Bloodjinn
Joel Collins – Vocals
1. Who are some of your influences vocally?
I’m gonna have to say I’m really into various different singers. It’s hard to pinpoint just one. If I had to choose a few current ones it would be Bjorn from Soilwork, Lajon from Sevendust, Randy from Lamb Of God, & Jens from Meshuggah.
2. What are some of the influences on your lyric writing?
Lyrically I write about mostly about relationships. It’s just a subject that has always stuck with me. I don’t like to be too opinionated. I want people to relate to our songs and hopefully feel the energy, emotion and meaning of what’s being said. We’ve all been through horrible times in life. We’ve all had the friends that stab you in the back or treat you like you are nothing. And let’s not forget the great times as well.
3. What was your attitude/what were you feeling while writing “This Machine…”?
I felt a lot of rage on “This Machine Runs On Empty”. I locked myself in my bedroom for days on end, only leaving to get food and such. I just wanted to really re-live the moments I wanted to capture on paper. I’ve been through depressing times in relationships, and when I put myself back into that mentally, its the ultimate release. There’s nothing like being on stage and really feeling the meaning of your songs. I’m a very laid back quiet guy but that’s when it’s time to let it out.
4. Do you prefer playing larger or smaller venues?
Both have their ups and downs. I love the feel of a smaller room, because it is more intimate. I want to be able to reach out to the kids in the front row and crowd surf on top of them or give them the microphone. The bigger rooms however are awesome too. Especially when they are full of people. It’s really like nothing but people’s heads staring at you and judging your every move. I guess that’s kinda freaky, but thats the rush of being on stage. I want them to remember us so. Big rooms are also way more exercise, which I need!!
5. What is the meaning behind the name Bloodjinn?
Bloodjinn means to hit with heavy force, just like the original spelling and meaning. When we first started, we chose that name because we thought the spelling was cool. The name has a strong meaning in general, and being the way its spelled, it looks cooler than the original way of spelling.
6. How has being in Bloodjinn had an impact on you?
It really has changed my life. I remember 12 years ago, not ever thinking I would be on a stage, much less a vocalist. When we formed Bloodjinn 9 years ago, it was like my ultimate chance at being a front man. My brother gave me the opportunity and when we started Bloodjinn, it was something we created together. Brian Lewis took his place in 2004, but I’ve never given up this band. Regardless of the ups and downs I have been through, it’s been my dream. I still feel the passion that I had in 1999, even though I’m getting older by the minute. Roger of Agnostic Front once said to me, “hardcore has had half my life” and I realized… “Bloodjinn has had almost half my life as well”. I thought that was an interesting way of looking at it.
7. How does Bloodjinn compare to your other projects?
Bloodjinn is obviously my number 1 goal. The other projects I am involved with are just other forms of musical outlets.
8. Does working with Forsaken Records and Pluto Records ever really “clash”?
Not even. Pluto is an entirely different label out of Texas, ran by Brian Cobbel. He’s an awesome dude. I run Forsaken Recordings here in North Carolina, and I spend all my free time working with that, or my music management company, The Direct Agency. I try to stay busy, but I do have a manager and very close friend by the name of Jay Tavernese of Indegoot Entertainment, who keeps me straight as well. After all, music and the friends I’ve made, are my life! Wouldn’t trade it for anything.
