The Grandstand Jockeys came out of the gate releasing three grunge pop EP's. All with victorious titles, "Win", "Place" and "Show". Founder Ron Burris reached out to his friend, musical collaborator Dan Dismore (OWL/The Clay People) owner of Overit Studios. Some training with mastermind producer Dave Parker (Coheed and Cambria/Stellar Young) to help. The band charged to the local stages and all bets were on this little band from upstate New York. The goal of the race was to make it to the winner's circle and win big they did. After some lineup changes TGJ now consists or Morgan Smith on Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals, Brian Rex on Drums / Backing Vocals, Matt Schwartz on Bass, Ron Burris on Guitar/Vocals. We had a chance to meet at the clubhouse with Ron to find out, what is the next prize the band has their eye on?
WABY: Tell us what’s going on with the band you have had a few member changes. What’s the current lineup?
TGJ: The Grandstand Jockeys been on a 2 year long regional tour playing from Albany,Buffalo, Boston, Burlington, Hudson Falls, Philadelphia, Poughkeepsie, Syracuse, Saratoga, Randolph, Rutland opening for dozens of national acts. More nationals and more cities are being added weekly on top of that TGJ are in the studio currently recording 13 new songs.
WABY: What goes into the songwriting process?
TGJ: So the way we write our songs is generally I frame all the songs, a writing all the rhythm tracks and vocals, and then I bring it to the band and allow them to do their interpretation of what should be their part. It is worked out very well and we are excited about the direction. The sound is going.
WABY: Flower power? What is your favorite strain.?
TGJ: That’s easy Afghani, why because I love Indica. They put me in the right mood.
WABY: Ok self-induced coma. Locally June 14 September's Too Tavern in Albany s your next gig.
TGJ: Yeah, this is a great cause and to help homeless veterans these guys they volunteer serving and protect our country. Some of our veterans fall on some hard times and find themselves homeless for a host of reasons. Their sacrifice of service is a heavy burden and when we heard that we could help them out we jumped at the opportunity
WABY: What does the future hold for The Grandstand Jockeys this summer?
TGJ: The future is more of the same gigs playing as many new cities as possible and finishing the new recordings. We hit the trail and play This Saturday May 10 The Jugg Syracuse NY 7PM - LINK UP WITH TGJ https://linktr.ee/
