JingerKroa is one of the most exciting rock bands to come out of the Lehigh Valley in recent memory. Learn about their history, and the exciting summer that lies ahead!
As a starting point, tell us how JingerKroa began and what you guys were doing beforehand.
JingerKroa was originally formed in 2011 by J.Goth, Mike and HillBilly. Each member has a background in several previous bands, but the common thread that eventually united us was a mutual dedication to playing original music, and a need to step outside of commonly drawn genre boundaries to create something that was uniquely our own. We didn’t want to just sound like “another rock band.” We wanted to be different; to be way out there and stand out in a crowd.
Unkl Nicky later joined the threesome, completing the band and sealing the deal. It was at this point that the energy in the band flowed naturally, and we went with the natural flow. The band finally was, after transitional periods, complete as JingerKroa.
Your influences are varied and come from just about every point on the rock spectrum. Who are some of the biggest ones?
Part of what gives JingerKroa our unique style is the diversity in our musical palates. Yet, we share a common thread in musical likes. As a team, we are rockers – no doubt about it. Some of the top guns for us are Pantera, Steve Vai, Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Korn, Frank Zappa, Tool, Rammstein and Depeche Mode. We can go on forever here. There’s so much amazing musical talent that we have been inspired by.
How does it all mesh together to give JingerKroa its unique sound?
We couldn’t even tell you! (laughs) It’s magic. It really is. In an instant upon our union, the music flowed. The writing process and creativity comes naturally and effortlessly. I guess you can say we are really lucky when it comes to this. But then again, it all has to do with the energy of the people in the band. It just works and always comes together. The best way to explain it is like making a pot of soup. You put all of the right ingredients in, and it comes out tasting great. I guess you can say we are the vegetables meshing together. Wait, that really doesn’t sound good. (laughs)
Your touring history is already extensive, having toured with the likes of Powerman 5000 and venturing as far south and west as Texas. What do you attribute to your touring success?
It’s our passion, love of playing music, dedication to our fans, and desire to please them with our music. Without our fans, we are nothing. They fuel our desire and are what keeps us moving forward with stealth speed. Mix this into our love of what we do, and it’s a potion for success.
Tell us a great story from the road!
Oh, boy. Not sure we can talk about this! (laughs) Let’s just say, A LOT of crazy stuff has happened. People have added to a wide range of craziness. It’s all good. Maybe when we write our book, we will share some of those stories. (laughs)
The band has also performed at numerous charity gigs, including those for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Wounded Veterans Annual Fundraiser and Dream Come True. Explain the importance of giving back.
You have to give back, especially to those in need. There are people who are hungry, homeless, lonely, and depressed. It’s important for everyone to step forward and try and help personally or through a good cause. We love to help others, and always get called to perform for organizations. There is no better feeling than knowing you helped someone achieve the first step toward a better future.
You guys are currently working on new music, which is expected later this year. How far along is the project, and what can listeners expect when it hits?
Our album is expected to be released in the summer of 2016. As of now, Unkl Nicky is finishing laying down the guitar tracks. HillBilly is up next, with J.Goth finishing on vocals. We are almost there.
Listeners can expect diverse, high-energy, meaningful, personal music with a twist of lunacy and a smidge of “sickness.” You always have to have a little “sickness” in the mix.
Do you guys have any shows coming up?
You bet! April 1, we are headlining at Dingbatz in Clifton, NJ with host Don Jamieson from VH1’s That Metal Show, sponsored by DAA Entertianment.
May 7, we are opening up for Buckcherry at the Sherman Theater in East Stroudsburg, PA.
August 6, we are at the Stanhope House in Stanhope, NJ for a two-day RockFest, sponsored by JarJam Entertainment.
We’ve reached the end! Tell us where people can learn more about you online.
You can find us on our website, on Facebook, and on Twitter. We’re also on ReverbNation and SoundCloud, but the best place to find all of our info is on our webpage. That will direct you to all of our sites.
Make sure to stay connected. We have a lot of exciting things coming up!
