JD Fortune Interview
JD Fortune
In July 2005 INXS embarked on a brave/tawdry/pioneering/ghoulish (choose your adjective) televised search for a new lead singer. The odds were stacked against them – and stacked tenfold against whichever singer they chose. This not-Michael would have very big shoes to fill. Hans talks to JD Fortune about big shoes, big balls, and rotting nerves.
In the 18 months since INXS made JD Fortune the latest replacement for Michael Hutchence, the band have covered a lot of ground. They’ve completed a world tour, played to over 700,000 people, and released their first JD-fronted album, Switch. So far, the numbers are formidable. Capitalising on the torrent of Rock Star: INXS publicity, the album has sold more than one million copies worldwide. It peaked at #15 on US charts and, at last count, had clocked up more than 370,000 sales in the US alone. This compares to a US peak of #41 and sales of 176,000 for Elegantly Wasted, the last album featuring Hutchence.
Of course, it’s hard to know how much of this success is owed to the reality-TV profile of Rock Star: INXS. Only the band’s next album will resolve that question. Talking to me from his mother’s basement in his native Nova Scotia, Canada, JD says he’s already been busy writing new songs. “I’ve been writing a lot. I’ve just finished writing twelve songs”, he says. “I’ve just exposed every aching inch and every rotting nerve of my system to these songs.” The songs may not make it onto the record, but he keeps writing because “It’s a perishable thing. The less you use the less you have of it...”
Despite touring Australia recently, INXS are poised to tour again, this time with Simple Minds and Arrested Development. The band have only recently completed 14 months of non-stop touring, but JD isn’t fazed by the prospect of saddling up again so soon: “It’s been tiring, but just fuckin’ rewarding, man. It’s awesome playing in front of people, getting to do what you want to do, you know? What you love to do. It’s great.”
He’s keen to talk; his words tumble over each other, hitching only on frequent "you knows" and "you know what I means." It’s hard not to be won over by his transparent good humour. You believe him when he says he can’t believe the life he’s living. This is a different JD from the one who introduced himself to the world via Rock Star: INXS, where he sported a bruising win-at-all-costs persona. When I ask if he’s succumbed to the rock-star lifestyle and made any outrageous requests, he says “Au contraire, my friend,” and laughs. “I’m going through the holy shit, I don’t think I deserve any of this and everyone’s gonna find out I’m a great big fuckin’ fraud.”
No wonder it took a little while for JD to find his feet in the band. “Being the newest member of the band, it’s kinda like bringing a new animal into the house,” JD says. “You’ve got five dogs and then you bring another dog in, and everybody kinda sits around for little while. And eventually you have a few scrapes here and there, but at the end of the day we’re all just dogs, and we all just wanna eat, shit, sleep, fuck, and make music.”
“Initially, I felt like I was still auditioning,” he says. “Every night I went out, there were a lot of people (saying) ‘You better be good. Don’t fuck this up. This is our band’. And now, it’s our band. And we’re sharing it with the world ... The first three months everyone was sorta holding their breath: ‘Oh my god, oh my god, are we actually doing this?’ And then, when it worked, it was ‘Thank god we’re doing this!’”
But the band accepting JD is only half the story. What about the fans? JD’s repeatedly protested that he’s not Michael Hutchence, and not trying to be. But it’s a difficult path he has to walk – be himself, but not deviate too far from what the fans expect. “I’ve tried to wrap my brain around what is that I can do to make it my own. And the only thing I could come up with was just to try to sing them the way they make me feel, you know, when I was a kid. Sing them how... like they’re my own kids. But at the same time there are a lot of fans who deserve to have them sung so that they feel as close to it as we are.”
JD’s acutely aware that more than his fate is riding on this venture. ”I had concerns about dropping a very, very, very large ball,” he laughs. “It’s probably an understatement to say very, very, very large. It would be the ultimate demise of, you know, the band’s career – and it’d be a shitty way to go – and my career. And I’d look like an asshole, and I used to get not paid for that. And I didn’t want to get not paid for that again.”
The change in JD’s circumstances have definitely been dramatic. Not so long ago, after a business venture went bust, he was left living in his car. And for a while, he paid bills by working as an Elvis impersonator and teaching martial arts. It’s little wonder, then, that he says he’s given “everything physically possible that I could... that I honestly could muster in my bones and in my soul” to this magic-carpet ride with INXS.
