Combining energetic rock hooks and piano driven melodies Jelly’s Last Jam are surely on the brink of something big. The Preston based four piece have had a frantic start to their year with the launch of their debut single ‘Alibi’ and a short tour to support the launch. They took some time out from their busy schedule to talk to Digitalgig and answer some questions about the past, present and future.

You have a very polished dramatic sound. What influences this?

Rob: It’s simply a case of being as tight and as focused as possible. The dramatic aspect comes from the fact that the standard instrumental trio format can be limiting so we use the dynamics of the songs to our advantage. Tight with timbres!
 
Martin: Everything we've ever thought was great and original. I'd say it stems from Andy's great drumming. He's always been very influenced by Keith Moon (although not the excesses) and his ability to thump real hard but make it look showman style. We're all just trying to keep up with him really!  Paul is very performance orientated also. With a great love of those performers that allow the audience in and to feel part of the show. So I guess if your going to be

dramatic you have to be polished too!

Do you think that being based in Preston has made it more difficult to reach the traditionally Southern biased music industry?

Rob: I suppose it is. The Southern cities do tend to have the monopoly on music, but then again where would the industry be without scouring the Northern regions for new talent?  Given the state the industry is in at the moment I think it may be time to shatter a few of those location barriers.

Martin: Getting  A&R to notice potential in Northern based music is very difficult purely because their offices are mainly London based.

Have you ever been tempted by the Big Smoke? (not that we are in any way suggesting that you should be)

Rob: I guess we've all been tempted, yes. London is where it happens in this industry. It’s a great place too, full of opportunity and heritage. 

Your first single Alibi was self released on the 16th March. What’s the inspiration behind the track?

Rob: The lyrics are about the mundanity of ageing, or at least an overt concern with a ticking clock on your shoulder. Modern society still retains some Victorian values of what one should have achieved at certain points in ones life. If you haven’t achieved societies expectations, coupled with a rose tinted view of childhood, it can make a person rather insecure for no reason whatsoever, and it’s that enforced insecurity that the lyrics deal with.    

Martin: For me it's about not making excuses. For example we all know someone who says: ' I could have been a Movie star or a footballer but I didn't get the breaks'. It's a poor alibi.

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