You may have heard us playing Good To Be Home by Jimmy Fallon recently – but who is Jimmy? We caught up with him to find out more about his music and inspirations.
Tell us a little bit about your yourself?
I am Jimmy Fallon from Massachusetts. I founded Jukebox Storm while studying at Berklee College Online. I am a singer/songwriter/guitarist but mostly just enjoy playing with other musicians.
When did you first start to develop a passion for music?
Around third grade I was in the school’s Glee Club and also won a 45 of Bad Company in a spelling contest. The record was a stretch from the Captain and Tennille my sisters would play at home, and it spoke to me. Not too long after that came the 1980’s, and if you were growing up in that decade it was impossible to not develop a passion for music.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
Tons. From Motown to heavy metal. I loved all the alternative stuff but also had every Springsteen album. I listened to The Cars, Fleetwood Mac, Huey Lewis, Dire Straits, Van Halen, Bob Marley, The Pretenders… I was all over the map.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
Bluesy-rock with lots of elements.
What music have you recorded and released to date?
About 16 tracks. The most streamed are: Gonna Be A Storm, Devil In My Drink, and Good To Be Home. We also covered the Bob Seger hit Turn The Page, two versions: one is a metal version that features guitarist Alex Grossi of Quiet Riot (which just released a new song I Can’t Hold On), and the other is a blues version that has had airtime on blues stations. We’ve done some fun-themed tracks such as originals Heels Make Me Crazy, Santa Drinks Whiskey, and My Rock ‘n Roll. But also on a more serious tone had Boston DJ Ryan Brown help us with a video for our cover of the blues classic Please Send Me Someone To Love, as a plea for compassion during 2020.
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?
The Black Pumas, Phil Madeira (who helped me out on an upcoming release), and I’ve been binging on The Cure and some ‘80’s stuff such as The Motels (a flip cover is in the works). I also listen to stuff such as Willie Nelson, Skrillex, and Stevie Wonder. I listen mostly for fun and to enjoy the vibe, but I am also listening for styles and arrangements, such as progressions Stevie Wonder uses, how Willie Nelson incorporates elements and tones, how Toots worked with grooves, arrangements, etc. There are some amazing productions these days, not just the stuff Billie Eilish has but also the Christian rock mixes are great, so as an aspiring mixer and arranger I learn a lot by listening. I also work as a Stagehand part-time supporting some big acts, and that gives me an opportunity to see all kinds of artists.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
Aside from all of those people I just mentioned? And the people who have helped me out already? U2, Tyler Hubbard, Alanis Morisette, Snoop Dogg, John Legend, Derek Trucks, Alicia Keys. So many people!
What are your plans for the future?
In March 2023, I will be releasing a rock/Americana track called Six Feet Under: be sure to check it out and especially send me feedback! I have a few other tracks in the works, am planning to do some work with the great drummer Graham Duval as well as guitarist Joe Knecht, and release some more fun videos. My brother Dan Fallon is a great musician and performer, and I will be doing more work with him. But most of all I’ve done a lot of shows in recent years to help community causes, and I plan to focus on that mission.
Where can we find out more about you?
Our official website is JukeboxStorm.com and you can also find us on the Jukebox Storm YouTube channel.