In an industry already jaundiced by a slew of Idol contests, JD’s selection via Rock Star: INXS – devised by reality-TV maestro Mark Burnett – was always gonna be greeted with withering contempt. When I suggest that some people wanted to dislike him and the band because of the manner in which he was chosen, JD’s philosophical.
“I would hope so, because then we wouldn’t be human, if we didn’t. I cherish the fact that people have likes and dislikes, and I welcome it all. Because what helps us, you and me, be better writers is human emotion and human experience, and no one’s shoving anything down anybody’s throat.”
This cynicism is probably what he means when he remarks that the band “had a lot of hills to climb this year”, though he’s quick to add “I daren’t say mountains because, you know what, it’s something we love to do. So it can’t possibly be a mountain. I mean, kids who are sick and dying or, you know, fatally ill, that’s a fuckin’ mountain, man. So this is a privilege, not a right, you know? This world that I’m living in.”
“We’re all in this together, this whole big blue ball, this planet thing. Hans, you’re sitting there, and I’m here, and we’re having this conversation. And we’re really, you know, we’re spinning out of control as a race of human beings. And we have to have a moment to breathe, and we have to have a moment to relax, and that’s what’s so great about reading and listening to music and ... just being entertained in general. Because we work too hard to not have that privilege, and that’s what we try to do on stage”
And now that he’s living his dream, JD’s determined nothing is gonna keep him off that stage. “When I tore ligaments in my knee, I was taking painkillers to be on stage just so I could get through a set ... That was a test from life and of my commitment to myself as a musician and as an artist. I’ve come this far, but frankly, the hardest thing I had to do was play injured and play like there was no injury. And that’s something that fucks your brain, and it fucks your body up. And I just hope that when I’m 50, if I make it there, that hopefully my leg will still be intact.”
“But if it’s not... Whenever anybody says to me ‘Aw, I’m sorry about your leg’. I’ll say, ‘Fuck, man, it was worth every left-footed step I’ve ever taken in my life’.”
INXS play the Palais Theatre, Melbourne, on March 23 & 24. Tix through Ticketmaster, 136 100.
Really, really good.
He gave me some good material to work with.
How's the little tacker?
She stays awake for a long time and sleeps briefly. Going to bed around 3-4am every day and being woken up twice before 8.30am. Alcohol dulls the pain. She is like me, short attention span and an attention hog. If you put her down, within two minutes she's woken up and crying. Perhaps she has a splinter in her paw.
Shizuka is copping the main shit. At least the kids who give me relentless shit and zero respect every day can wipe their own asses.
But she is healthy and gorgeous man. And fat. Forget 'friend chin', this girl has a whole neck-party happening.
Wanna see some pics? See here:
http://hanatakagi.babynow.jp/diary/diary_ctrl.php?act=diary
How are you? In fine form... though I sense from the Miranda Devine post a lemon aftertaste. How's the mood?
Little tacker looks fit and healthy. A couple more weeks and she'll be able to do the dishes.
I'm not bad. I've regained my equilibrium after flying into a Devine-induced rage. I didn't want to write that piece. Honestly, I just couldn't be bothered, but it nettled me too much to be ignored.
Between Devine and Janet Albrechtson at The Australian you could spend an infinite amount of time debunking their conservative carping and half-truths. Jesus.
Nice interview Hans. You can see one of JD's tattoos on his forearm that says 'Human'. On the other arm it says 'Being'.
If he puts on top of the other, which he did when consoling a contestant on Rockstar, it says 'Human Being.'
But when swapped over it also says 'Being Human.'
This is what he said to a contestant who was crying because of a bad performance. JD was as series as serious gets.
JD: "It's okay because you are a (does the arm thing) HUMAN BEING (He smiles then squints his eyes)."
Next he says:
"It is all part of (prepare for profound statement, swaps arms over) BEING HUMAN."
It was a golden moment in TV. And probably one of the funniest moments on the show.
I hope he does well and gives INXS the boot. Andrew is the only one with any talent in that band. The rest are hacks. The sax/guistar player looks like Pepe Le Peu.
*Who the hell has three guitarists when you are not even a guitar orientated band? INXS
They've shifted the March 24 concert from Myer Music Bowl to the Palais Theatre and have added an additional concert at the Palais on March 23.
I've amended the interview details above. They're now correct.
