Interview with Jason Sweatt of ASKA
December 4, 2003

When were you with ASKA before and for how long?

My affiliation with ASKA goes back to the summer of '92. I was asked to fill in for Damon Call who was injured at the time. I believe he put his foot through his bass drum or something like that. I was then asked to travel overseas on ASKA's first tour to Saudi Arabia and played a couple of local shows following the tour. Damon soon returned from his injury and said something like "Where can I find that low-down S.O.B. Jason"? I didn't officially join the band until Damon's departure in 1998. I recorded Avenger with ASKA and didn't leave the band until late 2001.

What were the circumstances surrounding your leaving the band?

It's not as if I woke up one day and grew tired of playing with ASKA or anything of that nature. I was given the opportunity to try a different musical direction. At the time I felt I owed it to myself to give it a shot. I figured I was way too old to start taking economic classes at Tarrant County college or something…or maybe canoeing? (Smiles) Letting my bandmates down was a decision that I had to live with for quite some time. To leave behind something I also had worked very hard at was also difficult for me. I tried my best to be upfront and honest about my intentions. 

Were there any hard feelings between you and the remaining members?

I decided not to burn their houses down and terrorize their families. No, absolutely not. I truly understand the frustration of having to start over from square one in a band situation. I actually was relieved and glad to hear that they had found a new drummer so ASKA could resume and keep rockin'. If there were any hard feelings, hopefully they were quickly dismissed and forgotten. 

Were you on speaking terms at all?

We have always been on speaking terms. I would occasionally bump into one of the guys from time to time. I also made it a point to catch some of their shows as a way of letting them know I still supported the band. Whether I was in or out of the band, the guys and fans have always gone out of their way to make me feel like a part of the ASKA family. Since '92, I have always made it a point to pop in and see the boys in action.

How did you feel when they would ask you to be a 'guest' drummer?

Completely insulted!!! (laughs) No just kidding. Any opportunity for me to come and see the band and "sit in" at a show was always cool. At an ASKA show there is no telling who might show up that night and make a 'guest' appearance!!!!

Did you ever feel that leaving the band might have been the wrong choice?

I made the decision that was right for me at the time and wished only the best for ASKA. For me personally, it was a huge risk to take at the time. To leave a touring band with an established name at the top of their musical game is always a huge gamble. There were times I missed the guys and the intensity of playing their music. 

How did it happen that you were asked back?

As I mentioned before, I had been out to a couple of the shows throughout this year, and I really missed the power and live energy of their music. Also when you have travelled the world with the guys like I have, a strong bond, a brotherhood is formed and you almost instinctively know what to expect from one another. Guys, if you ever feel the need to trash my hotel room again, please be my guest!!!!!!

Have you talked to Danny White since the decision was made?

I have not, but I would hope that there would not be any hard feelings. Danny showed a great deal of heart and commitment for the band and that cannot be taken away from him. 

Are there any hard feelings there?

Definately not. For me, this was the most difficult part of my decision to rejoin ASKA. His contribution to the band was immeasurable. I think Danny is a super-cool guy and a great metal drummer with some incredible double bass chops. I wish nothing but the best for him in his musical endeavors and life. 

Have you done anything to keep up your drumming skills?

My daily intake of red-bulls and twinkies has kept me in check in the nutritionally. And netting leaves out of my swimming pools have made my triceps a lot stronger, so LOOK OUT! 

Have you started working on the new CD yet?

As of midnight tonight, I stole the recent master tapes for the new ASKA CD! Hopefully they won't notice a couple of changes that I made! No seriously, I am very excited about the thought of recording with ASKA again. I'd like to think that we are picking up where Avenger left off. As always, ASKA presses on through any change in the band and we are diligently working to bring the fans their next fix. Hopefully no one will push the erase button by accident!!!!!!!

Are you nervous about the next ASKA gig?

I would be lying if I didn't say that there would be an enormous amount of nervous energy built up inside of my little adrenalized body by then!

What are you wanting out of this reunion?

I can't even begin to express the amount of enthusiasm I have about the idea of continuing where we left off. I do feel like we do have a large amount of unfinished business to take care of. Hopefully we will be blessed in our future endeavors. And I can truly say that I am happy to be in the position I am in right now. I am ecstatic about being onstage with my friends and recreating the magic once again. Because chemistry is just something that cannot be taught or forced, it just happens, and that is something that has been missing out of my musical life for two years. It just feels great to be back in the band again and we are ready to take on the world once again. 

Do you feel like the reception will be a negative or positive one?

I was thinking about wearing an armored suit just in case things got bad, you know so I would be protected, but the alkalinity in my sweat is a p.h. of 8.0 so I was worried about getting lockjaw or something. So forget the suit I'm pretty sure I will be OK. Up the Irons!

Are you ready to accept whatever life in ASKA may throw at you?

As long as it’s not food or beer bottles! Seriously, I guess you have to take the good with the bad, one step at a time and everything else, I believe, will fall into place.

KEEP ROCKIN'!

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