J.J. is the lyricist for the group. He writes about what he feels and experiences...
helping others. J.J.’s heart goes out to women hurt by their men. Thus the theme of several songs, and the name of the band, “Saving Damsels.” As the band has found success, working, playing on the weekends and getting ready for the next show has left less time for introspection and writing. For a while, J.J.’s creative energy was spent in getting the band known through organizing events such as “Rock the 9,” a concert/party after the Gathering of Nations that has become an annual event. He wrote an original song for a TV commercial for the Northern International Livestock Exposition and recorded it with Saving Damsels members and other musicians. Sometimes, for inspiration, J.J. turns to poetry he wrote in the past. For example, the unreleased song, “Blackbird,” is from a poem he wrote about the Exxon Valdez and the Gulf oil crisis, when white and gray birds became black with life-endangering oil. He says he was in a writing slump for a few weeks, but that is about to change; he has been jotting down
An Arts & Entertainment Publication
ideas and getting the itch to write again. One topic he has been mulling over is Wall Street and the transfer of wealth. The song that is taking shape is somewhat along the lines of an earlier one, “Money Changers,” about greedy capitalists. Another subject is the over-abundance of information filtered by “experts,” says J.J. He adds that people should question “authorities,” - preachers, politicians, media, the president, even parents. “Don’t always believe what you hear, question it, question authority – no matter who that is, even Mom and Dad.” The lyrics of Saving Damsels’ songs deal with tough issues – both personal and social. After all, hero’s syndrome is a compulsion to make the world a better place. The band may not have all the answers, but they care – they are still trying to save damsels and society from distress. And their latest music has a brighter, more optimistic feel. As they sing in “Hide,” “I wish I could free your soul from the bondage that takes hold; I wish you knew you had the answer…Hope is believing, without seeing the end.” For more information, music
samples, and videos of Saving Damsels visit the group’s website: savingdamsels.com. Saving Damsels’ first CD “Empty Rooms,” is available on CDBaby.com/SavingDamsels. Songs From Saving Damsels’ Second Album: Black Hair Money Changer Stuck The Show Tease Trickster The Toad Sweet Girl Chasing Demons Hide Protected (Beauty All Around) The Coming Light
WOTN-The Magazine - 33