written exclusively for the American Pie 2 Fan Site

Jettingham, a recently discovered band from Fort Wayne, Indiana, has been impressing crowds on hometown stages for more than three years. Their mirthful style and ever-so-catchy tunes have entertained many in Northern Indiana, who consider the band the area's best-kept secret. Well, until now. 

Singer Dave Schmoekel, drummer Jordan Berry, guitarist Gabe Berry and Beav, the bassist, all make up the band, which has just been signed to Republic/Universal Records. Their first debut, to their amazement, comes as a track on the upcoming American Pie 2 soundtrack, featured along with the likes of Blink182, Green Day, Three Doors Down, and Sum41. Meeting in a cramped, greasy diner in his hometown, guitarist Gabe Berry shares some pre album-release excitement with our friend Zachary Klein.

Interview by Zachary Klein
Photos by Rachel Puckett

Is your original album, Neato, which was released in Fort Wayne, Indiana, being released as your new album, or is it something entirely different?
About half the songs on the new album are from Neato. The other half is new. But, even the old songs from Neato have been rerecorded and sound a little bit different. It has a more rock overtone to it.

Did they encourage you to change your tone?
No, it was just our decision while we were working with our producer. Basically, the label told us the songs they liked and we picked the ones we liked. In the end, we had to find a middle ground.

Okay. So you are the third band in the history of Fort Wayne, IN to be signed to a national record company, the last being in 1972. How does it feel?
Personally, I go through little bursts of excitement. When we found out we were getting signed- that was awesome. Then, we find that we are going to go to Seattle to record the album- that was awesome. Most recently, we learn that we are going to be on the American Pie 2 soundtrack- that was awesome. That was probably the most exciting thing, to be on that soundtrack. We are excited all of the time, but we try hard to keep a level head.

I agree, the American Pie 2 soundtrack is definitely stellar. Have you seen the original movie- American Pie?
Definitely, Yes.

Was that movie biographical in anyway? Meaning, have you ever been caught in any of those situations, like masturbating into a tube sock and then being caught by your dad?
Ha. No. Well, I have never been caught, anyway. Hmm, well, at least not by my dad.

Besides the American Pie 2 soundtrack, which soundtrack would you like to be featured on?
This soundtrack is perfect. The song "Cheating," fits in well with the movie, and American Pie's mood really fits with us.

I heard this track on the soundtrack, "Cheating," is going to make you the next chart-topper.
I have not heard that! There are some people in the industry that are pretty confident in our record, overall. Yes, "Cheating," is a catchy tune, but in our opinion, we do not know if it is the song that can do the most for us. 

Which song will do it for you?
I do not know. The new album is good, but definitely not the best album. There are many songs though that could do well for us. I do not really want to say which ones because we have no idea which track will be released as the second single.

Is "Never Never Never," the best song about promiscuous sex, going to be on the new album? That was my first favorite.
Yes, most definitely.

What do you think about teenyboppers listening to your music?
I would love that. Anyone who likes happy, fun music should listen to us. 

So what about hot teenybopper fans, like my photographer, she thinks you are hot? Do you have a girlfriend? Are you going to be able to deal with "on-the-road" pressures?
Yes, I have a girlfriend, Sarah. Absolutely, I can deal with the pressure. (Seriously, Gabe is a solid as a rock.)

Where do you see Jettingham in 5 years? Are you a one-hit wonder? Going to take the money and run?
I would be privileged to be a one-hit wonder. That makes us more than most can claim for fame. At the same time, I would rather not be. I just want to be a band and be around for a while. We were having fun before all of this. I wouldn't mind if it stayed that way. But, it just happened.

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Listen to the RealAudio clip of "Cheating" by Jettingham. Photos by Rachel Puckett.

American Pie 2 Fan Site

Pre-order the American Pie 2 Soundtrack now for only $13.09!

Listen to the RealAudio clip of
"Cheating"
by Jettingham

Pre-order the American Pie 2 Soundtrack now for only $13.09!