I would love to learn the H. and E. of I.R. If anyone knows this and would be willing to divulge same, I would be most appreciative

I wish we knew. We only have bits and pieces of information right now. Alex, give us an interview!

Similarly, I was also curious, in the other thread, you mentioned there was a pre-JMJ bassist? Were there ever any shows without JMJ? And how did he get involved?

Here is what I have: Tim Anderson and Alex started the band, and I think Ollie was one of the next to come on board (though I have no confirmation of this). They played with a few different bassists--would you believe I heard this from Greg Kurstin of all people, I think he worked with the guy from Banyan at one point. The first name of the bassist may have been Jaime or Javier or something similar. So no, JMJ hasn't always been there. They used to do shows at The Mint and Dragonfly, among other places. I think they were playing in L.A. in 2000? And of course Rich, the former drummer, is now the estimable Joey Waronker. That whole process happened in the early to late summer of 2002.

They really have gone through a number of iterations. Not to mention the film score that (again, I'm not sure of this) Alex and Tim together produced for the indie "Carving Out Our Name" back in 2000 or 2001. And I think Tim and Alex have gotten together to DJ at L.A. clubs under the name "IMA Robot," as well.

That's all I've got. I'm out!

This is what JMJ told me back in July of 2002:

JMJ explained some of the history in a very brief email. I'll post what seems safe to post. I don't think that he will mind or at least I hope not.

From JMJ email:

"I met the band through a producer friend Jimmy Boyle
who was doing demos for the band back in September/October 2001.
Helped them with bass on their demos. They loved me. I loved
them. I jumped in with both feet. Cancelled several tours just
to keep the band on the rails, got signed to Virgin.
Now, we're writing for the record. It's a pretty great
scene, there's a lot of love.

Motivation behind the band: though I came into the scene late,
it seems apparent to me that we are after that very elusive mix
of pure pop song sense, punk explosiveness, and art-rock aesthetics.
Many have tried and failed, I sure hope we succeed. But we feel
confident in being able to make a great record with this blend
of things."


[Edited on 12-3-2003 by Phobiac]

Quote:

art-rock

I must steal that.

Thank you draconian and Phobiac for your efforts responding to this question! I do appreciate it. It's apparent that the birth of the band needs some 'splainin :D

We're on it. Actually, it has become job one on imarobot.net. Besides finally getting that full-length of JMJ on the front page Phobiac, hint hint.