After Don Devore’s exit from The Icarus Line, Jason DeCorse was drafted in, and worked with the new configuration of the band between the years 2007 – 2012. Whilst only appearing on one studio album, the band’s fourth – Wildlife, Jason DeCorse (along with fellow guitarist James Striff) took the band in a more blues-orientated direction. With the band now dissolved, I got to ask Mr DeCorse on his time within the band, as well as what he intends to do next. Enjoy!
Given your Quechan Indian Nation heritage, and having read Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee (Dee Brown), how has your ancestry affected your world view – not only in helping you to formulate your identity to become the man that you are, but also in helping you reconcile your views in a predominantly Western world?
It would be ignorant of me not to acknowledge my Western side. This mix makes me who I am.
How were you introduced to rock music, and what made you decide to become a musician? At the same time, what made you consider the guitar as your primary instrument of choice? How did your friends and family react to your decision? And if you weren’t a guitarist, what other artistic pursuit would you have considered pursuing professionally?
My parents were playing records and doing drugs and going to rock concerts before and after I was around. I started with the trombone at 10. Guitars were already around the house… If not guitar, I would have wanted to breakdance.
You’ve been associated with several bands over the course of your lifetime. What band / album would you recommend that fans of The Icarus Line should check out? Why?
Greyhound Soul from Tucson, Arizona. I’ve been with these guys since 1994. Like Joe Cardamone, Joe Peno of Greyhound Soul is unique and one of a kind. As a frontman, he’s kind of like a Johnny Cash or Neil Young.
You’ve performed and recorded with a number of notable musicians, but which eminent musical artist would you most like to collaborate with and why?
I would love to work with Joe Cardamone again. We always had great chemistry.
What is your fondest memory of Alvin Deguzman?
Alvin got lost in France once whilst driving two hours in the wrong direction. I was asleep in the back. Joe was so mad we were lost, and couldn’t stand the fact that I was sleeping through it. “Someone wake up the Indian”…
What is your favourite region that you have ever toured and what was it about the place that made it so memorable? At the same time, what is the most outrageous thing you have ever experienced whilst on the road?
I loved touring England with The Icarus Line. People loved coming to check us out. Lots of friends in the UK. All the outrageous stuff would have Jeff Watson in it.
What is your most memorable experience within The Icarus Line? At the same time, how do you think you were able to leave your stamp on The Icarus Line whilst also contributing towards the band’s legacy?
I have so many memories of The Icarus Line… I really don’t have a favorite… I had the best time every time! I think I was around when the band sounded at its best. I wish I could write as prolifically as Joe.
You’re a music teacher at the Rockacademy. As a proficient guitarist, what tips would you give to someone who is thinking of learning guitar?
My tips for guitar? Have fun doing it – get lost in it. You should love music rather than trying to figure it out.
A lot of people are lamenting the state of the music industry and are arguing that rock music is dead. At the same time, musicians such as Joe Cardamone and John Frusciante have shied away from rock music, and are opting for a sound that veers more towards electronica. What is your take on the state of rock music today, the scene itself, and how these fit within the context of the internet as well as the industry as a whole? What advice would you give to musicians and bands starting out within the context of this?
Music is a tough business to crack. There are so many bands, it’s hard to tell what’s special. Right now, we are in uncharted territory…
What are your future plans, and musically speaking, what else do you have in the pipeline?
My daughter is 8 years old, and I am expecting a boy in March. Currently, I’m making a funk album.