Page 73 - ION Indie Magazine MayJune 2019

Wisconsin-based rock band Jäger is no stranger to ION Indie Magazine. WAY back in 2014, which was the
inception of this magazine, Kenny Matel, lead singer extraordinaire, appeared in our pages and introduced his
new album “Weekend Rush” and also shared his story appearing on the talent competition show X Factor. Now,
fast-forward 5 years…and this old school rock and roll band is still as brash and bold as they were back in 2014
and is continuing to garner accolades and command rapt attention in their local rock scene…and beyond.
Kenny’s vocals remain one of the finest that I’ve heard in rock. Few song-boys can hang in the stratosphere of
the likes of Axl Rose, but Kenny makes himself at home in that upper register like he’s just donned a comfy pair
of shoes.

ION caught up with Kenny and the band in Joliet, IL at The Forge when they sizzled the stage, warming up the
crowd for Red Dragon Cartel – proving once again that Jäger ROCKS -- when they dominated the night with their
electrifying show. As I write this, they are prepping for their upcoming shows opening for BulletBoys in Kenosha
– at which I have no doubt that many who came to rock with BB will leave new-found fans of Jäger!

Besides Matel on “drop-the-mic” lead vocals, the band includes Mike Partridge (drums, backup vocals), Paul
Tadder (lead guitar, backup vocals), “Boomer” Edwards (bass, backup vocals), and Aaron Baker (keyboards,
guitars, backup vocals). Together, they produce a sound that assures that rock is NOT dead and will live on, loud
and proud, for future rockers to revel in for many years to come.

***

Kiki Plesha: It’s great to catch up again! It hardly seems like 5 years since we last connected when you released
“Weekend Rush” and we also dished some dirt on X Factor and that whole experience. We’re so thrilled to
have you back for our 5-year anniversary edition of ION Indie Magazine!

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Kenny Matel: Thank you Kiki for having us back with you for the 5 -year edition of your forever-growing
publication. And congrats to all of the staff of ION Indie Magazine, it’s outlets, and partners. Bravo, Kiki!

KP: Thanks so much! We’ve really come full-circle, haven’t we? Tell me about what strides has Jäger been
making since our last chat in 2014?

KM: Wow, I guess I would have to say is we’re just trying to be a part of the music community as much as
possible. Supporting the local music scenes in various cities and towns, everything and anything, what time is
allowed. We still have families and day jobs just like everyone else. LOL. In addition to supporting the local bands
and their varieties of talented people, it’s about gaining relationships with good-hearted people that help others
such as ourselves. We’re all in this together.

KP: Indeed. We need to see more bands supporting each other! Your vocals remain as strong and clear as
when I first heard you wail “Everybody Wants to Rock and Roll.” Do you have any pre-show type of warm-
ups you partake in to prepare for a show in order to be ready to rock?

KM: Lol. Thank you, Kiki. My regiment includes gargling with warm salt water or lemon juice to promote
salivation, sip hot water honey, then brush my teeth and my tongue, hum lower note octaves and work my way
up to higher notes…then back down and continue until all range has been opened up. Then I drink a beer or two
before going on stage, grab a bottled water and turn it on! My Mom was a singer. She told me not to drink hard
alcohol, coffee, soda, anything caffeine, and don’t eat chocolate because it sticks to your vocal chords before
singing.