Discovery: Jail Bait

PHOTO BY JACK SIEGEL

The first time we saw New York-based punk band Jail Bait was at Santos Party House, and someone threw a chair onstage. The second time, lead singer Jen JR Renoylds was dressed in lacey underwear. On the third time, Reynolds taunted bandmate Matt Macauley about quitting the band until he broke a the drumset. Catch this band before they explode—or  implode, whatever…

WHO’S IN THE BAND? Jen Reynolds, vocals and lead guitar; Matt McAuley, lead guitar; Brain McPeck, drums; Alex Neimetz, bass. HOW DID YOU GET STARTED: We’ve been together for a year now. We started messing with covers and all meshed well right from the get-go. But it seems that with time and each new song that we start to really hit our stride and come closer to achieving a distinct, Jail Bait sound. WHAT’S IN THE NAME? We’ve had a few names, but strangely enough, “Jail Bait” was at the back of everyone’s mind. I think we were all too afraid to seem real obvious or real pervy with that name. But then upon reflection, we figured that “obvious” and “pervy” are, in fact, excellent reasons to be called Jail Bait. WHAT’S YOUR BEST SONG? “Dream Tonight” showcases the bands chops and gets the crowd going.  The lyrics are comprised mostly from Elvis Presley song titles strung together to form a narrative.  A narrative about wishing Elvis was my boyfriend instead of some maniac I was messing around with at the time. WHAT’S THE BIGGEST MISTAKE A BAND CAN MAKE?  Boring the audience is unacceptable. The New York City music scene is starting to feel real exciting again. I would hate to have Jail Bait blow it by being half-assed—and that goes beyond the music!  James Brown was disgusted with apathetic, dungaree wearing rockers, choking on their fuzzy guitars with their backs to audience. So you best believe we’re going to try and sound tight, look slick, and keep ya’ll engaged as not to offend the audience or the godfather of soul. DO YOU HAVE PRE-SHOW RITUALS? Alex makes sure all of her homework is done.  Matt maybe does some pushups. Brain walks his dog.  I’m not really sure. Collectively speaking though, it’s have a drink, have a smoke, plug in, boogie.