British Columbia, Canada-based grunge outfit JBNG released their second long player, Run, at the beginning of November 2024, following on the heels of their debut album, Meh, which dropped in 2023.
The brainchild of Jaben John Groome (vocals), JBNG is made up of Alejandro Yoshizawa on lead guitar, Jonathon Goldie (rhythm guitar), Tim Charman on bass, and Matt Koopman on drums.
Groome grew up playing bass in bands and collaborated on several singles before forming JBNG, but never thought to take up the mic as a vocalist. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder earlier in life, however, Groome was always looking for ways to calm his anxiety when it hit. In 2023, he found there was something soothing in singing.
Groome’s distinctive heavy, raspy vocals have opened up a world of possibilities for the band, as it pairs with any style they can come up with and gives their sound a wickedly irresistible edge.
JBNG will release their third album, Bye, in 2025. If Bye is half as good as Run, it should elevate JBNG to celebrity status.
Since JBNG’s music speaks for itself, Tattoo.com decided to pummel Jaben John Groome with a series of random, hopefully revealing, questions.
Top 3 songs of all time?
The Beatles’ “Abbey Road Medley,” Pink Floyd “Wish You Were Here,” Black Sabbath “War Pigs.”
What are three words that describe you?
Impulsive, Quiet, Generous.
Favorite movie?
‘The Dark Knight.’
What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?
Being born. All downhill from there!
What’s a fear of yours that you think is fully justified?
Stop learning new things.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Lover of all animals, vegetarian, but if had to pick one I pick a pup.
Gibson guitars or Fender guitars?
Gibson to listen to and ease of Fender to play.
What’s your favorite family tradition growing up?
Watching ‘Cops’ the TV show.
What’s the most random fact you know?
Singing can switch the nervous system out of fight or flight mode.
JBNG
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Musician.
If you had the chance to know when you died and how, would you take it?
Yes, cause I’d like to know.
Favorite drink and food?
Coffee.
What is something that no one else seems to care very much about but makes you crawl the walls?
Sudden inappropriate noises.
Must-have on your rider?
Confetti.
What is one thing you’re good at that people don’t expect?
Math.
What smell transports you to another time and place?
Women’s perfume reminds me of grandmother.
What’s your favorite article of clothing that you own?
Did a Men’s Warehouse commercial and got a free tailor fitted suit.
What’s something you’re proud you’ve never done?
I’ve never died.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, other?
Stuck in the iPhone rotation.
