I honestly can’t remember which cover it was, but like most, my introduction to Jeremy Hunter was one of their SKATUNE NETWORK covers. From there, I went to see Less Than Jake perform Losing Streak as part of its 20th Anniversary and local Detroit ska punk band We Are The Union (I don’t care if most of them no longer live in Michigan, they’re a Michigan band to me!) opened. Lo and behold, Hunter was up on stage playing trombone for them. This was one of WATU’s first shows back after getting back together, and it was pretty exciting to see them so reinvigorated. A lot of that was likely because of Hunter’s infectious energy. They honestly brought a whole new dynamic to the band that wasn’t there pre-hiatus. Fast forward six or so years, SKATUNE NETWORK is still going strong, and We Are the Union is better than ever, having put out two classic ska punk albums.
But, the multi-instrumentalist JER wasn’t just resting on their laurels.
They worked with ska heavyweights like Mike Park, Angelo Moore, Bad Operation, and Jeff Rosenstock (just to name a few). They went on tour with emo powerhouses like Save face. They’ve been dubbed the CEO of Ska, but I don’t think that’s a fair depiction. They’re more on Jay-Z’s level. They’re a ska mogul. And all of that experience and hard work and dedication has culminated in their debut solo album as JER, Bothered / Unbothered. From the beginning MU330-esque horn blasts on “BOTHERED,” you know you’re in for a treat. JER is too talented not to deliver. I’m happy to say, they go way past just putting out a good album. From the stellar music, to the amazing album cover that looks like a mixture of a Spike Lee Joint movie poster and a Tribe record cover, this album is just the complete package. JER put out what is sure to be one of the most important ska albums of 2022.
Bothered/Unbothered is a 35 minute journey through identity, society, politics, racism, and JER’s life experience.
With JER being such a student of the genre, you’re going to hear just about every incarnation of ska represented – from first wave all the way up to NEW TONE and Hyperska. It’s not just a ska album though. JER is a fan of music, so you’re also going to hear the likes of hip hop, Midwestern emo, shoegaze, and pop punk. The kaleidoscope of music here blends together as you go from track to track. It’s a credit to JER’s talent as a composer that they’re able to mash all of their influences together so seamlessly. Never does the album feel disjointed. Never does it feel like the non-ska elements don’t belong.
One of the things I like about socially conscious music is that it helps me learn about life experiences that I’m not exposed to in my direct life. Songs like “You Got Yr ***** Card Revoked!” and “Decolonize Yr Mind” are two perfect examples of that. With both, JER is laying out their experience for the world to witness. Both songs highlight the racism they experience from all comers. Aside from being great tracks, they also offer up an opportunity at a better understanding, with the ultimate goal being empathy and change.
No matter how challenging life gets, the best thing anyone can do is persevere, find your people, and push forward.
That’s the mood found in the two closing tracks of Bothered / Unbothered. Both songs are about finding yourself. And from there, finding a community of like-minded people who align with your morals and desires. When you are surrounded by your people, then the bad things in life get that much easier to manage. “Nobody Can Dull My Sparkle” and “UNBOTHERED” could really be the theme song for the modern ska scene.
Even though ska has been alive and well for over 60 years, most folks only remember a few years of its rich history. Those years where ska was thrust into the mainstream are a joke to the ignorant. They don’t realize just how socially and politically conscious ska music is, especially these days. There’s really an energy that exists in the modern ska scene that is truly unparalleled. It’s an exciting time to be a ska fan right now, mostly because of musicians like Jeremy Hunter.