Having released his debut EP The Big Blue last year, Jason McIver is a capable solo musician, as well as the founder of the Jason McIver Collective and lead vocalist for Primacy. He answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:
Which one of your songs are you most proud of, and why?
I go through phases of digging certain songs more than others but I do love playing Garden Poetry, it was written in memory of a good friend of mine, it has a lot of sentimental value to it, that and the song Sometimes as I got to record my good friend Grace Baker doing all the harmonies on it, it sends shivers down my spine hearing what she did :)
Where is your favourite place to relax in NZ?
Having just bought a house in Taupo by the lake, I'm pretty excited about relaxing there. It's just a beautiful part of NZ, heaven really when you compare it to living in Auckland's suburbs.
How would you describe your music in one sentence?
Close to mainstream but yet not quite... all of my influences from growing up piled into one bundle.
What local albums have you been enjoying recently?
I rediscovered Augustino while going through my partners CD collection, I love their album and listen to it heaps. Great songs!
What sets you apart from other musicians?
I don't know if it sets me apart from other musicians but my drive and dedication is my strongest asset, food, liquor... that can wait when there are recordings and tours to set up and pay for. I'm extremely determined and have great support.
What can we expect to see from you over the next year?
Over the next year... my new single is out on December 15th, followed by touring and a new album to be released on Feb 27th and that's not to mention recording a 5 track EP with my heavier band Primacy which includes touring as well. Then there is playing at functions etc. which helps put bread on the table.
Tell us about your next release.
It was recorded and co produced with Zorran Mendonsa and is titled I May No Perf, the music is a mix of pretty acoustic songs, pop rock and alternative rock. I was blessed to receive private funding for the album and it came out of a really dark period of my life but having the goal of recording and getting songs ready really helped to get through it.... having friends from Wellington and Nelson travel up to record parts was also very humbling and helped level me out a lot.
The Jason McIver Collective have released two highly praised and charting albums since 2015 and in 2019 that catalogue will continue to expand.
After moving bases from Auckland to Taupo Jason refreshed the line-up, featuring original bassist Si Folkard moving to lead guitar/vocals, bassist John Curtis and drummer Andrew Marshall.
The music explores the many emotions and movements occurring in life and celebrates a diverse scope of song writing.