Jukebox the Ghost
By Madisen Stoler and Bethany Battafarano
OUR GOAL
In this research process our goal was to uncover the individual identity of Jukebox the Ghost as a unique group within the indie-rock genre. We explored this through interview, listening, and concert experiences. Ultimately we discovered that they possess a unique identity due to their instrumentation, the messages conveyed through their songs, and their performance quirks. This identity is what enables them to succeed in the music industry and as a touring band.
RESEARCH PROCESS
Ethnographic interviewing skills were utilized to compile the information for this project. Email interviews were primarily conducted to gather background information, a personal interview before their Minneapolis concert at 7th street entry on October 11, 2010, revealed their characteristics and provided new insights into their interactions as a band, and a recording of the concert was used to analyze their instrumentation and overall musicality.
INTERVIEW EXPERIENCE
In 2003, Ben Thornewill, Tommy Siegel, and Jesse Kristin met while attending George Washington University. This was a very interesting group of musicians because each came from totally different musical backgrounds. Ben started as a classical pianist at the age of 7 and continued to study jazz and classical composition throughout college. Tommy played guitar in a jam band in high school. Jesse played drums in a punk band. They came up with the name Jukebox the Ghost after a combination of a lyric from a Captain Beefheart song and a quote from Nabokov’s novel Pnin.
In 2008, Jukebox the Ghost released their first album, Let Live and Let Ghosts, and they recently released their second album Everything Under the Sun in September 2010. Music from both albums has been performed in over 300 shows.
Even though their musical styles were quite different growing up, when it comes to writing music for Jukebox the ghost, they are all in agreement of what it should sound like.
LISTENING EXPERIENCE
Jukebox the Ghost is a unique band because of something as simple as their instrumentation. At first glance, the audience will notice that Jukebox is only a three-piece band. This is typical of modern indie-rock bands, but the particular mix of instruments is what sets them apart. Jukebox the Ghost will be the first to attribute their original sound and style to their lack of a bass player. To fill the sonic space, Ben’s left hand, Jesse’s kick drum, and Tommy’s chordal guitar parts cover the low end. In addition, the basic fact that the band uses a double keyboard piano to fill out most of the melodic space is atypical among this genre of music. Also, the lead singer is the pianist, unlike most indie-rock bands whose lead vocalist solely sings or sings while playing guitar.
Another unique characteristic about Jukebox the Ghost is their juxtaposition of serious lyrics against poppy-light hearted instrumentation. For example, the lyrics in the song schizophrenia describe one person’s experience with the disease, while the instrumentation reflects a carefree attitude with a catchy tune.
CONCERT EXPERIENCE
Ben, Tommy, and Jesse collectively have a very unique stage presence and style of performance. It is hard to watch a live concert and not enjoy their quirky personalities. Ben is a very active musician—interacting both with the keyboards and the audience, by making silly faces, large gestures with his arms, hands, and fingers, and nearly laying his head on the keyboard. Tommy has a more aloof style of performance, therefore making his smiles and moments of enjoyment such as jumping up and down more genuine and enjoyable for the audience. Jesse throws his drumsticks randomly throughout songs, miraculously acquiring new ones, and always seems to have a goofy smile plastered across his face.