In this video
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This extensive interview with rising rock band Jayla takes you inside their creative process, gear setups, and the journey leading to their debut album "Voices Unheard" (releasing May 29th, 2026). The conversation covers their recent highlights including festival appearances at Glastonbury and Download, touring Nashville, and the writing process behind their diverse album tracks ranging from bluesy "Down Below" to the softer "Bittersweet."
The band discusses their songwriting approach - no fixed formula, often starting with voice note riffs and building collaboratively. James shares how his powerful vocal range developed through four hours of daily practice, studying soul singers like Aretha Franklin and rock vocalists like Robert Plant, Roger Daltrey, and Bon Scott. The interview includes live demonstrations of signature riffs including "No Woman," "The Rins," and "Riverboat Queen," with detailed explanations of how each song came together.
Extensive gear breakdowns reveal Tyler's Gibson Les Paul 2018 Tribute and James's 61 reissue SG with sideways Vibrola, both running through Marshall JCM900s and a modified Plexi. Tyler's board features Cry Baby, EHX Soul Food, Friedman BE-OD, MXR Uni-Vibe, Keeley Caverns, and an EHX B9 organ pedal. James runs an even more elaborate setup including HX Stomp for stereo effects and preamp switching, Mellotron M9 for string sections, MXR Phase 90, flashback delay with tap tempo, and dual Hall of Fame reverbs for massive ambient textures.
The band shares their musical origins - first riffs learned (AC/DC's "Hells Bells," Metallica's "Enter Sandman"), the transition from acoustic busking to electric, and finding the right lineup through chemistry rather than just technical ability. They discuss handling comparisons to Led Zeppelin, the decision to record organically with minimal overdubs, and why they chose to build their live show without click tracks or backing tracks. Upcoming shows include Brazilian dates in April, a UK arena tour supporting Sammy Hagar, and November support slots with Deep Purple.