Nearly two decades ago now, Jason Ringenberg was just starting to make waves heading up the pioneering alt-country band Jason & the Scorchers. Back then, your neighbors would have called Social Services had they witnessed you attending one of Jason’s shows with tots in tow. Many years and three daughters later however, this Scorcher has transformed himself into a Farmer – Farmer Jason. Though his priorities (and musical stylings) have shifted a bit over the years, Jason remains as devoted to music as ever, bringing to life the character of Farmer Jason, beloved by hard-rockin’ kids (and parents) everywhere.
I sat down for a phone call with Farmer Jason while he was, what else, working alongside his dad on the family farm.
When you began as a musician, did you dream that you’d eventually be directing your talents to kids’ ears? Could you tell us a bit your musical beginnings?
If you asked me this in 1983, I’d have told you that you were out of your mind! I’d have thought you were crazy.
I started out as just a farm kid who loved rock and roll. I moved to Nashville in 1981 with the purpose of creating a roots rock n roll band -- though of course back then, there wasn’t any name for it, no one was calling it roots rock. I just fell in with the right bunch of guys and we hit it off. We started filling rooms and making records, and we played together for 20 years. I went solo and did the singer/songwriter thing for about 5 or 6 years after that. At the same time, I got married and started having kids. I was touring during that time and I wanted to make a recording that my kids could listen to while I was on the road. I had no idea that that kind of music would become the center of my life!
What music did you listen to as a child?
I had older brothers and sisters, so I listened to a lot of their music. They were listening to all the popular 60s stuff. As far as actual kids’ music, there wasn’t anything specific. I did love Mr. Greenjeans, from Captain Kangaroo, you know, he was always playing guitar and stuff.
How have the children in your life responded to what you do?
You know, my kids were very young, like 4 and 2 when I started with kids music. They were really into it -- they even wrote a couple songs of their own. My oldest daughter is 17 now and she just thinks what I do is hilarious. The younger ones are seeing their friends get into the Farmer Jason music -- you know, they have the cache of having a cool daddy and that’s awesome for them, they love it.
Did a lightbulb go off and you knew kids’ music was the right track for you?
There really wasn’t one specific moment, it was always just a gradual progression, especially after seeing kids and parents reactions -- the kids who get it really get it, and that propelled the character forward.
Tell us about that first gig with a height-challenged audience.
That was a brand new experience for me! I was a bit nervous I suppose, but I love performing live -- I always have loved that, no matter the format. I think my first show as Farmer Jason was in a suburb of Washington DC, it was some benefit concert.
Have your creative goals changed since you began, or have they remained rock solid?
That’s a really good question, actually. I supposed my goals have been modified somewhat, but my ultimate goal has always been to connect with people and satisfy some emotional need that they have.
Which is YOUR favorite of the songs/projects you’ve done for kids and why?
Probably "Forest Rhymes." It really involves the audience; they get really into making suggestions for song verses. It’s just a lot of fun.
Beyond the dancing and singing along, what do you feel are some lesser known benefits of music in kids’ lives?
Well, mentally and cognitively, music is just an amazing thing for stimulating brain cells -- it really gets the neurons synapsing and what not. It’s a fun way to learn about language and different concepts. And I absolutely saw these benefits in my own kids.
What is the most memorable moment you've had with a parent in your audience?
This has happened to me several times, actually, where parents, and even grandparents now, will bring a Scorchers album to the shows for me to sign. I’m seeing lots of shows now with three generations of family members, and it’s just amazing. And the feedback I get from the kids after the shows is just a marvelous experience, you know, they are so earnest, and they bring gifts and want to give hugs, it’s just a great thing.
Obviously, you want your kids listening to your music, but when you were filling the family cd changer, who did you shake ‘em up with?
We always listened to lots of Raffi and Tahra Time when my kids were young, along with the Beatles and Bob Dylan.
Who inspires you?
A lot of folks have meant a lot over the years, my parents of course. And friends who are now in other places.
Are there any projects/organizations/charities near and dear to you?
We are very involved in helping out our local schools. And I also support the Nature Conservancy, which buys lands and sets them aside to protect them from development. I think they do great work, and I try to promote that same appreciation for nature and ecology in my music without being too preachy. And kids that age really get it, which is cool.
And with that parting question, I let Jason get back to what all the great farmers do best -- rocking out and... driving tractors.