River Jones
Jones is the owner of local record label River Jones Music.When you put your key in the ignition and turn on the radio, what station
would play right now? Growing up, I listened to KDKB, KUPD, KEDJ, and KUKQ. Now, I am always streaming music 24/7. But, in the car I listen to NPR. KWSS plays local bands on the radio, and I think that's wonderful. I also listen to a lot of demos in the car, I listen to everything that is submitted to the label, and I also have a lot of new unreleased albums that friends give to me to check out and give feedback on.
What's the first album you bought? Motley Crue, Shout at the Devil. It was my favorite album when I was 7.
What's the first concert you saw? In 1985, I saw Motley Crue play at Compton Terrace. Loudness opened, and it was the Home Sweet Home tour when I was 8.
What's your favorite concert you've ever been to? That is tough -- I've been going to shows since I was 8. Here are a few: Roger Waters at multiple shows, Nirvana at the Coliseum, Lollapalooza numbers 2, 3 and 4, Blind Melon at Electric Ballroom, Broadcast at Modified Arts, Stereolab at Rialto Theater, Fiona Apple at Largo, Tori Amos at Symphony Hall, Cibo Matto at Gibson Amphitheatre, Blonde Redhead at Nita's Hideaway, Faith No More at Club Rio, Frank Black at the Mason Jar, No Doubt at The Nile, Motley Crue at Compton Terrace and Veterans Memorial.
What's the last song played on your music player? Elliott Smith, "Kings Crossing".
Preferred format: CD, vinyl, cassette, 8-Track or digital? I do vinyl, live music and digital. I often get serenaded by local musicians showing me new material -- it's a definite perk of having a label. Courtney Marie Andrews and Michelle Blades used to camp at my house and play all new songs while I would clean the house. It was nice.
What's your favorite album? If I was going away on a trip to space, I would take the Wish You Were Here album by Pink Floyd.
Who is your favorite singer or band? Chuck Berry.
Does you computer track how many times you've played something -- if so,
what's at the top of the list? Right now, it says: T-Rex, Ziggy Stardust, Pink Floyd, Joanna Newsom, Stereolab, Sufjan Stevens, of Montreal and tons of local music.
What was your favorite new or new-to-you album from 2010? Favorite new album of 2010 is Sufjan Stevens, Age of Adz.
What one song would you play if you had a world-wide radio audience? John Lennon, "Instant Karma".
Who is your favorite local artist? I'm fortunate to have my favorite local artists signed with me. Dylan Pratt, Courtney Andrews, You Me and Apollo, Steff Koeppen and the Articles, Owl & Penny, Sareena Dominguez, Michelle Blades, Dry River Yacht Club, Underground Cities, Boys and Frogs and more. My all time favorite local band is from the 1960's and is definitely The Spiders!
What is your favorite local venue to see music? I am not really picky when it comes to venues. I am excited to see music, and I'm happy to see it anywhere. My all-time favorite venue was when we used to set up generators and play in the desert back in the 90's. Rubens Accomplice, Gray Daze, Posted Green, Mandingo, and many more classic Arizona bands used to play these shows I put on in high school. Totally in the desert, totally fun. With that being said, I think my favorite place to see a show is Veterans Memorial Coliseum. I love it there. It's possible one of my favorite places in Arizona.
What is your favorite music video? Classic video, I would go with The Animals, "House of the Rising Sun". Currently, I think that Boys and Frogs make great music videos.
