MISSISSIPPI- In the second edition of a series of interviews, we will hear from Jason Crosson, lead singer and guitarist for the very talented up and coming Aussie band Crosson. I spoke with Jason a few days ago, and we covered a wide variety of topics including influences, favorite albums, and a very levelheaded answer to a decades long debate amongst rock fans. Enjoy.
To begin, I have to ask. What was the first song that made you want to be a singer and rock guitar player?
Not sure about song, but after watching Iron Maiden live for the first time with all the fire, smoke, and a 15 foot mummified Eddie, I went, “I wanna do that!“
Who were your main vocal and/or guitar influences?
If it wasn’t for KISS, then there would be no CROSSON. I remember Paul Stanley saying they put the band together they wanted to see, so I did exactly that!! Catchy melodic rock music, great costumes, lots of energy and of course….. sexy girls!!
Speaking of Crosson, how did Crosson come to be as a band?
I have been working on it for many years in various forms. It took a lot of trial and error to get the sound and image the way it is now. Its just a matter of taking steps forward, getting advice when needed, getting talented people around you and not stopping , no matter what!
To me, Crosson has a sound that reminds me of Queensrÿche and Dokken. Are they influential on the band as far as songwriting and playing?
Ha! Thank you. That’s very nice of you to say. I’d be happy with Geoff or Dons vocal chords any day! I definitely listened to a lot of Dokken (‘Under Lock & Key’ would have to be one of favorite all time albums) and early Queensryche. CROSSON definitely has a lot of 80’s influence in its music. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, we just provide catchy harmonic songs with a great visual image and high energy theatrical stage show.
What are your short term and long term goals for the band?
2020 is going to be a busy year with the release of our new album ‘Rock N Roll Love Affair” on March 27. The album was mixed by Duane Baron (Motley Crue, Poison Ozzy Osbourne) and mastered by Dave Donnelly (KISS, Aerosmith, Whitesnake). We will also be releasing another 2 videos throughout the year.
We also have the Melodic Rock side show Australian tours in February / March which sees us on the road with Enuff Z Nuff, Ron Keel , Janet Gardner (Vixen) Crazy Lixx, Reckless Love, and XYZ.
Lot of cool shows coming up. What’s your favorite show you’ve played? Where are some places you haven’t played, but would like to?
Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz said, “There’s no place like home”. Frankie’s in Sydney always has an electric vibe to it and everyone seems to go nuts when we play there. Would love to head to Europe and USA and deliver our bombastic stage show to the crowds!
If Crosson could open for any touring band, who would you choose? Also who would you choose if the roles were reversed?
A dream would be to open for KISS. That being said, we are happy to open for anyone as long as there is a crowd!
What is your favorite hard rock/heavy metal band? What’s your favorite album?
KISS would be my favorite. Then, in no particular order, Motley Crue, Iron Maiden, Stryper, Dokken, Scorpions, early Bon Jovi, AC/DC, and Queen. Then there’s the new wave bands like Crazy Lixx, W.E.T, Eclipse, Grand Design … the list goes on!!
Favorite albums list:
Shout At The Devil (Motley Crue)
To Hell with The Devil (Stryper)
Under Lock And Key (Dokken)
Unmasked (KISS)
Rise Up (WET)
Metal Heart & Balls to The Wall (Accept)
Blackout & Love at First Sting (Scorpions)
What are some things you enjoy in your downtime?
Downtime.. what’s that? With operating CROSSON, my other business ventures, my exercise regime and raising 2 boys, there not much time for anything else… Although I do love watching my favorite bands when they come to town and fit in a movie. Fortunately I live at Bondi Beach so I manage to get in the water most days!!
Finally, I’d like to get your opinion on the eternal debate. Who’s the better Van Halen singer, Dave Roth or Sammy Hagar?
For me they were 2 completely different bands, Van Halen and Van Hagar!!! (Talk about sitting on the fence 🙂
Thanks for being so patient and for taking the time to chat.
Cheers Brodee. Thanks for having me!
Crosson’s official website is: http://crosson.com.au/
Their SoundCloud site is: https://soundcloud.com/crossonrock
Crosson’s music can also be found on all digital streaming platforms including Apple Music and Spotify.
Glam Metal Universe: The Interviews 