INTERVIEW: John Jarvis

Interview by Rachael Skinner.

John Jarvis stands out as an accomplished vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, making significant waves in the metal scene with his exceptional mastery on both bass and guitar. Over the years, John has displayed his musical talents across many bands, including him utilizing his vocals and guitar skills in his band Nest, while also demonstrating his bass prowess with Pig Destroyer, Agoraphobic Nosebleed, Fulgora, and Scour. Recently, I had the opportunity to catch up with John and he shared some insights into his musical journey with me.

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RRX: At what age did you discover your passion for music? What was the first instrument that you learned to play?

There’s pictures of me with guitars at age 2, and I started learning to play seriously around 12 years old.  I was lucky to have MTV back then and watched that daily, and my dad had a great record collection.

RRX: What influenced your desire to become a musician? Were there any important people that helped to shape your journey early on?

My uncle Paul played in bands, and we would “roadie” from time to time for them.  During their rehearsals, if they took a break, us kids would take over the instruments and play.  

MTV was such a big deal. I remember seeing the video for “Who Can It Be Now” by Men At Work, and thinking, “How cool would it be to play saxophone for a band?”

I told my uncle that I wanted to play saxophone and he talked me out of it, saying “You’ll get more gigs as a guitarist.”

RRX: You are in a few bands with your cousin Adam Jarvis. Have you guys been jamming since you were kids?

Yes, our first band was called “Primitive Sorcery,” when he was like 8 years old.

RRX: What were your favorite musicians growing up?

Growing up, it was the Beatles, then bands like Metallica, Motley Crue, and Guns N’ Roses.

RRX: What age were you when you first joined a band? If you could travel back in time, what advice would you give your younger self with all the wisdom you’ve acquired over the years?

I’d say I was around 13 when I started my first band. I guess I’d tell myself to chill out and have more fun; things are going to work out.  If I knew at 13 that one day I’d have a band that toured with Pantera, I wouldn’t have believed it.

RRX: How did you join forces with Pig Destroyer? What was your favorite memory with the band, whether on the road or in the studio?

My cousin Adam is their drummer, so he brought me up when they decided to get a bassist.  

Once we played SXSW and I ended up getting us an interview with Showtime for season 3 of “Twin Peaks,” a show we were all fans of.

RRX: Can you tell us how Fulgora merged the paths with Housecore Records? 

I sent a demo to Housecore, and I believe the drummer from Haarp made sure Phil heard it, and he liked it luckily!  He reached out to us, and soon after we were signed!

RRX: In 2024, your band Nest launched their fourth studio album titled “Endeavors,” marking their debut with Housecore Records. Could you share the inspiration behind “Endeavors” and provide some insights into the creative process that inspired it?

I recorded it in St Louis in my personal studio, and I started writing it the week I got an email from Housecore asking if we were interested in joining the label.  Knowing Phil and Kate were interested whipped me into shape quickly.

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RRX: How did the universe align your path to become a part of Scour? 

Derek and I started Scour while I was tour-managing his band Cattle Decapitation. We were on tour with Cannibal Corpse (who I used to sell merch for), and we would find little spots to record along the way.  I remember Rob Barrett walking by one day and nodding in approval, and I knew we were on to something.

RRX: I found it very interesting that Jason Momoa made guest vocals on “Doom” off of the “Black EP” – Can you elaborate what it was like collaborating with him like how did that come to be?

Derek met Jason on the final Slayer tour, and they exchanged numbers.  One day Derek and I were thinking about guest vocalists, and I suggested Jason (as I knew he took lessons for metal vocals), and Derek texted him right then. Momoa agreed to do it instantly.

RRX: Scour has recently unveiled their latest single and music video titled “Blades,” which is part of their eagerly awaited debut full-length album, “Gold.” Can you share some insight on what it was like to create Scour’s first full length album? How was it collaborating with Gary Holt on a guest solo for this album? 

It was a blast recording at Phil’s studio, as always!  We had a great plan for the first full-length, and it’s great to finally see it come out. Gary nailed the solo, quite an honor to have him on the album!

RRX: “Gold” is set to release on February 21. Where can we expect to purchase/stream this album? Any plans for a future Scour tour? 

You can buy it from Housecore in the US & Nuclear Blast in Europe.

There are always tour offers, and we just need the schedules to line up and get the right offer. But it’s mostly festivals for now, while Pantera is busy.

RRX: Nest and Scour are set to play the Milwaukee Metalfest this May 16-18. How does it feel to have both of your bands on the bill for this festival? What are you looking forward to most about performing? Any artists that you are pumped to see/jam with? 

Since the festival is something I’d like to attend anyway, it’s great to play in a couple of bands there. I’m glad they spread us out a bit, with Nest on Friday, and Scour on Sunday.  I’m looking forward to playing some songs live for the first time with both bands.  There are so many great bands playing, but to name a few I’d say BTBAM, Dillinger Escape Plan, and Down.

RRX: What is your current equipment setup?

Currently, I use ESP guitars and basses, Darkglass bass amps, and GK bass cabs.

My guitar cabs have quite a story. KISS sold 10 cabs to Pantera, and they gutted a few and I have the KISS used speakers in my cabs now! Celestion Greenbacks used by Paul Stanley! So awesome.

RRX:  What is your personal definition of success and what does it mean to you? 

I’m just happy when the bills are paid and there’s food in the fridge, and I’m able to play music. 

RRX:  What key pieces of advice would you offer to musicians who are just beginning their journey in the industry?

I could write a book, and I might, but one key to being more professional as a band is setting up your drum kit BEFORE doors open; I’m talking cymbals on stands!!!  And if you’re not the drummer, make your drummer do it, help if you have to.

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