Just Jinjer since then

14 Dec 2015

After a fair hiatus since their last full-length album, fans must have been elated when rock stalwarts Just Jinjer announced the release of their new album, 'Everything Since Then', last month. We chat to Ard Matthews to find out more.

After such a long period since your last album, what was it like recording as a group again? How have things changed since 2006?

Nothing has really changed, it's just time that moved really fast without us knowing or being too concerned about it. It was really liberating recording again. The timing was great too 'cos we were all ready for it so there was no forcing the issue, which is important, we feel. You can always hear when an album has been forced.

Why such a long wait between albums?

As I mentioned, time just really flew. We did an EP in 2011 called 'Milk and Honies', so it's not exactly like we'd done nothing. In-between moving back from LA and starting our lives again in SA, we also started exploring who we are as individuals outside of Jinjer. That, combined with not living in the same cities, made it particularly difficult to get an album done any sooner.

You're playing in London later this month, where else will you be touring?

We have a big coastal tour planned for the second half of December. Please see all dates on the Just Jinjer Facebook page.

Why the decision to tour overseas first, as opposed to South Africa?

We only went for one show. It was actually just a showcase so that we could be seen by the right people who make the decisions to book bands for European festivals etc. If we went any later we would've missed our window!

Favourite songs off the new album?

My personal faves are Love Anyone and Thanks For The Trouble.

You recently played the new album at the Camphill Village Music Festival, what was the response like?

Unfortunately, the set was cut a bit short so we didn't play as many as we'd hoped. What we did manage to play was very well received, I thought.

Just Jinjer has achieved many great things, what have been some of your personal musical highlights?

I think staying together for almost 20 years would def be something to be proud of. We've been signed to very big labels and toured with really great bands in the name of uplifting SA music. It's all been a highlight to us.