Red Jumpsuit Apparatus: Realism, truth and good music

As I walked under a grey December sky toward my first interview, I have to admit my stress level was reaching an all time high.  As I drew nearer, I saw dozens of fans already standing in line outside, anxious and numbed by the cold wind blowing.  When I entered the venue, I wondered how it would go and what to expect from these five young band members whose debut album, ‘Don’t You Fake It’, was certified gold in the United States, having sold over 500 000 copies in just four months.  Had sudden fame changed them or did they even realize it yet?  Little did I know, I was about to discover that this Middleburg, Florida quintet has plain and honest goals: keep it simple, make good music, have fun, take care of your loved ones and most of all, be real!

Full of dedication and passion for their music, band members Ronnie Winter (lead vocals), Duke Kitchens (guitar, piano, vocals), Elias Reidy (guitar, backing vocals), Joey Westwood (bass, backing vocals) and Jon Wilkes (drums, backing vocals) use their voice and their success for a good cause and aren’t wasting any time getting their message through.  The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus are determined to show the young generation of today that it is still possible to make a difference in this world, by getting involved and also giving the example: use what you have to change things, speak for yourself and most of all be yourself!

Originally formed in 2003, the band was started with members Ronnie and Duke along with other friends who were later replaced by Elias, Jon and then Joey.  At the time they had sent many demos and played in front of several labels with no immediate response, which discouraged a few previous members and caused their departure.  Ronnie and Duke then started posting ads all around town to audition new members and Ronnie finally called Elias one night and it immediately clicked between them.  Jon who had jammed with Ronnie in the past, was then brought in on drums and Elias introduced former bandmate and friend Joey Westwood, who became the new basist.  The group was complete.  They gathered a good local fanbase in Florida and quickly attracted the curiosity New York producers which soon landed them in studio, recording their first album with David Bendeth, who had also produced Hawthorne Heights’ and Breaking Benjamin’s lastest albums.  It was the beginning of a great success story that I was eager to hear about.

When I walked into the small backstage area, I was immediately welcomed by the high energy that could be sensed in the room.  Musicians and technicians were getting ready for the soundchecks; the comforting look of sofas and curtains instantly made me feel less anxious and when I was introduced to Jon and Joey, who gave me the impression they were about as nervous as I was, I felt right at home.   We started looking around for a quiet place to go, which wasn’t easy, given all the people walking about.  Joey first thought of using one of the opening band’s room, but then thought they wouldn’t like that, so we walked back to their dressing room.  Wanting to throw everyone out, he turned around and told me: “I’ve always wanted to this!”  before shouting “Ok! Everyone out! Go!”, with a laugh.  Everyone exited and went upstairs to the stage for the soudchecks.  The only chair available was already being used by Ronnie, who was busy on his laptop.  Stealing the chair from his friend which forced him to work on his knees, Joey brought it to me.  I felt bad taking it but as we all laughed, he insisted, reassuring me that Ronnie was going to be ok, so I finally sat down.  Jon and Joey joined me by sitting on the floor.  With Jon to my left and Joey to my right, I felt like a school teacher telling her students a story.  Without a doubt, I wasn’t going to forget this first interview.  And so, it’s with the vibrations of drums and guitars coming from the stage above our heads, that I fired away my first question.