ON THE RISE
On the morning of March 14, Bon Jovi brought rock fans together across the world as they released their brand-new song, "Legendary."
The new track points toward Bon Jovi's upcoming record, Forever, the band's follow-up to 2020's 2020. On Thursday's edition of Loudwire Nights (March 14), Jon Bon Jovi joined Chuck Armstrong to help celebrate this new music as well as reflect on the last 40 years of making some of the biggest rock songs in the world.
"I just feel that there's an opportunity for me to leave a legacy that was there to do some good and maybe just cause a little ripple in the sea," Bon Jovi told Chuck about what he feels his music's responsibility holds today. "[Bon Jovi] is just one little thread in the patchwork of American pop culture."
Though the band may be one thread in that patchwork as far as Bon Jovi is concerned, there is no denying that there are many parts to that thread itself.
From the band's international tours over the last four decades to his powerful songwriting, there is something unique about the impact Bon Jovi has had on American pop culture — and there is something unique about how that impact has affected the entire world.
"[Bon Jovi] was a great representation of maybe some excess, but ultimately of optimism," he said.
"We went to the Soviet Union, we shared that sense of optimism with the youth of those people. We went into Central and South America during times of upheaval. When I meet somebody who will say, 'I learned how to speak English singing one of your songs,' you go, wow, isn't that absolutely amazing that American pop culture exports the way it does?"
Bon Jovi admitted that he and his bandmates didn't grow up thinking about many of the French rock bands that were around at the time or even the German bands — "with the exception of maybe the Scorpions or Kraftwerk" — and he asked the question, "What was it about American pop culture?"
And though he didn't have an immediate answer to the question, he did feel comfortable acknowledging that there was, and is, something powerful and distinct about American pop culture.
"It's the [American dream] and the dream hasn't ever really been realized. But it's the dream of what America was meant to be from the time the bunch of guys in Philadelphia put a pen to paper and throughout history since — it was the possibility of the dream. It hasn't been fulfilled, it's a work in progress, but it's got some really good pages in its book."
ON THE RISE
Sienna-Rose Jerak has a voice well beyond her years, and is a name in the pop music industry you’ll want to watch out for.
The 14-year-old singer from Australia released a pair of singles called “You Got Me” and “To Fly,” which showcases her vast range and ability to fill the air with her powerful vocals.
“You Got Me” is a love song about liking someone so much, and not being sure if they like you back. She said it can be super confusing and drive you crazy with the hot and cold, and Jerak brings this out in the music.
“You feel like you’re wrapped up in their games and you don’t know how to get out,” Jerak said. “And you keep going back to them. It’s basically about not having that experience or insight to work out if you like them as much as they like you.”
In the song, “You Got Me,” Jerak said she feels lucky because the way the vocals were recorded gives a “very live feel.” She works with a song writing and production team that includes Grammy winners Jordan Omley and Michael Man, who have been mentors to her in the process.
“They’ve really inspired me to be my best self,” Jerak said. “They are really kind, so it’s great to work in that kind of environment.”
Jerak is a fan of music that came out even before she was born, saying that she listens to the likes of Brandy, Carrie Underwood, Jessica Simpson and Monica. This inspiration bleeds into “You Got Me,” as well.
“I love old ‘90s music,” she said. “It’s got a lot of soul to it compared to music now. I take from a lot of life experiences, as well, when I sing. I try to make my music relatable.”
While “You Got Me” shows off her skills as an Pop/R&B singer, “To Fly” is much more of a ballad. Releasing both ends of the spectrum was intentional, as listeners will be able to get some variety of where her talents lie.
“In a pop song, they can’t really hear too much of the runs,” she said. “For a ballad you can be free and express yourself.”
Jerak has been involved in acting, singing and dancing since she was six-years-old. She attended performing arts school three times a week, where she would work on musical theater, jazz singing and more.
From 2022 to 2024 she trained at Margie Haber Studio in Los Angeles, and has since been cast as a lead in TVCs for “Earth Choice” and “IGA Ritchie’s.” She has also played the role of Sophie in the Paul Hogan film, “The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee.”
Now Jerak mainly plays pop and R&B music, saying that this is something she truly loves. She has always wanted to perform, and when she is on stage she feels so free.
“I really want to continue to grow as an artist, and grow with my music as I get older,” she said.
Jerak’s focus with music is in the way it connects with people. She said she is just an ordinary girl from Melbourne who is trying to do something big with her life. It is all about creating art, which she called a beautiful process.
“I just want to inspire people to be who they want to be without the pressure to cover up their true selves,” she said.
Jerak is a huge fan of LA, saying that someday she wants to live there full time because it is so supportive of the arts. She’ll be back in the city this summer to record more songs, saying that she really enjoys being in the studio putting together a track.
“Just singing all day and working on a song is such a beautiful vibe,” she said. “It’s what I love to do.”
Jerak will be out promoting these two singles, but she plans to record plenty more music in the future. Her goal is to get signed onto a record label, so she can show the world what she’s got on a grand scale.
Be sure to check out Sienna-Rose Jerak’s music available all on all major platforms.
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