Q&A: Andrew Jackson Jihad

I had the distinct pleasure of seeing Andrew Jackson Jihad support Frank Turner on two of their North American dates this year- both amazing, high energy shows from everyone involved that left me desperate to see more. It was great to see Andrew Jackson Jihad in action- the crowd was super involved and the band rocked it like they were going to steal the show. Several of my friends (and myself) walked away firm AJJ fans. Ben Gallaty (bass) was kind enough to answer a few questions to help us all get to know each other better.

On a scale of 1-10 how horrible is Frank Turner to tour with?
Frank is none horrible to tour with. The real problem is being on a bus. We don’t get to drive 10-hour stretches in a cramped minivan and we get to sleep comfortably whenever we want. It is tough being polka-funk superstars.

But seriously, any fun tour anecdotes that you’d like to share?
We met Jerry Only of the Misfits in Albuquerque! Our show got cancelled but we were parked next to the venue for the day. The Misfits were performing next door. We interrupted Jerry in the middle of his rigorous work out routine to say hi. He was super nice, offered to get us into his show and gave us their new album. Rock and Roll dreams will come through!

I’m sure you are asked this in every interview ever, but tell me about the band name. Every time we mention you on Twitter or Facebook, someone comments.
It is an arbitrary, offensive punk band name. Well, the utterance of “Andrew Jackson” should be offensive to anyone who took U.S. history in high school.

You just released an album- Knife Man- can you give me a brief overview of it?
It is our favorite album yet! It is sonically all over the place but carries on the bummer jamz tradition of AJJ.

Andrew Jackson Jihad – American Tune

Tell me about the Phoenix music scene.
Phoenix has a wonderful music scene. On our new album we enlisted the talents of some of our favorite Phoenix musicians. There are definitely periods of exceptional production sandwiched between lulls but all in all we love it and are proud to be part of it.

What have you been listening to lately?
Right now we are listening to “Candy Jail” by Silver Jews. Frank and the Sleeping Souls have turned us on to Future of the Left. They’re a really great English band.

What is your favorite album of 2011 so far? Is there anything that you’re anticipating the release of?
2011 has been great so far. Some of our favorites are Sleeping in the Aviary, Bomb the Music Industry and The Mountain Goats. Still haven’t heard the new Cobra Skulls but we are very excited to check that one out. The new Kepi Ghoulie album is going to be great!

What are your plans for after the tour? What’s next for Andrew Jackson Jihad?
We’ll be doing a homecoming show in Phoenix around Christmas and we are in the early stages of plotting a tour schedule for 2012 (hopefully before the world ends). Maybe a full band tour?

What do you do when you’re not making music?
Sean typically works in the Social Work field and Ben hustles around Phoenix in alligator shoes.

If you were a superhero, what what your super power be?
I would like the ability to freeze time for myself and others of my choosing. Like that short-lived TV show that nobody remembers.

Would you mind offering some words of wisdom for our readers?
Respect yourself and be considerate of the people affected by your actions.