Jammerzine Exclusive: An Interview with Jimmy Allen

Most of us feel lucky when fortune knocks on the door after hard work pays off. But to get that more than once could be considered a gift, act of God, or the payoff of consistent hard work combined with a natural talent. I like to consider the latter when I think of today’s guest and that guest is guitarist Jimmy Allen of Against All Will and a founding member of Puddle of Mudd.

In this interview, which is more like a really in-depth conversation, I get to talk with Jimmy about what it was like when he decided to become a working musician as well as how he got to that special level in which he is still at with both Puddle of Mudd and Against All Will plus what I consider the be-all-end-all discussion on all things guitars! This one is for musicians out there around the world. Enjoy!

About Against All Will

Their pedigree may be a little blurry, but Against All Will shares chemistry that is crystal clear. Formed by guitarist and principal songwriter Jimmy Allen – an original member of the band Puddle of Mudd – Against All Will boast ripe, radio-friendly rock songs replete with fat hooks, huge choruses, and melodies that linger long after the music has stopped.

Powered by the vocals of frontman Mizzy Pacheco and a heavy-hitting rhythm section of former Soulfly bassist Cello Dias & drummer Steve Wilson, Against All Will’s seven-track debut A Rhyme & Reason is a warm wash of sweet tone and salty vibrato, with lyrics that hit just as hard as the songs. Take “The Drug I Need,” a testimonial to that relationship that we all knew we shouldn’t stay in, but still don’t want to leave: We all know you can’t truly hate something you’ve never loved… All I have is my hate now, and you want to take that, too… I hate the way you make me feel today, but you’re the drug I need.

The band feels as fresh as they sound, their energy, chemistry, and passion combining in a mesmerizing musical whirlwind. While most Los Angeles outfits are filled via open auditions or by hired guns, Against All Will was filled through referrals and recommendations – chemistry was critical, and the personalities needed to fit just as securely as the players.

Since finalizing their lineup in October 2009, they have already accomplished more than most outfits hope to achieve in a lifetime. Their self-released debut was produced by Tim Harkins [Korn, Alice in Chains, Queens of the Stone Age], they are in daily rotation on XM/Sirius satellite radio, and they’ve been invited to play radio festivals from coast-to-coast.

Against All Will didn’t form because of the bands they were in, they formed to create the band they always wanted to be in – and the proof is in the music.

Bio by Paul Gargano.

LINKS:
https://www.facebook.com/AgainstAllWill
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4mph2vTgoTyuipc4Ykguww