Jon Stevens Interview

Jon Stevens Interview

Jon Stevens live @ Sandbelt - Friday, March 26

Jon Stevens has led a varied career in the entertainment industry riding the rollercoaster of highs and lows to become a long term veteran of the take no prisoners industry which has enabled him to be the household name that he is today. Thousands of live and stage shows later, Jon still has the capacity to adapt to any medium, enthralling the audience every time and leaving them rocking in awe of such a hard edged, energetic performance. With a voice that attests the true gospel of his roots, yet, can also belt out a hard edge rock song, there is sure to be something to capture the ear of anyone.

Beginning his career at the modest age of 13, he entered a local talent contest and won first prize, which led to his first record label signing, producing the New Zealand number one single, Jezebel. This was quickly followed up by a second number one single Montego Bay, and the release of the chart topping Jezebel album. After winning New Zealand's prestigious most up-and coming talent award, as well as single of the year in 1980 for Montego Bay, Jon felt he could achieve no more in his home country.

Jon recorded his second solo album, Jon Stevens, in Los Angeles, for Big Time records in 1981 he then moved from the US to Australia, with the help of his then manager Michael Browning. Through Browning he met Stuart Fraser, a promising guitarist on the scene. After a couple of beers camaraderie formed between the two, and the seed of Noiseworks was planted.

Noiseworks became a mainstream success in Australia in October 1986 after the release of their debut single No Lies. A radio-friendly song, it soon charted and reached #16 in the ARIA chart. Their second single Take Me Back reached Number Three, only to be blocked by U2 and Jimmy Barnes. Their self-titled debut album (produced by Mark Opitz) reached #1 and stayed in the charts for a massive 63 weeks. Noiseworks were known for their live concerts, they were always on the road playing in every town and venue that they could.

Touch was the follow up album, (produced by Chris Kimsey of Rolling Stones production fame) also reached #1 status, and stayed in the charts for a credible 42 weeks. The third album aptly titled Love Versus Money, jointly produced by Noiseworks and Randy Jackson (American Idol), was by far their most musically diverse. The first single from the album, Freedom was a total change of musical direction for the band, introducing a heavy groove feel. The hard edged third single Hot Chilli Woman, made it to #1. Noiseworks again toured relentlessly and the album enjoyed instant #1 status. Regrettably the band parted ways in March 1992.

Jon went on to play Judas in the Australian re-vamp of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic, Jesus Christ Superstar alongside Australian icons John Farnham and Kate Ceberano . The show lasted for a mammoth 84 nights and was performed across Australia to over a million people. The reviews were fantastic, it was a show like no other, and broke all previous Australian box office records. Riding the wave of the Superstar phenomenon, Jon was at the perfect crest to re-launch the second phase of his solo career with a vengeance. He returned back to the studio and recorded Are U Satisfied, with Sony Music. The record had a distinct hard edged sound that fans were accustomed to. A scaled down Jesus Christ Superstar was the next step which toured the Australia and New Zealand in 1994, it had a different cast line up, except for Jon, who retained the role of Judas. This production allowed Jon to tread the boards alongside his already famous brother Frank Stevens (Castaways).

Once Superstar was finally laid to rest, Jon went on to record the official song for now defunct Australian Super League Rugby competition. It was also during this time that Jon moved to the US for a couple of years and recorded with such artists as Slash (Guns N' Roses), and Mars Lasar (writer/producer).

In 1996 Jon released his fourth solo album Circle. With its more adult contemporary feel, this album was a soothing change of direction from the rock-orientated music that fans were used to. The single from the album, When received a new range of airplay, and charted moderately.

1998 saw Jon return to the stage to play Frank in Happy Days the Arena Mega Musical, followed by a stint with a the re-formed Noiseworks II for an Australian wide tour. Then in 2000, the song Carry the Flame was taken from Circle and re-worked with INXS's Jon Farriss to become the official theme for the Olympic Torch Relay (on Warner music), with all proceeds from the sale of that song directed back to the athletes.

Interview with Jon Stevens

When your name is mentioned, the most common things heard from females are 'spunk' and 'phenomenal voice'. How does it feel to have such a large base of female fans, who adore you?

Jon Stevens: It's kind of funny, I've been doing it so long and I meet so many people and so many different people come along to my gigs, obviously as you go through your career it changes, people bring their kids, it is generational, from that point of view it is really cool. It is great to go out and support live music that is my big thing. The live performing is what I do, I love it so much.


What did you learn from taking the lead singing position of iconic Australian band, INXS?

Jon Stevens: I learnt a whole bunch of their songs; you learn something new everyday, hopefully. I had a great time with them, we toured around the world, and I saw different places I hadn't seen before, which was really cool. When I joined them everyone was saying that they should quit because Michael had died, and I thought that was rude, particularly of the media for saying they should give up. Who are they to say someone should quit what they love?

They needed a singer and they asked me, I jumped in boots and all, I was a fan of Michael's and I knew all those guys, it seemed like a natural fit. I learned that when the chips are down you stand up for your mates. They're are still working and doing their thing, which is great, good on them!


