Metro (UK)
April 2007
Mike Butler

Five Questions for Jason Ringenberg

In the eighties Jason Ringenberg glammed up country rock in Jason & The Scorchers. Nowadays he performs childrens' songs in the persona of Farmer Jason. His UK tour is divided between afternoon gigs as Farmer Jason, singing songs from A Day At The Farm and the new Rockin' In The Forest, and evening shows for grown-ups.

Q. What led you create your alter-ego Farmer Jason?

A. Nine years ago I re-married and started a young family and we were listening to a lot of childrens' music. You know how kids can be. They can listen to the same piece of music over and over again. So I figured if they're going to listen to something over and over again it may as well be me. So I made this little CD for fun called A Day At The Farm With Farmer Jason. I didn't think of it in terms of a worldwide event, but it's grown into that.

Q. Is Rockin' in The Forest being adapted for a UK audience? So many of the songs' subjects - skunk, catfish, possum, Shawnee Indian - are non-native to Britain.

A. This is true. I'll probably have to explain as I go. The songs on The Day At The Farm CD are much more UK-friendly. I mean all kids know a cow and a horse. I think I'll be able to find enough common ground to make it work. I'm certain of it. I've done a few shows before in the UK and they worked quite well.

Q. Are the songs also intended for adult listeners?

A.  That's part of the purpose. It's a family idea. Parents can also enjoy the Farmer Jason experience. As a matter of fact, I do some of those songs in my adult shows. The Tractor Goes Chug Chug Chug works really well.

Q. Are the qualities needed for kids' songs - simplicity and directness - also good rock 'n' roll qualities?

A. Absolutely. You watch the way kids react to music. You'll find that they love good rock 'n' roll. For example kids love the Ramones. When you're writing for children you've got to keep that in mind. It's got to be really catchy and a lot of fun. You really don't need to talk down to them You shouldn't, actually. I try not to.

Q. Are there theatrical elements involved?

A. Not at this point, no. I don't bring a guitar pickin' chicken or a punk rockin' skunk. It's quite spontaneous. I feed on what the kids are doing and what they're saying. There's a lot of involvement with the audience. Every show is a little bit different.