Your an idiot! Have you ever seen them live? They are amazing. Jd is a great replacement for Michael. The whole 'Human Being' thing took place when he was drunk. You've never done or said stuff you might not have said sober? If not get a life....and ALSO, alot of bands have 3 people playing guitar at the same time. They're not all the same guitar you FOOL! Get a clue before you write such rubbish!!!
JD is a kickarse singer, no doubt. Band still sounds great.
The contraction of 'you are' is 'you're', as in, 'you're an idiot'. Also, capitalising words for effect is a sign of illiteracy.
Go back to school and learn how to spell before criticizing the work of your betters.
Fool.
Ok, I'll take that. I usually spell everything correctly and pick on people's spelling....but still...you comment on the guitars was foolish!
INXS are awesome!!!
Rock Star INXS was enough for me. Geezus, Claudia and I never laughed so hard in our lives. 3 guitars 4 morons (not including JD & Andrew Farris) fucking has been talentless pieces of shit.
Garry Beers. WTF? Who the hell spells Garry with 2 r's? And Beers? May as well be Bogan on bass.
Tim 'bad wave perm/shocking tight pants/Shannon Noll beard/alchoholic nose/one string guitar solo/riding on talent of brother' Farris penis with ears.
Jon 'I wear my sunglasses all the time/wear one white glove while playing drums/clad in tight leather pants/bad facelift/always look sideways at camera' Farris bung eye.
Kirk 'Pepe le Pu/beret wearing/pencil moustache/3rd guitar part when not doing shithouse sax solo/claims to be the brains behind the talent which is Andrew Farris' Pengilly flock of seagulls.
The JD 'human being' biz was gold. If you can't see the funny side of things then good luck with all that.
I can hear the muted sounds of sex through the walls of my stomach.
Man it was good.
But doesn't JD fortune sound just a bit like Homer stealing the name Max Power?
How can anybody take this guy seriously?
If your name is JD, ie Jack Daniels, then why the fuck don't you call yourself that and quit pissing about with the fortune action?
That's it. From now on I want to be refered to as BB McQueeen Dollar Bill Y'ALL, in fall, at all time, with sir added at appropriate times, like when I call a boy to whip my sealskin boots with a peacock feather.
I mean, fark.
That's it. From now on I want to be refered to as BB McQueeen Dollar Bill Y'ALL, in fall, at all time, with sir added at appropriate times, like when I call a boy to whip my sealskin boots with a peacock feather.
I mean, fark.
ha ha ha ha
Rockstar INXS
One of the worst performances of Smells Like Teen Spirit ever but Tim Farris likes it because the RENT-A-CROWD is dancing. Garry 'Gary' Beers (I forgot his middle name is Gary with 1 r) realises that Kurt can actually sing.
Get out of town:
This diss is not for JD or Andrew Farris.
mmmmm tricky song.
In response to a few comments on here...
Mig wasn't very good, especially at singing INXS songs. Thank god he didn't win!
JD is amazing live...and the rest are great too. They are all nice guys too. Do they really need to be bagged?
I loved Rockstar an watch it all the time...there were a few great singers on that show.
In reguards to JD's name posted below...although your comment was funny, his mothers name is Fortune...it's not something he made up, cause yes that would be wanky.
Also I did find the 'Human Being' incedent funny...but it doesnt make the guy a loser forever.
Also...do people not know that having 3 guitars is common in some bands? They don't all play the same guitar and the same tune/riff. It puzzles me that people find this strange :s
But anyway....people are allowed their own opinions I guess.
Peace.
Your post is thoughtful, courteous, and true -- in short, it is not in keeping with the tone of this site.
We are, by and large, petty, vindictive, and fast n loose with the facts around here, nor are we above unprovoked sneak attacks.
FWIW, I agree with you. Both series of Rock Star had some kickarse singers, and JD was one of them.
Peace to the power of 10, my friend.
Don't get me wrong. I think there were some shithot singers in Rockstar too once the wheat was sorted from the chaff. The second season had some great talent.
Being a failed musician, I think I can bag anyone more successful than me.
Yes some members of INXS need to be bagged. Just because they are members of a world famous act does not mean they all should be held up beyond reproach.
You might think 3 guitars is ok in some bands -- I don't. Why doesn't the main guitarist just use a double neck guitar. It would save the costs of having an extra member who doesn't contribute anything by way of songwriting (Kurt).
Do you notice that when the guitar solo has more than 2 notes, Tim can't do it and the duties are passed onto Kurt. Evidence that Tim is not up to par and should be told to shape up or shift out.
