Solo projects can signify various things, and generally, those implications aren’t positive. Does the lead singer have ambitions that the rest of the band cannot match? Is the guitarist interested in a different musical style? Is the bassist involved romantically with the drummer’s sister? We’re familiar with the scenario. Regardless of the label, when band members embark on solo endeavors, it often indicates the beginning of the end.
However, there are exceptions to every rule, seen in the case of soul pioneers Durand Jones & The Indications. All five members of the band have engaging side activities, especially co-lead vocalists Durand Jones and Aaron Frazer, both of whom have released critically acclaimed solo albums in recent years. Fortunately, they still appear to prioritize their collective project.
When Clash speaks with the duo, they express enthusiasm about the new contributions they can bring to the band after their individual pursuits. They mention Dan Auerbach (who produced Frazer’s first solo album in 2020) as a significant influence that helped them unlock their potential and highlight their continuous learning and growth. “On our first record, there was a harmony part we wanted but didn’t know how to achieve,” recalls Frazer. “There’s a saying: ‘It takes a lifetime to learn to paint like a child’. We now understand enough to know that if a track requires only one take or benefits from being made at home in the bedroom, that’s the right approach.”
To trace back to their origins, Durand Jones & The Indications was formed in Indiana in 2012. Jones was arranging horn parts and creating a show for the Indiana Soul Revue, centered on the legacy of Motown. It was here that he drew the interest of Frazer and Blake Rhein, who were then part of a rock band named Charlie Patton’s War. “We were just friends passionate about music,” explains Jones. “We’d spend hours listening to old 45s and discussing them,” adds Frazer. “I still do that with friends and collaborators. Making a record is akin to constructing a house without blueprints. If I say something is green, you may envision a different shade than I do. However, if I specify olive green or green like a Granny Smith apple, you can better visualize what I'm conveying, and that exchange of ideas and common ground emerges when you listen to records together.”
Their fourth full-length album, Flowers, presents a band in peak form. They’ve evolved, are progressing, and continuously seek what’s next—an outlook that manifests in a record that feels familiar. They are also delightful company. Jones relaxes at home in a t-shirt and baseball cap, eager to showcase the book he’s currently engrossed in (a thorough exploration of Dr. John’s ‘Gris-gris’ album). He readily shares his views on tour bus bathroom etiquette (“Never use the bus toilet. The first thing I do in the morning is find the nearest Whole Foods”). Frazer points out that the neat bookshelves behind him are the only orderly items in the area as he’s unpacking after a recent move. His ever-stylish pompadour is slicked back impeccably, and it’s an enjoyable detail to learn that his pre-show routine involves steaming his clothes “to ensure they’re prepared well before the performance.”
Alongside artists like Thee Sacred Souls and Jalen Ngonda, Durand Jones & The Indications pay tribute to classic soul while adapting the sound for the 2020s. This vision of empowerment and progress has always been apparent to Frazer, who recalls a transformative trip to New York at age 13, where he bought Curtis Mayfield’s debut record (“He was photographed from below, making him appear like a giant… and he truly was a giant”). “It contains tender, romantic songs like ‘The Makings of You’, juxtaposed with powerful statements like ‘We the People Who Are Darker Than Blue’. It was such a significant album.”
Their passion and respect for their craft also extend to their professionalism and performance. We’re chatting briefly between tours, and Jones welcomes the chance to “recharge; care for mind, body, and soul.” He describes a typical day on the road (after visiting Whole Foods) as, “I smoke a little weed, then need to exercise to get my breathing right. I recall Luther Vandross emphasizing the importance of good breathing while singing.” “I want to commend Durand,” interrupts Frazer. “I’ve never seen anyone so committed to exercising on the road as him. It’s essential to take care of yourself. People have spent their money. Tickets are pricey. We owe it to our audience, and you owe it to your bandmates to show up and perform at your best.”
Their easy confidence is reassuring and fosters optimism for the group’s future. A decade in, it’s clear that Durand Jones & The Indications are precisely where they want to be and
A strong debut album that targets both dive bars and festival grounds.
Don't be mistaken: the first album from the Glasgow band Humour is far from a joke. In reality, it’s a significant attempt to claim the title in the post-hardcore genre.
Creeper is set to launch their new album ‘SANGUIVORE II: MISTRESS OF DEATH’ on October 31st. The band's powerful ‘SANGUIVORE’ album elevated Creeper to new levels.
Electronic innovator LUXE begins a new journey with 'Silk Wound'. As a versatile artist, LUXE combines a flair for club-related digital.
Italian-American jazz artist Niia has revealed that her album 'V' will be released on October 11th through Candid Records. The album was produced with Spencer Zahn, recognized for his fusion of jazz,
A haven of musical pleasures at a community garden center... If you've been following Manchester's local music scene for the past five years, it's quite
Solo projects can signify various things, and often those implications are not positive. Does the lead singer have ambitions that the other band members cannot keep pace with? Is the