Thank you very much for your time! Before we introduce your new release to our readers – what kind of drink would you recommend to sip on while they listen to your new music?
JLR: I am a big fan of a Paper Plane. Bourbon, Amaro Nonino, Aperol and lemon juice. It’s a lovely cocktail.
Please tell us about The Quality of Mercury and your new album „The Voyager“
JLR: TQOM is a project that I started over 20 years ago. I was playing in an emo band at that time and TQOM was just another solo outlet for creativity. For a long time I was just doing recordings of TQOM music and distributing my songs to a close group of friends. The style and influence of TQOM music really came from my love of Hum, shoegaze and space-themed science fiction films. My intention was to write songs that would take the listener “off planet” both sonically and lyrically. I wanted to offer an escape from typical alternative rock music themes but, still have people be able to connect by using a lot of pop influence and metaphorical love songs lyrics. The Voyager is a progression in my original concept for TQOM. My intention with this album was to present a sonic journey through desperation, distance, and the deep search for both human and spiritual connection.
We live in times of many conspiracy theories. Which harmless theory do you wish were true? (For example Dinos living inside Earth or E.T. living in a home in California or something else)
JLR: I kind of wish the Galactic Federation of Light was a real thing. A benevolent alliance of advanced extraterrestrial civilizations assisting in Earth’s protection and spiritual ascension would be sweet!
What fashion style or brand do you think would best describe your music?
JLR: LOL! I think Jean Paul Gaultier’s wardrobe design for The Fifth Element captures the essence of my music.
Tell us more about your songs! Topics! Message!?
The Voyager and its songs are all about the desperate longing for meaningful purpose and connection. The songs themselves are independent stories however, at their core, the theme remains consistent across the eight tracks. Essentially, these sci-fi stories represent me wanting to move on, progress and find fulfillment with meaningful, personal connections and faith in a positive future.
Beside music, do you have any special talents or hobbies? (or what do you do for your day job) and share a highlight?
JLR: I graduated from Penn State University with a degree in film production. I have been working in this field in various capacities for my whole career. I currently run a company that specializes in audio visual support for large scale events. Before I took this full time position in 2017 I was a freelance director of photography for many years. Blocking and lighting for camera shots was a great creative outlet for me that I really miss now. One of my favorite projects was producing the Kissin on the Blacktop music video for Daughn Gibson and Sub Pop.
Name 5 things we all should know about you as an artist?!
JLR:
I am a very visual artist even when it comes to creating music
I listen to music almost all day long and strive to find great new music
I am a massive fan of Doom Metal and Stoner Rock
I travel constantly and love it
I am a major foodie
Tell us about your path as an artist to date…. who or what has given you the biggest motivation in this regard??
JLR: I was a late bloomer and really didn’t get serious about playing music until I was 21 years old. A couple of close friends who are also musicians were my greatest motivation. We would all write and record our own songs on 4-track cassette recorders to share with each other. It wasn’t a competition but, I am sure each one of us were trying to outdo each other with out recordings. We quickly started writing music together and my love for songwriting and recording bloomed from there.
What is a question you’d like to answer, but never been asked in an interview before?! Please share that and the answer as well please
JLR: I often think about what if somebody asked me what my 10 desert island albums would be. That is, if you had to pick only 10 albums that you were able to listen to for the rest of your life. It’s a really difficult question to answer and of course I would have different lists if asked at different times in my life. However, if I was asked today I would list the following in no particular order.
Hum – You’d Prefer An Astronaut
Failure – Fantastic Planet
Jimmy Eat World – Clarity
Mineral – End Serenading
Dead Meadow – Shivering Kings and Others
Elder – Reflections of a Floating World
Steely Dan – Aja
Low Rider – Ode to Io
Sunny Day Real Estate – How It Feels to be Something On
Starflyer 59 – Americana
What is your Instagram link? https://www.instagram.com/thequalityofmercury/