“Our latest record, “1987,” is a straight-up killer!”
— Ian Kaine MacGregor / American Jetset
Metal Sludge — American Jetset is a solid up-and-coming pop rock band, thanks to their secret formula of great songs, excellent musicianship and, above all, hard work.
The band has been playing high-profile shows as a support act for years, and now American Jetset has an extraordinary new CD called “1987” that is just like you would think – an appetizing combination of radio-ready material that recalls the awesome splendor of Cheap Trick, Motley Crue and Warrant.
This is a band that bucks trends of what’s popular in 2024 and instead nods unapologetically to their influences.
Led by singer Ian Kaine MacGregor, American Jetset is taking off like a fighter plane. Adroit guitarist Skinz Skinsacos plays the spaces as well as the notes, and bassist Kevin Harrington and drummer Jeff Bradford anchor the rhythm section.
American Jetset is a band that’s soaring. Either hop on for the ride, or watch ‘em go.
Metal Sludge tracked down MacGregor for an exclusive “10 Questions.”
1. You’ve got a new album. Tell us about it.
MacGregor: Man, let me tell ya, our latest record, “1987,” is a straight-up killer! We set out to craft a record that screams summer vibes. Picture this: cruising through the canyons at sunset in your old man’s Caddy, belting out arena rock anthems with your boys. We nailed it. We channeled the sleeping giants of the Sunset Strip era – think Poison, Cheap Trick, Warrant, John Waite, and more – and let their essence infuse every riff, beat and lyric.
On top of that, this will be our first release as part of the Golden Robot Records family. They’re bringing the global distribution, and we’re bringing the thunder. I don’t think we could have handpicked a more kickass lineup of songs to unleash on the world.
2. Name something embarrassing about each guy in the band.
MacGregor: Ian, myself, does vocal warm-ups to the theme from “Aladdin.” Skinz has no idea how to play “Eruption”. Kevin Harrington has webbed feet like “The Man From Atlantis” (free merch if you can name the actor). And drummer Jeff Bradford has seen Kenny G live – and even sprung for the t-shirt!
3. Are you planning to grow your hair out?
MacGregor: Hair is all just a part of the rock vibe. We’ve got dudes with shaved heads, flowing locks down to their waists, and our drummer? Yeah, he’s rockin’ a freakin’ mohawk! But here’s the deal – whether our hair’s short, long or styled to the gods, it doesn’t matter. We crank out music that makes us feel alive, and that’s all that counts in the end.
4. Of all the old 80s bands still around, who’s your favorite ones?
MacGregor: There’s a pack of ’80s rockers still roaming the scene so that’s a tough one. Gun to my head I’d say Tom Keifer. His new stuff is absolutely killer, and Stryper is still crushing it. The shocker of the year is Sebastian Bach. Love him or hate him, he’s making better Skid Row music than Skid Row.
5. Any plans for a cover song or two?
MacGregor: Cover songs? Yeah, we’ve been toying with the idea but we’re talking about unleashing an EP of covers. The song I’m itching to sink my teeth into is “Rhiannon” by Fleetwood Mac. We’re gonna take that gem and give it a makeover that’ll blow your mind.
6. Does your mind ever wander to outside stuff while you’re playing live?
MacGregor: Nah, man, when we’re up there on stage we’re laser-focused on the crowd. The adrenaline rush is like pure electricity. Then you blink, and suddenly the set’s over. You’re left standing there like “Wow, did that just happen?”
7. What’s the biggest show you’ve ever played?
MacGregor: Before American Jetset, we were all hustling in different bands – some were signed, some were tearing up the regional scene. My wildest show was Live on Penn in DC, facing down on 10,000 roaring fans. And then there’s the MTV Music Awards Tour – talk about a whirlwind of chaos and adrenaline! But for Jetset, the pinnacle was sharing the stage with the legendary Tom Keifer, playing to a jam-packed crowd of 800 screaming souls. The energy was off the charts, the noise was insane, and man, it’s a memory I’ll carry to my grave. That’s what it’s all about.
8. Besides music, what’s the funnest thing you can do with your pants on?
MacGregor: Ever been to Walmart at 3 a.m.? It’s a wild ride, like “Walking Dead.” Pants are a necessity!
9. Do you smoke pot?
MacGregor: It’s not for me, man. Tried it back in the day, but it never really did anything for me. Plus, gotta keep these pipes clear for belting out those monster choruses.
10. And finally, what did we leave out? Final words?
MacGregor: Hey rockers! If you’re as crazy about rock & roll as we are, grab a copy of our latest record and memorize those choruses. We want you at the shows and singing along. We’re hitting the West Coast with Tuff, D’Molls and Pretty Boy Floyd from June to August. So head on over to www.americanjetset.com, get your tix, and come ready to party. See you monsters there!
AMERICAN JETSET @ WebSite – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram – Bandcamp – YouTube – Store – Golden Robot –
Reach Gerry Gittelson at gerryg123@gmail.com.
