Roll of the Dice: 9 questions with Jason Devore

Roll of the Dice is a short interview format with a variable amount of questions. A pair of dice is rolled and the total, between 2 and 12, is the amount of questions we can ask. All questions are given to the interviewee(s) at once, and no follow-ups are allowed. The interview may be lightly edited for content and clarity.

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Jason Devore, the frontman of Authority Zero, is preparing for the release of Til The Voice Goes Out, his fourth solo record, coming 7 June from Double Helix Records. The Arizona singer has joined TGEFM to participate in our Roll of the Dice interview series where we discussed the changes in the industry he's seen over the last 30 years, his future and what artists he's loving recently.

Thank you so much for agreeing to this interview! Congrats on the upcoming release of ‘Til The Voice Goes Out. What should TGEFM readers know about the record and the songwriting process that went into it?

Thank you first and foremost! I think they should know that quite literally everything went into it. Heart, soul, voice, time, patience, instrumentation, and of course, production. This record is like none I've ever done before and I think the listener will hear that out of the gate. It's very special, very dynamic, very intense, and above all very honest. 

It's been 30 years since Authority Zero formed. What has changed the most in the scene and industry from your perspective? What's been the hardest thing to adapt to and what change have you found to be the most positive?

Of course, the record sales unfortunately making it something of a lost art, which I feel is unfortunate. So much work goes into the art of albums and the artwork, that it's sad to see people not hold out and buy hard copies as much. I'm hoping that's different with this album and that given the special added elements we've incorporated within, that it will make people excited to hold the tangible item and dig deeper. The business side of music as a whole has completely changed to where if you're not constantly on the road, then you're probably not having a great chance of sustaining as simply an artist. Good thing is, I just simply love doing music so i'm good either way, but it can be disheartening to many artists that will throw in the towel and feel a bit resentful. 

What stood out most to you with this recording compared to your previous trips to the studio? Whats the biggest difference between the band writing and recording and doing it on your own?

Biggest difference is the independence of it, of course. Your immediate vision and even extended vision throughout is really up to you to guide and transform. It makes it a very freeing, yet a self-conscious situation, because it's all on you. With the band of course, you have three other minds that are collaborating. You do that as well with the solo material, in the studio with your producers, but typically that's after the majority of the skeleton of the song is already constructed. That's when you add the muscle. 

What have been some of the most memorable moments or experiences with the band or on solo tours so far? What's been the most unexpected? The weirdest?

Oh man, I can go from being essentially mugged in the Tenderloin district of San Fransisco late nate after a show, to beautiful shows overlooking the beaches of Italy from the stage. There really are so many many things that have happened throughout my music career that will definitely show up in the autobiography some day haha. 

Authority Zero have been such an influential act that means so much to so many of us. Does the high bar you've set for yourselves in the past help, hinder or affect your creativity today and to what extent?

I'd say a bit of all of the above. You know how much your fans like your older works, but as an artist/musician you, life, and influences are ever changing as you grow. If not, you're not going anywhere and allowing yourself to be present and open. With that, you know when you've written something good i'm your heart of hearts, and then when your fans reciprocate that, it definitely makes you want to one up it each time without trying too hard, and having it be a natural progression true to yourself.

You've been a staple of this scene for a while, what is your biggest regret? A gig you turned down, advice you didn't take, what one thing do you wish you handled differently as a musician?

I always say “No Regrets” of course, as I feel everything that has happened to me and this band has brought me to this place. Were there situations I would have handled differently having grown and knowing what I know now? Perhaps. But then without all those hardships and downfalls, I would never have learned the things I do know now, to handle them differently. 

What pieces of advice do you have for the up and coming acts you're performing with now?

Stay true to yourself, believe in yourself, do it for you and whatever level of success you're looking for will follow, even if it's simply the fulfillment of knowing in the end, that you did it your way.  Also, be wary of drugs and alcohol. It's all fun and games until it's not. 

Are you finding the new solo fans meshing well with the ones who've been around for a while?

I am, but it is funny seeing the looks from the newer solo crowd when my AØ fans start mini acoustic circle pits. Haha! Essentially everyone that comes out is there for a positive and freeing/expressive experience. 

One of our obligatory questions in these interviews also tends to be the one I have found most important on a personal level. Who are some bands on your radar that TGEFM readers may not know about, but you think they should?

There's a band I really like called Amyl and the Sniffers. Super rad. Also a group of buds called A Wilhelm Scream. Great dudes and killer band. Also I need to mention my friends and Double Helix label mates Mercy Music. You don't want to sleep on these guys. Brilliant both sonically and live to boot. 

Beyond the release of the record, what's next for you?

Loads of touring with the band, and then when not with them, solo. I really want this record and songs to get to and touch as many people as humanly possible. 

Was there anything I missed that you'd like to share or dive deeper into with our readers?

I think we covered a lot of it! Please follow me on Instagram and check out jasondevore.com for constant updates with both videos, music, and touring. Cheers!