Virginia Sweet puts an energetic and modern twist to the classic sounds of southern rock. Influenced by the likes of The Allman Brothers, Black Sabbath, and Gov’t Mule among others, Virginia Sweet’s belief is that music has the ability to connect people of all walks of life.
Reminiscent of the “Golden Age” of classic rock, Virginia Sweet delivers a completely unique experience with each performance through powerful vocals, awe-inspiring guitar, and a dynamic rhythm section. Virginia Sweet says “Sharing these musical experiences with fans and the next generation is what we are really all about.” Starting as a side project during the pandemic of 2020, Jason Dove(Vocals and Bass), Jason Jump(Lead Guitar), and Ricky Parker(Drums) began to lay the cornerstone for what is now Virginia Sweet. Looking to stay busy through the downtime of life in lockdown Dove, Jump, and Parker began to experiment with creating new material. The side project quickly became their main focus after the first show. Virginia Sweet received such an overwhelming response from fans, they knew they needed to begin production of their first album. After spending the latter half of ’20 in the studio, Virginia Sweet announced the upcoming release of their debut album “The Revival“.
Jason Dove
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
Stop thinking, just let go…
Have you always been interested in music? Was there a particular song/performance that made you say “Woah! I want to do that!”?
I have always been into music just to varying degrees. Just sitting on the floor listening to my father’s records as a child. The breakthrough moment was hearing the solo in “No More Tears” by Ozzy…that was a mind blowing experience.
Are you creative in other disciplines?
In my off time, I’m a busy body. Whether it’s fixing/building things around the house, putting together digital art and videos, or just simply cooking.
Do you enjoy recording and production?
I really do, I love every aspect of it!
Would you have any advice for would-be artists or songwriters wanting to follow in your footsteps? Buckle your seatbelts, it’s a bumpy ride…but keep trucking, and don’t stop! Ever!
What historical Figure would you love to see in 21st-century life?
My man TJ..Thomas Jefferson.
As a kid were you ever frightened of a monster under the bed or in the cupboard?
I was terrified of a back room in the basement I grew up in…later in life, I slept in that room!
If you were captain of a ship, what would you call it?
Nebuchadnezzar
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
The vacuum tube, killer amp tones, and is what powered the first computers.
If you were to write an autobiography, what would the title be?
The Tales of Dove, like the bird, not the past tense form of the verb dive.
Jason Jump
What first got you into music?
My parents listened to records all the time. There was always music playing in the house and I instantly had a connection with it.
How would you describe the music that you typically create?
Very organic. Music has always been a way to heal and escape. So most of the things I play are representing how I felt at the time.
What is your creative process like?
I usually come up with a guitar riff and bring it to Ricky and Dove. We will jam on it and they do their magic thing and turn it from an idea to a structured song.
Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Oh, man!!! That’s a long list. I would have to say, Warren Haynes, Eddy Vedder, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, David Gilmour, and Dave Grohl would be at the top.
If you could go open a show for any artist who would it be?
Gary Clark Jr, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, or Gov’t Mule.
What is one message you would give to your fans?
I want to say thank you. They are the driving force behind why we do what we do. We feed off their vibe and energy. It’s an amazing feeling.
What is your favorite song to perform?
“Movin On”. It’s a new song we wrote and I love the energy.
What are your musical plans for the next 12 months or so?
Right now we are writing new songs for another Ep or album. We will be playing some winter shows and then getting ready for our tour, which starts next March.
What was the last TV series you watched on TV?
That 70’s show and The Fringe
Would you rather be the one in a movie who gets the hero/heroine or the baddie with all the good lines?
The villain for sure. I feel like they set the tone for the movie. And who wouldn’t want the cool lines that everyone remembers?
What historical figure would you love to see in 21st-century life?
Jimi Hendrix and Audrey Hepburn
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
The guitar and the record player.
Ricky Parker
How would you describe the music you create?
I am all over the place. I usually write on guitar and have a plethora of interests, none of which I can play very well, but I’d say I have a rather large heavy rock and jazz influence in my musical vocabulary
How would you describe your creative process?
Take an idea, roll with it. And see how many ways you can play around with it. Never stop improving.
What is your favorite song to play?
All of the songs have their own challenges, honestly making music with these guys is my favorite in itself!
Do you have any musical plans for the future?
Get better, improve as a unit. Sell a million copies haha
What is the last TV show or series you watched?:
It’s not a show but I’m currently watching a live stream from Jazz central studios in Minneapolis MN. But to actually answer the question, the Seven Deadly Sins, that WU Tang show on Amazon, and the film Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
Would you be the hero or the villain in a movie?
Definitely the bad guy in the movies… in actual life? The hero because I wouldn’t last with prison food.
What would be your preferred food to have on a date?
I’m absolutely the one cooking on a date night! And anything really… I make a mean cheesecake, pizza, really anything from scratch is usually worth it.
What do you think the greatest invention has been?
Civilization, without it we’d be animals!