BAND PROFILE: See Jane Run
By: Sonya Brown
See Jane Run is a local P-Town band consisting of just 3 guys. David (lead guitar, vocals); Brad (bass, backing vocals); and Bill (drums). They have been playing together for about 6 years now. Bill joined the band after moving to Portland from Chicago, he answered an ad and felt strongly enough about the band to make the move to Portland. There is just something about this band that has me scanning "Willamette Week" looking for their next gig.They usually play clubs around Portland/Vancouver (Satyricon, Mt. Tabor, Arnada, Paris Theater) and they also play clubs in Salem (Tommy John's, Westside Station) and Seattle (Colourbox, Arche). Their sound is definitely rock with a bit of a punk edge and they do most all of their own material with a few cover tunes thrown in (usually by request) such as "Helter Skelter" (where Brad takes over on vocals and does an incredible job), and a fine version of Radio Head's "Creep". Brad also does backup vocals on such tunes as "Something Free" and "Goodbye". They are loud, animated, highly energetic; and above all, entertaining. With David jumping, climbing on his amps, spinning around - I can't help but wonder if he's going to be a mass of tangled wires and protruding guitar strings; but he pulls it off every time. He has a stage presence that you can't stop watching.
I have their current demo-tape, which consists of 4 tunes: "Portland", "You", "King of the World" and "Sunday". My favorite is "You", a nasty little tune that makes you grin when you hear it, and has me - yes, I DO need to grow up - yelling at each of their shows "YOU!!!!!" They have also been heard on KNRK's "Local Set" late Wed nights.
I recently spoke with David (lead guitar, vocals) and Bill (drums) and had the opportunity to ask them a few questions such as musical influences and upcoming events. They tell me they are heavily influenced by bands such as The Stones and Aerosmith; and all three have the same musical goals... which is to be a kick-ass party band that is out save American Rock-N-Roll. They are about the music and the fans, not about egos. They have a West Coast tour on the horizon and a new sound man (Aubrey) who has brought some great new effects to their shows.
Along with their current demo tape, they have done a few compilations, such as "Today's Special" on Lori Records, and "Who's Got My Eyes", a compilation tape released in '91.
Their favorite band to perform/tour with is a Seattle band called "Frail", and they find they sometimes receive a better crowd response in some of the more out of the way clubs and at their Salem shows. They would like to see Portlanders rally behind the local bands a bit more, but that didn't seem to be a problem at their April 10th show at The Paris - the entire club seemed to have a blast - I know I did, and they put on a fantastic show.
I feel you really need to catch this band live. I enjoy their demo tape, but I think their uniqueness shines through in their live shows. They have the look, the energy, and the sound to get the clubs going. Don't try to carry on a conversation over their music, it's not possible. I find I enjoy their shows most with a cold beer, anyway, rather than a conversation. I like to watch the way Brad and David play off each other, they have a lot of interaction. For just three guys, they have a really tight sound.
If you would like more information on See Jane Run, you can contact Kazbah Management at P.O. Box 3451, Gresham, Or 97030. Phone 503-784-1065. Ask to be put on their mailing list, or drop me an e-mail ([email protected]) and I will let you know when I hear of their next show. I'm sure I will be there with a cold beer, watching for the collision of tangled wires, guitar strings and the antics of "See Jane Run".
