Perth singer songwriter Jason Ayres has a lot to talk about. A new single, a launch night, a new direction… the year ahead looks to be an exciting one. Ayres has been extremely busy these last 18 months, not only has he been writing and recording but has also enjoyed some high profile support slots, enabling him to exercise his craft to large audiences around the country.
The Fabulous Caprettos, Wendy Matthews and Daryl Braithwaite have all welcomed Ayres on to their stage, as well as previous supports for legendary singer Billy Ocean. 2025 looks to be another busy year with Jason set to announce more exciting news as the year goes on. We grabbed some talk time with Jason between bands at the recent Ravo Blues & Roots where he had played two well received sets.
Sean: Great to finally to finally pin you down for a chat Jason. How has the Ravo Blues & Roots Fest been for you?
Jason: Today has been the best one yet. It’s been a huge day, and what a line up.
Sean: John (Starr) has surpassed himself with an incredible array of talent, a part you played in. After watching your set today, I’m now going to refer to you as the ever-evolving Jason Ayres because I know there are certain changes to the music you’ve been writing and performing. Last time we caught up was when you supported The Fabulous Caprettos and you surprised me at that show. I’m used to seeing you front & centre with your acoustic guitar but that night you were joined by a rhythm section and it added so many layers to your music.
Jason: That’s exactly right. I ducked out of the music scene for a little while to gather my thoughts and kind of regroup musically. I made a conscious decision to come back with something different and that’s exactly where I am at. Every gig or show feels like an evolution, every month feels like a new chapter.
Sean: Well, a big year ahead with plenty of new music which is already recorded, mixed & mastered. I think over the years I have grabbed every CD you’ve released but the new music is going to be quite different, I believe. There really seems to be a spring back in your step and a real vibrance to you.
Jason: So I decided to really let go of anything I thought I should be, would be, could be and just go with who I am and make music that makes me feel good and makes the audience feel good. It’s an amazing place to be existing right now.
Sean: we talked earlier about something we can’t mention just yet but it highlights just how big this year is going to be for you.
Jason: There are currently four to five national tours that will be back to back from now until September that I would love to talk about but I can’t just yet. Sean, you will be the first to know once we can announce.
Sean: Well, something we can talk about is your new single ‘Desire’. All I know from what you have told me is it’s an upbeat country/rock tune but it is being supported with a launch night I believe.
Jason: Yes, really excited to announce the launch at Lyric’s Underground on Saturday March 29th.
Sean: One of my favourite venues here in Perth, it has that real cabaret lounge/speakeasy/cavern kind of vibe to it…
Jason: …and no distractions. If you are there you are there for the music. It’s a great venue, I agree totally.
Sean: Any hints on what is planned for the night?
Jason: We have a support of course and there is a little surprise announcement that will follow regarding that and then it will be me exploring my old back catalogue and shining some light on the new material too which includes a whole bunch of new rock songs, because even though I love where I have come from with my acoustic music which everyone knows me for, I’m loving this new direction which is very rock n roll and country rock and electric guitar solos and just letting loose.
Sean: Your drummer today Matt was so excited about you finally getting to bring out the electric guitar.
Jason: [laughs] I’ve been threatening that for about a year but that’s what I want to be doing. I want to be speaking to the audience with my guitar. Today was the first time that I felt I was able to do that.
Sean: Well we can’t wait to see and hear what’s to come.
Jason: I have two more singles to release after this one which is where I hope to take my audience to the direction I am going in, with this slightly rockier feel.
Sean: We’re looking forward to watching this next chapter. I’m not letting you go just yet because I always like to finish up with some general questions. If you could invite three musicians dead or alive to join you for dinner, who would you have join you?
Jason: Bob Dylan, Jimi Hendrix and probably Jim Morrison.
Sean: I did think Dylan would be in there because you do love to tell stories with your songs.
Jason: Ah definitely. But that table is if I’m going old school. I love so much new stuff. I love John Mayer, I still love Ryan Adams & Jason Isbell. There are too many people to invite.
Sean: So what your saying is that you need two sittings [laughs].
Jason: [laughs] I’ll need more than two sittings. But that is also probably a reflection of where I am with my music right now. No two live sets are the same at the moment. And I’m not listening to the same music over and over again.
Sean: That must keep you fresh too.
Jason: Exactly. It’s like earlier today Matt my drummer was asking what we were playing and I said, “I don’t know but I will let you know soon.” [laughs] He asked if I was ok. I just said, “I’ve never been better.”
Sean: What was the last album you listened to Jason?
Jason: That wasn’t too long ago either. That would be John Mayer’s ‘Born & Raised’ and I listened to it from start to finish.
Sean: Final question, if you could be credited with writing any song ever written, what song would you choose?
Jason: I think I would love to be credited with whatever song I write next, because I genuinely believe the best is yet to come.
Sean: What a fabulous answer. I’ve never had that one before. I’m looking forward to hearing that song. Jason I really appreciate your time, let’s go grab a beer and head back to the main stage to enjoy some live music and I’ll catch you at Lyric’s Underground on March 29th.
Jason: Thank you for all your support Sean. It’s been so great to watch your journey with The Rockpit too. Thank you for all you do for local & Australian music.
