Following the success of their acclaimed 2018 album ‘Invincible’, which spent an incredible ten consecutive weeks in the Top 30 Official German Rock and Metal Charts and was voted Sleaze’s Nation’s # 2 album of 2018, Australian based Theatrical Glam Rock Warriors, CROSSON, return in 2020 with their new album “Rock ‘N Roll Love Affair“. We catch up with Jason Crosson to talk about the latest album, glam rock and more.
Metal-Roos: What introduced you to Glam, and what captivates you about the genre?
Crosson: Firstly, it was KISS at a very young age with all the costumes and imagery. A few years later when I was a kid, I walked into a record store and saw this black album with a pentagram on it. I opened up the gatefold sleeve and saw these four guys in hell clad in later. I immediately bought it without listening to it. The album was Shout At The Devil by Motley Crue and I was hooked and couldn’t get enough!!
We all have ears and eyes so not only do I feel that bands need to sound great but also be visually appealing and Glam captures the music as well as the imagery.
MR: Are your influences pure with the likes of Mӧtley Crüe and Poison, or do other types of music creep into your writing?
Crosson: I think 80s rock is embedded in my psyche so writing music like that comes a lot more naturally. There will be times when I am writing and go “Now, what would Desmond Child or Jim Steinman do here? “. I tend to write the music I like to hear which is catchy melodic rock. The Crosson songs & sound derives from 70’s Glam ( Queen / KISS/ Sweet), 70’s catchy pop (ABBA) and 80’s Metal (Motley Crue, Stryper, Dokken, Scorpions, Iron Maiden, DIO, etc) and it’s all thrown into a musical blender.
MR: Your songs feature heroic and romantic ideals. Do you feel having universal themes in your songs has led to Crosson appealing to overseas audiences?
Crosson: I guess you write what you surround yourself with. In my case, it was lots of motivational and inspirational speakers such as Rhonda Byrne, John DeMartini, Wayne Dwyer etc which comes out on tracks like ‘Everyone A Star’, ‘Givin’ Up Livin’ Giving Up, ‘Hero’ etc.
If our music can inspire someone to chase their dreams or be strong during times of adversity, then our message has come across. On the other end of the scale, CROSSON does have a tongue-in-cheek side with songs such as “Weak At The Knees (For A Hot Brunette!!)
MR: The Global Pandemic hit live entertainment hard, but with restrictions easing and live shows coming back are there plans to tour soon, especially with your recent release of the album Rock N Roll Love Affair?
Crosson: Just before COVID hit, we had finished tours with Ron Keel, Enuff ‘Z Nuff, Janet Gardner (Vixen) and Reckless Love and we were able to add new material into the set as we had already released a few videos from the album. Literally days after our last show, everything shut down. Since then we have had to cancel a number of shows but as soon as for venues reopen, then we’ll start taking bookings and getting back to do what we love.
MR: Also, Isolation led to many bands offering performances online. Is this something you wish to explore with all the theatricality of a Crosson stage show?
Crosson: The CROSSON shows runs off the energy of the room and I like to interact with the audience, so I don’t know how much magic there would be playing in an empty room. I guess you don’t know ‘till you try.
MR: And lastly, will the worldwide crisis affect the writing of Crosson material in the near future?
Crosson: I’ve been plugging away in the studio working on the material for the next album. We won’t be looking to release another album until 2022, however, what’s being written at the moment is sounding good.
Interview Date: 2020-07-09
Interviewer: William Ferguson
