Page 81 - MAYJUNE 2024 ION Indie Magazine

American Jetset, according to their bio “emerged from the East Coast with a mission to unite misfits
worldwide through their distinctive brand of sleaze rock shock pop.” Since 2018, the group has several
EPs, albums, and singles under their belt. American Jetset band members are Ian Kaine MacGregor
(vocals, guitar), Skinz Skinsacos (lead guitar, backing vocals), Kevin Harrington (bass, sax, backing
vocals), and Jeff Bradford (drums, percussion). The group has shared the stage with Winger, LA
Guns, Faster Pussycat, and many more.

Tim Board: What is the origin of the group American Jetset?

American Jetset: The band started about five years ago. We wanted to form a band that wrote and
played music like we grew up on. As 80’s kids, we were influenced by Motley Crue, Poison, and the
Sunset Strip scene -- so you hear that reflected in our music. We didn’t think we’d take it as far as we
have. In fact, the band really started as a ‘bucket list.’ We took all the bands we’d always wanted to
play with as kids and put them on a piece of paper. Every time we played with one of them, we’d
cross them off. We’d finished that list in the first year we were together, and it’s just kept going ever
since.

TB: How did you come about the name American Jetset for the group?

AJ: The ‘jet set’ used to refer to wealthy European elite. Americans are always thought to be a bit
less sophisticated. and our idea of the American jet flips it on its head and into the gutter. American
Jetset is all about the trashy rock ‘n’ roll played by and for unwanted misfits. Also, we just plain stole
the name from Kill Hannah, so there’s that.

TB: In your bio the group describes its music as a ‘hybrid of sleaze rock and shock pop.’ How
would you define that?

AJ: ‘Sleaze Rock Shock Pop’ isn’t a hybrid of two genres, it’s a combination of elements we’ve taken
from our influences. We love everything from Motley Crue to Misfits to The Cure. Those four words
are the sum of those influences and tell people exactly what they’re gonna get.

TB: Members of the group have been around in the industry for a while now. What is it like to
perform now compared to the past?

AJ: There are a few big changes. In the 90s and the early 2000s, selling merch was all about CDs,
and now it’s all about t-shirts. People value physical CDs less since the world has moved to digital.
That’s not a new story, but still, something every band has to contend with on the road. Other changes
have made it easier to tour. A lot of venues host a backline which means we can just show up and
play. All we have to do is jump on a plane with a guitar and a backpack and we can play for fans
anywhere in the country.

TB: How has the business side of the industry changed over the years for you?

AJ: In a sense, music has always been DIY for most musicians, but the one change is that most
bands aren’t really looking for a record deal anymore. While they might not be able to do their own
design, PR, and marketing, those companies are now accessible to everyone, not just labels.