“Wacken is so memorable and so iconic that you have to put on some special show for the fans” – interview with Jason Netherton of Misery Index

This year’s edition of Wacken Open Air was packed with amazing bands, including Misery Index from the USA. We spoke to lead singer Jason about the festival, loneliness and more.

I’m here with Jason from Misery Index. How are you doing today?

Jason Netherton: I’m good. 

How does it feel to play in an anniversary edition of Wacken Open Air?

Jason Netherton: It feels great. You know, we played here many years ago, early on. One of our first festival appearances ever was in Wacken. So, it’s cool to be back at this edition. It’s like really special. Wacken is so memorable and so iconic that you have to put on some special show for the fans. 

So, since you are obviously very experienced in doing live shows, but also you have experience in studio recordings, do you think that the life of an artist is a lonely life?

Jason Netherton: Well, it can be. I mean, if you’re a creative person, I guess it’s very introspective, subjective. You know, you’re concentrating on your own creativity most of the time. But it’s also a very social thing. You know, music is a social form. As this festival demonstrates, you know, it’s like people coming together all for the music. Maybe I would say touring life can be kind of a drag. It’s constant travel, very routinized. Every day you kind of go through these motions of soundcheck and performance, and then after show and travel. It’s just the same thing. That can get a little lonely because you’re seeing new people every day. But at the same time, you have a family and the tour, you know, the crew and everything and other bands. So, I would say it’s inherently lonely. But for metal bands, it can be lonely moments, let’s say.

Cn you share with us your family’s reaction to Misery Index?

Jason Netherton: My mom, she’s passed away now, but she was very proud of what I was doing, you know. She definitely liked the band name better than my former band. They were proud of that too, but they were always hesitant to say, you know, Dying Fetus. It was kind of offensive, but we were kids when we came up with the name. But anyways, Misery Index has been my band the last few decades. My dad’s quiet but supportive and he sees me out traveling the world, doing what we love, so supportive.

If you had an advice for someone who’s just starting out and is a fan of Misery Index and would love to be what you are now, what would you say to them?

Jason Netherton: I’d say just to focus on your own creativity and play what you like, what feels right to you. It’s good to take inspiration from your favorite bands, but I think ultimately, you know, something true and original sparks from someone who’s deep diving into their own well of creativity. So songwriting would be to satisfy yourself and maybe not to mimic others if you can, or just find your own path and practice, practice, and make connections, and network. And if you’re good, then opportunities come along.

Jason, thank you so much for taking the time to do this interview. Is there anything else that you want to add to our readers and viewers?

Jason Netherton: I hope everyone is well in Finland, and it’s awesome to do this. It’s awesome to speak with you, and tell everyone that you’re a very good person.