Jarrod Ross Releases New Single And Video ‘Hail’
“What would you do if the world as you know it changed forever?
You’d write a Kick-Ass Rock song of course! What else can you do.” – Jarrod Ross
LISTEN TO / PURCHASE HAIL HERE
Finally, the stars have aligned for indie rock singer-songwriter Jarrod Ross, as he unleashes his inner-most Rock ’n’ Rollness with new track Hail, off his upcoming EP due out later this year.
The former guitarist/front man for Auckland rock band Valedictions, and bass player for Flying Nun signed indie-rockers Pan Am, Jarrod’s latest musical endeavour is the first single to drop from a collection of solo material recorded in his home studio while in lockdown.
A catchy full-throttle rock song, Ross proudly wears his influences on his sleeve with Hail, an easy comparison to be found in its Jane’s Addiction inspired vocal narrative.
A hefty, droning bass line and high-pitched staccato electric guitar carries the listener into Ross’ lyrical and musical take on the threat of a modern dystopia, as he sings “It’s a stone-cold future, looking like we’re gonna be there. I think I lost my future…”
A true labour of love, Jarrod has had this long-awaited project percolating since COVID hit, and now it has finally been brought to life. Fully immersing himself in the creative process of making Hail, Jarrod forged ahead during lockdown and for the first time not only played all the instruments, but recorded, mixed and mastered the entire track himself.
Says Ross, “Thanks to lockdown and having to isolate, I was forced to find a way, to work hard and make it happen. Man, it was a time-consuming process, it sure took a wee while, but I’m glad I did it and it worked out well, I’m really happy with it.”
Taking his innermost thoughts and feelings and translating them into an eclectic mix of rock, melodic acoustic, even psychedelic vibes, Jarrod’s intention is to draw emotion from the listener, and transport them away on a journey.
“Hail represents my perception of people’s behaviour during the pandemic, as well as my own uncertainty and withdrawal from society”, says Jarrod. “Set back in history when war and other viruses plagued society, I explore the similarities between then and now. How quickly we forget, how quickly we repeat.”
The accompanying video draws these thoughts together, with old black and white footage edited into a montage of themes such as sickness, nuclear warfare, and paranoia interspersed with manic dancing, all combining to create a feeling of unease.
Now that Hail has seen the light, Ross will move forward and focus his energy on completing the rest of his EP. Look out for more new music later in 2022.
