Jointpop are not what most people would expect from the island of Trinidad and Tobago. Breaking the Calypso, Reggae and Soca mold, they combine influences from late 70’s London with their own brand of infectious optimism.  With their latest album January Transfer Window and a double A sided single (reviewed last issue) recently under their belts, we jumped at the chance to catch up and find out a bit more.

How did you meet and go on to form the band?

Gary:  It's a very small rock n roll scene here in Trinidad and Tobago. ...so we all knew each other well.  I was in a very popular band before called Oddfellows Local, and after five years, I left and started jointpop.

What's been the highlight so far?

Gary:  Keeping the band together for 13 years, with minor changes, must be the biggest highlight.  Touring the UK in 06, and 08, that's always fun...well most of it.  Performing at historic clubs like The 100 Club in London and CBGB's in New York City, and of course, making records.

What's going on for Jointpop in 2009?

Gary:  Wish I could tell, because it's really a crazy day to day existence.
The release of a new Double A-Side single " Please don't tell my In-laws(I'm an Outlaw) and "Camden Ketchup".  Hope to also release in the UK, the jointpop album "The January Transfer Window", the 2-disc set which includes the Documentary/Short Film "Desperate Houseflies" a

Who did you work with on your latest album January Transfer Window?

Gary:  I took on the role of producer for our last 4 records, with help from the band and engineers. Hope that changes for our next record.  I would just like to be the singer and one of the guitar players in the band for the next record. Just to be one of the boys in the rock n roll band. I miss that in the studio.

What was the experience like?

Gary:  It's always cool getting together to flesh out new songs, and then at the studio, we make sure the process remains fun.  To see the record take shape and take on a life of it's own.  For the recording of "The January Transfer Window", we took studio gear down to a country estate house on the south-east coast of Trinidad, and spent a week there recording. The "Desperate Houseflies" documentary captures that week.

What are the differences between the music scene in Trinidad and Tobago and the one in the UK?

Gary:  Because of where we come from, we are free of all music biz trappings. So we are free to write as we please, any topic and style, versus if we were from London for example.  We may get caught up in all the 'Brit' scene, the Camden fashion and 'most' of the bands sounding the same etc.  But at the same time, our local scene is one of "no ambition". The radio, press and the Music Industry in general are all mainstream, so the underground is really

suffocating.  In the UK, so many independent and Underground  Radio ,Press, TV, Mags  etc.  The UK’s got an actual Music Industry, and sadly T&T do not have a Music Industry.  The jointpop story is one of a rock n roll band on a calypso and reggae island here in Trinidad and Tobago.  About trying to find a voice in your own home. Just about being travellers and rock n roll troubadours.

What music are you listening to at the moment? Gary:  Well I can't seem to get enough of the Followill boys, brilliant rock n roll band, The Kings of Leon. 

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