The Boston-Based Group, JACK ROMANOV Discuss Their Latest Album, Biggest Inspirations and Much More!

Photo Credit- Jonathan Acosta Abi Hassan – MX Acosta

Formed in 2012 after meeting at Suffolk University, Jack Romanov is a four-piece band based out of Boston, Massachusetts. The group features Nick Aikens on vocals and keys, Michael Mirabella on guitar, Esteban Cajigas on bass, and Nico Renzulli on drums.

The band is known for exchanging instruments between songs and refusing to use a set list. Jack Romanov is currently distributed by Top Notch Music and is actively performing throughout the Northeast.

Their second album, “After Ignorance, Before the Start” is scheduled for release this month! It was recorded shortly after Mirabella replaced the band’s original guitarist. This album expanded on the styles, but kept the intensity of their debut album “Sincerely,” which was released in 2014 under Naked Ear Records featuring heavy blues and garage rock influences.

The band has played shows throughout New England, notably performing at the Boston Pride Parade in 2014 and 2015, as well as opening for a sold-out show at the Palladium in Worcester, Massachusetts for The Story So Far. Jack Romanov toured around the Nashville area in 2015 and followed that up with a tour stretching form New England to DC the following year.

Learn more about this group in the following All Access interview:

Thanks for your time today! So, what’s on tap for you and the band today?

We’ve just gotten home from tour and are getting back to our day-to-day lives. We’re also starting the preliminary planning for our summer tour, as well as booking shows a little closer to home between now and then.

– Nick Aikens

What were some of the highlights of 2015 for Jack Romanov? What are you most excited for this year?

This was one of the biggest years so far for Jack Romanov. Michael joined the band, we played in Nashville, at the Boston Pride Festival, and opened for The Story So Far at a sold-out show. We also recorded our album,  made a music video, and signed to Top Notch Music, who will be releasing our album in February. We’re also very excited to have the time to write new music, go on tour this summer, and we have plans to play Somerville PorchFest here in Massachusetts.

– Nico Renzulli

Photo Credit – Jonathan Acosta Abi Hassan – MX Acosta

How would you describe your sound to someone that has never heard it before?

It really depends on the song you listen to, but there is a big differentiation between our live performances and recorded songs. Live, our sound is borderline-chaotic and slightly improvisational, whereas the album is a bit more clean and orchestrated.

– Michael Mirabella

How did Jack Romanov first come together? Why do you think you all work so well together?

Jack Romanov started in a basement at Suffolk University in 2012, and we still haven’t figured out how to work well together. But in all honesty, as long as no one tries to bring elevator music to the table, we’ll all get along.

– Esteban Cajigas

How did you come up with your group name? What other names were you considering?

Jack Romanov was a pen name that Esteban used while reading poetry and short stories in high school. The Turkish Royals and Femme Fatale were in the original shopping cart.

– Nico Renzulli

Can you talk about the inspiration behind your soon to released second album, “After Ignorance, Before The Start”? What was the process like of putting this record together? What are some of your favorite songs on the album?

The first album was written and then brought to the studio. This album was developed with the studio in mind. We were significantly more collaborative, and the album itself was being written right up until the time we were recording it. Michael’s favorite song is “Eden in Your Eyes,” I’m [Nick] a fan of “Ally Cat,” Nico loves “Summer of Our Life,” and Esteban likes “I Only Like the Beginning of Things.”

– Nick Aikens

Last year, you guys toured quite a bit throughout New England. What was a favorite show of yours? Do you hope the tour even more this year?

Playing the Palladium in Worcester was definitely one of our favorite shows we’ve ever played. We opened for The Story So Far and raised money for the Claddagh Fund, which is run by The Dropkick Murphys. The show was sold out and it was one of the biggest stages we’ve performed on to date. We have plans to play shows throughout the area, but our main focus is on a summer tour that will last at least a few weeks.

-Michael Mirabella

What artists have been consistently inspiring you and the music you all make? Who would you love to work with in the future?

Everyone in the band is influenced by a variety of music. Michael’s main influences include early Red Hot Chili Peppers and Cage the Elephant. I [Nico] spend my time pretending to be Lars Ulrich from Metallica. Nick is inspired by the Arctic Monkeys, and Esteban’s influences are Of Montreal, Beach Fossils, and Joy Division. We would love to work one day with Kevin Parker from Tame Impala.

-Nico Renzulli

Photo Credit – Jonathan Acosta Abi Hassan – MX Acosta

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

To us, it’s less about delivering a message and more about saying something. – Esteban Cajigas

We want people to feel connected enough to put themselves into the music and become a part of it. – Michael Mirabella

Is there anything else that you would like to share with our readers about your band or the music?

We really hope everyone enjoys the album, and if you want us to play a show near you just get in touch and we’d love to try to work something out. Thanks for listening and caring about us! Also, 2016 shall be deemed “The Year of Clean.”

 -Nick Aikens