How did the journey of Noiseworks and INXS differ?

Jon Stevens: I didn't, it was the same really. INXS became a household name around the world and still are today whereas Noiseworks sort of broke up before we could realise our full potential. In that respect, although Noiseworks toured the world, we never sort of had the 'massive hits'.


In saying that, you are still performing as a group occasionally.

Jon Stevens: I am performing with Noiseworks on Sunday, in Adelaide at the Clipsal 500. I am excited, we have done one show this year and this is our second show and then that's it.


You are heavily involved in charity; what charities are you currently involved with?

Jon Stevens: My main one at the moment is Hugs for Hearts; go to http://hugforhearts.gofundraise.com.au to check it out. It is basically raising money for the heart foundation, because of what I went through five months ago, today.


How are you feeling now?

Jon Stevens: I am bloody great, I am feeling fantastic. I am very happy to be back at work, the old cliché is true 'it takes something like this to wake you up and wake you out of your slumber', we take so many things for granted in every day life. Last year was a massive learning curve and I have been very lucky break with my health.


Have you changed your lifestyle in any way?

Jon Stevens: Yes, I don't drink, smoke or anything. I am aware of my health; I have always been very healthy. Now I am even more conscious and know that everyday is precious, it is a short life we live. I am very grateful to be here.


Are you still writing songs? If so, what's your inspiration?

Jon Stevens: I have already written a few about my recent journey, some of them I will be playing live.


What music/artists do you listen to when you are not playing your own?

Jon Stevens: I listen to the radio, when I am driving along in the car. Other than that, there are not really a whole lot of other people that I listen to, I am always thinking about what I am supposed to be doing. I was listening to Lenny Kravitz this morning, I haven't listened to Lenny Kravitz in years, but it was in my car, it is good to step back, step forward. I watched the video show, the other day, and thought 'Jesus, what's that?'


Music videos have changed a lot, they are very different now.

Jon Stevens: Oh yeah! There are so much smoky mirrors and when you know there is technology involved, you know the artist or the act, you can see right through them, you can hear right through them, hear what's real and what's not.


What is the biggest challenge you have faced along the way to your musical success?

Jon Stevens: Breathing, of course.


What/who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Jon Stevens: I'm the youngest of eleven children; I grew up singing, I don't know anything different, I wasn't on stage or anything but I had my first band when I was 12; I have been doing it for so long. It is a very natural thing for me, I'd say my parents.


What's a typical day like?

Jon Stevens: Well today I was up at 6:15am and I took my son to school, he had an early class at 7. Then, I went to gym, for the second time since I've been out of hospital, I'm slowly getting back into exercising. Then I headed home and began packing my bag for Adelaide. I've been home for one day, I got home yesterday and now I'm off to Adelaide in a few hours.


Do you think travelling has been one of your favourite parts of being a music artist?

Jon Stevens: Definitely, Definitely! You either love it or you hate it and I've always loved travelling, and I've always loved meeting people and being in new environments. The whole adventure of travelling the world, I love different cultures, love different people. Music has given me the gift to be able to do all that do what you love whilst doing everything else.

Life is an adventure, now, after my heart problem last year, everyday is a bonus. I look at the world differently. It is interesting because I've known a lot of people and I still know a few people who spend their lives acclimating, really at the end of the day what are you acclimating? You need to acclimate love and passion and love for others. I've learnt a lot in the past year, facing death for real. It is really confronting, it was really good. There are so many people and so much stress in life, some people can handle it some people can't.


Do you have a website, for your fans to visit?

Jon Stevens: www.jonstevens.com.au


Interview by Brooke Hunter

Tour Dates

Sunday 14th - Jon Stevens wit Noiseworks
Clipsal 500, Adelaide, SA
www.clipsal500.com.au

Thursday 18th
Dapto Leagues Club: Bong Bong Road, Dapto NSW
P: 02 4261 1333 www.daptoleagues.com.au

Friday 19th
Sharkies Leagues Club: Captain Cook Drive, Woolooware NSW
P: 02 9527 8261 www.sharkies.com.au

Thursday 25th
York on Lilydale: Cnr. York & Swansea Roads, Mount Evelyn VIC
P: (03) 9736 4000 www.yorkonlilydale.com

Friday 26th
Sandbelt Club Hotel: 630 South Road, Moorabbin VIC
P: (03) 9555 6899 www.sandbelthotel.com.au

Saturday 27th
Croxton Park Hotel: 607 High Street, Thornbury VIC
P: (03) 9480 2233 www.croxtonparkhotel.com.au

Sunday 28th
Anglers Tavern: 2 Raleigh Road, Maribyrnong VIC
P: (03) 9318 2811 www.anglestavern.com.au

Saturday 10th
Elmar's in the Valley - Jon Stevens & Daryl Braithwaite
8731 West Swan Road: Henley Brook WA
P: 08 9296 6354www.elmars.com.au/Valley

Sunday 11th
Leeuwin Estate Jon Stevens & Daryl Braithwaite
Stevens Road, Margaret River WA
P: 08 9430 4099 www.leeuwinestate.com.au