Interview with Eric Jayk of Wildstreet

January 03, 2022

Interview with Eric Jayk of Wildstreet

By Mick Michaels

Cosmick View: Hello, Eric! Welcome to The Cosmick View. Thanks for taking some time out of your day to speak with us. It's greatly appreciated.
Eric Jayk: No Problem! Thank you!

CV: How much does the band's overall internal and external dynamics change when a new member comes on board? Is there an adjustment period for everyone?
EJ: Well new members bring excitement and energy to the band. I hate to see anyone leave the band, but it’s refreshing. We have been a band for a long time and sometimes a change is for the best.

CV: How much does the music change when new blood is added to the songwriting mix? Is there any fear of things going a different direction with new material?
EJ: The band started with me and my original rhythm guitarist Jimmie Marlowe writing songs and he and I are still writing songs and plan to record two of our songs this winter for Wildstreet’s next release. The band will go in the direction that it goes.

CV: Wildstreet spent the better part of 2021 touring compared to many other bands that opted to sit the year out in light of the ongoing COVID cases. Did the band have any concerns with making the decision to travel and perform live?
EJ: We did 6 tours in 2021, over 100 shows...were one of the few bands of our size to tour Europe. It’s massive.

As far as COVID, three of us left in April for our first tour fully vaccinated. I urged the rest of the guys to but it’s their choice. I worry about my guys cuz I am the band leader. Needless to say, they weren’t concerned at all.

CV: Were there any issues encountered over the last six months due to COVID while on tour?
EJ: No, nothing except one venue cancelled a show cuz their staff was ill.

CV: At this stage, do you feel the level of fear and concern, because of the enduring pandemic, is keeping people from attending shows and supporting the return of live music?
EJ: At many shows, crowds were less than expected. Even diehard fans weren’t coming out. Kinda a drag but understandable.

CV: From your point of view and being that you have been touring the last six months, what is your perspective on the vitality of Rock n Roll? Is it alive and well from where you sit?
EJ: Can’t Stop The Rock

CV: Many people feel streaming services have robbed artists of a fair payday for their music. Comparatively speaking, do you consider Internet Radio a similar beast? Is it a friend or foe, especially considering that not much of a financial return is garnished on the airplay received for most bands?
EJ: Anyone who wants to play Wildstreet’s music is awesome! Streaming, radio, fan, tv/film, commercials, video games…it all rocks!

CV: Some artists seem to live in the past nowadays, so as fans, we often don't get to hear much new material, especially from many veteran performers. Do you believe that an artist's best days are always the ones that lie ahead of them or is there some truth in keeping the past alive to avoid dealing with the future?
EJ: I think that it depends on the artist and what they want. I can’t speak for anyone but myself. I always think of what’s to come next.

CV: In addition to the ongoing promotion of "Wildstreet III", what more can fans expect to see coming from the band as we move into 2022?
EJ: Hey! Don’t forget our cover of The 69eyes Classic ‘Mrs.Sleazy’ that was released via Golden Robot Records in October! https://smarturl.it/Wildstreet-mrssleazy

On Feb 15, Golden Robot Records will re-release two songs that were released under a pseudonym in 2014. One of them is the original version of ‘Born To Be’ (from Wildstreet III). These songs should be part of Wildstreet’s catalog. The pre-save campaign will begin on 1/27.

We plan to record (3) new songs this winter towards our next album which don’t sound like Wildstreet III or like the singles we’re releasing in February. It’s exciting to be an enigma.

CV: Thanks again Eric for taking the time to share with our readers. We wish you all the best and continued success.
EJ: You rock! Thanks for the support!

Check out Wildstreet at:
Official: www.wildstreetmusic.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/wildstreetnyc
Twitter: www.twitter.com/wildstreet
Instagram: www.instagram.com/Wildstreetofficial

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My name is Mick Michaels...I'm an artist, music fan, songwriter, producer, show host, dreamer and guitarist for the traditional Heavy Metal band Corners of Sanctuary. Writing has always been a creative outlet for me; what I couldn't say in speech, I was able to do with the written word. Writing has given me a voice and a way for me to create on a multitude of platforms including music and song, articles, independent screenplays, books and now, artist interviews. The Cosmick View is an opportunity to raise the bar and showcase artists in a positive and inspirational light. For me, it's another out-of-this-world adventure.