The Blue Stones’ Tarek Jafar Celebrates New Album “Metro”
Tarek Jafar, frontman of The Blue Stones, recently joined Loudwire Nights on May 7 to discuss the band’s fourth full-length album, “Metro.” During his conversation with host Chuck Armstrong, Jafar reflected on the evolution of the band and the unique perspective that comes with releasing their latest project.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
“I think you get to a level of expertise by the time you’re putting out your fourth full-length where you’re finally putting out things that are truly yourself,” Jafar shared. He expressed how “Metro” embodies the essence of The Blue Stones, stating, “I feel like our DNA is ingrained into this album.” He conveyed a sense of pride in the music, mentioning that it feels even more authentic than their previous three albums and that they’ve been pleased with the positive reception from fans.
Growing Beyond a Baby Band
Jafar acknowledged the significant growth that comes with being four albums into their career. “You’re not a baby band anymore; you’ve been around the block,” he said. With experience gained from touring and releasing music, he noted a newfound calmness that accompanies the release of their fourth album. “You’re like, ‘Okay, I know what I’m doing now,'” he added, highlighting the confidence that comes with experience in the music industry.
Connecting with Fans
Jafar hopes that the authenticity he feels in “Metro” resonates not only with him and his bandmate, Justin Tessier, but also with both longtime fans and newcomers. “I think for somebody now diving into who we are, I feel like ‘Metro’ is kind of the truest we’ve been to ourselves as artists,” he remarked, emphasizing that the album serves as a great introduction to their sound.
Insights from the Interview
- The Concept Behind “Metro”: Jafar described the album as a loose concept following the transformative journey of an individual on a subway in a dystopian future. Each track represents a stop along this journey of self-transformation, reflecting the character’s evolution from being beaten down by society to embracing acceptance.
- Reflections on Earlier Albums: Listening to their past albums evokes a sense of nostalgia for Jafar, who likened it to hearing a younger version of himself. “It’s funny; it’s kind of like listening to a little brother of yours, but it’s you,” he explained.
- The Duo Dynamic: Jafar also discussed the advantages of maintaining The Blue Stones as a duo, noting that having only two people to agree on creative decisions simplifies the process. “Am I good for this? Are you good for this? Yes, we’re good,” he stated, highlighting the ease of collaboration.
Listen to the Full Interview
Fans can catch Tarek Jafar’s full interview on Loudwire Nights, which airs live every weeknight at 7 PM ET. The show can also be streamed online and is available on various radio stations. Jafar’s insights into “Metro” and the journey of The Blue Stones provide a glimpse into the band’s artistic evolution.
Conclusion
With the release of “Metro,” The Blue Stones have solidified their identity as artists. Tarek Jafar’s reflections on their growth and the authenticity of their music resonate with the journey many artists experience. As they continue to connect with fans old and new, “Metro” stands as a testament to their evolution and creativity.
FAQs
What is the concept of The Blue Stones’ album “Metro”?
The album follows the transformative journey of an individual on a subway in a dystopian future, with each song representing a stop along the way of their self-transformation.
How does Tarek Jafar feel about their earlier albums?
Jafar finds it nostalgic to listen to their earlier work, comparing it to hearing a younger version of himself and reflecting on the creative choices made at that time.
Why is being a duo beneficial for The Blue Stones?
Having only two members allows for streamlined decision-making in the creative process, making it easier to agree on artistic direction.