Why So Many Rock Bands Use Jay Ruston To Produce Their Records

If that name doesn't sound familiar to you, perhaps you've heard his work. He's mixed or produced everyone from Uriah Heep, to Corey Taylor, to Steel Panther and on and on. During a recent interview with Johannes Eckerström of Avatar, I asked him why they, and several other bands, continue to uses Jay's services. "Because for whatever reason, even bigger selling genre people are not smart enough to realize how great he is...we get to keep him for ourselves."

As Johannes puts it "Jay is mostly known for heavier stuff, rock and metal." but he's also done so much more. He went on to say that because of his vast knowledge and experience, everything feels possible with Jay. Johannes admitted that he doesn't know his way around the studio sound board. "We are able to communicate what we would want and what we want to try, where we want things to go. He then can fill in the blanks. So he really makes it easy for you to be an artist, in that sense."

He says Jay pushes him "Good take, do another one...good take, do another one.." He said working with Jay just flows, and complemented his work ethic. As for personally, he told me that Jay mixes well with the band as far as stuff like what they eat and so on. "We're very much intune and in synch with each other."

Johannes wrapped it up by saying he's the "total package". He also told me about the somewhat strange way their recorded their new album out in the woods of Sweden.

By the way, a couple fun facts. Jay grew up right across the border in Leamington, Ontario, Canada. He went to school with none other than one of Detroit's favorite sports sons, Darren McCarty. Also, I've "known" Jay for a few years now, but we've never actually met in person. Truth be told, I text him often for some behind the scenes info to help with many of my interviews.

Watch the interview to hear more about Jay and the latest Avatar album here.

-Meltdown-

Steel Panther is probably the band I've seen the most since the turn of the century, outside of maybe Kid Rock. I've seen them in Los Angeles when they were named Metal Skool in 2004 at the Roxy. I've caught them in Las Vegas at the House Of Blues (The last time I ever saw Vinnie Paul), Columbus, Ohio at Rock on the Range, and pretty much every time they've swung through Detroit.

Once again, they didn't disappoint. Opening with the  classic "Eyes Of A Panther" and blasting through other Panther staples like "Death To All But Metal", "Girl From Oklahoma" and of course, "Community Property". They sprinkled in some new songs like "1987" and "Ain't Dead Yet", along with some songs from their other albums. Let's just say, they rocked the Fillmore right last night.

Overall, it was another fun night feeling the steel! Check out my latest interview with Michael Starr and Satchel below.

-Meltdown-

https://wrif.com/episodes/satchel-and-michael-starr-of-steel-panther-go-on-the-prowl/