to see other bands live? What are your some of your favourite modern artists?
Geoff: I don’t really, it’s a shame but we tour so much when I’m home I just want silence, please. Sometimes I’m lucky enough to stumble onto something amazing on the road.
LC: I think one of the biggest issues for bands nowadays is line-up changes. You are no stranger to this, so how do you deal with it?
Geoff: You just do. It’s like being in a relationship with 4 other people, sometimes there’s a breakup here or there but with us it’s always been amicable and relaxed. We’re family. We’re lucky enough to be surrounded by great musicians that are friends that have filled in when we needed them. People come and go you have to roll with it. Right now the line up is pretty strong and feels like the one.
LC: Your new album A Good Day for the Damned just came out and it seems you are still riding one fun roller coaster. Is your life what inspires you to write music/lyrics?
Geoff: Yeah for sure, most of my lyrics are inspired by myself and my friends lives.
LC: Surely, there’s going to be a number of shows in support of the new album. Has your tour planning changed over the years?
Geoff: Not really. We’re doing better and better it seems but it’s still - our booker finds show, they tell me to show up, I show up. Haha it really is pretty much that. I guess the biggest changes always have been just in places we’re going, breaking the band in in new countries.
LC: What is your life like when you’re off-duty?
Geoff: I dunno, not too exciting. I hang out, write, cook. If I have too much time off I travel. Find new places to drink and write.
LC: Name must-go-to 5 places in Amsterdam.
Geoff: Hotel Internationaal – my local bar in the red light it’s great
Westerpark – best local’s park in the city, lots of nice cafes and such. Plus it’s lovely.
Get on a boat – it’s awesome out there
The Melkweg – if there’s someone you like playing while you’re over, rad club.
Wherever the hell you are at the moment – hopefully that’s amazing, keep that up!