No non-guitar orientated band needs 3 guitars. That is 18 strings? Tim can't even handle 2 strings.
You have to admit that Rockstar INXS was reality television and therefore can't be taken seriously. INXS were like a peanut gallery populated by wax works. Dave Navaro had more idea than INXS when it came to judging.
I like INXS and own 2 albums but starring in your own reality television shows is a ticket to be bagged.
"You might think 3 guitars is ok in some bands -- I don't. Why doesn't the main guitarist just use a double neck guitar. It would save the costs of having an extra member who doesn't contribute anything by way of songwriting (Kurt)."
...
Kirk has either written or co written the following songs.
THE UNLOVED ONE
NIGHT OF REBELLION
FOLLOW
PREHISTORIA
GO WEST
THE SAX THING
FACE THE CHANGE
BITING BULLETS
BEGOTTEN
SIX KNOTS
LAYING DOWN THE LAW
ON THE ROCKS
THE OTHER SIDE
LIGHT THE PLANET
ASHTAR SPEAKS
PTAR SPEAKS
These may not be the big hits but they are still songs he's written and they are on INXS albums.
Also...I think if Rockstar was a way that they wanted to find their singer, so the fans could have a say, then if your an INXS fan you should back them. Their chosing JD was an excellent choice. He is great live.
My mother and her boyfriend were both in famous Australian bands that at times the bands used 3 guitars TO GET DIFFERENT SOUNDS!!! Your justification is a bit silly.
Tim may not be up to your standard but he's pretty bloody good! Having INXS be around for nearly 30 years proves so I think.
Also....do you think orchestra's are stupid? They use multiple of the same instrument to produce DIFFERENT SOUNDS!
:/
I'm an alcoholic and I eat lots of curry and spaghetti and onion and garlic.
I wrote the following songs, and to achieve different sounds I adjusted the angle of my leg, or arched my back:
FIST OF SPLENDOR
THE DREAD SOMBRERO
ALLEGORY'S PERCH
MANIFEST PRESTONOMY
SAMUEL IN A CAGE
I use combination of egg, spinach, beer, and wine to achieve my soundscapes. You might have heard of me, I produced Gwen Stefani's latest record.
All I was after was different SOUNDS!
Crikey, did I muddle about and miss the ball? Going way back to when the skippy safely landed, I thought the comments re the night of the Human Being were quite funny and I'm an old salt. This interview was nothing short of brilliant! An energetic young subject and an insightful, compassionate interviewer. Gobs of respect on both sides. That people don't share the love and admiration for certain others of the band, is their right, is it not? There's a unique spirit of humour here. Let's all enjoy one shall we and welcome the day!
What you said, Anon.
I'm not a fan of INXS anymore. I believe they are very talented men but they have sold out and given up on everything they once believed in. There is no originally in their new music and it's very unlike INXS to do a show like Rockstar. You cannot choose a lead singer for your a band on a reality TV show. It interrupts fate..the fate of INXS to find someone suitable to take over from where Michael was. I witnessed a fan having a picture of Michael Hutchence ripped out of her in hand at a show this year. I was right behind her and the security gaurd took it from her on purpose. She was just standing there with the picture and he grabbed it from her and destroyed it. I was in shock and so was everyone else around me. I'm a member on one of the their other sites and the fans have all said that the band was behind destroying this picture of Michael. They don't want pictures of Michael at their shows and it upsets JD. That is a direct quote that has been posted on a few of their sites.
I think that INXS needs to find a new singer. It's very obvious that JD is not good for this band. As a solo artist he may do fine but as far as INXS go, he was the wrong choice.
That's okay, you don't have to be an INXS fan anymore, they don't want your type anyway.
And did you ever find out the other side of the story? I think not...said "booby chick that had her pic crumpled", apparently offered herself to JD and was turned down for someone she thought was uglier than her. Axe to grind? Offered herself to another bandmember, was ignored. Axe to grind? Stalked the band to MANY concerts holding up pics of Michael to all the bandmembers, for what reason? Drunkenly pulled down her pants and peed in a planted pot in front of INXS bandmembers. Classy girl. Went on multiple fansites including Duran Duran's (WTF?)spreading her "poor me" story.
Is now blaming her "friends" for her indescretions, threatening to sue the band, her friends and everyone that dares not believe her tales of woe. Did security take her picture...apparently so. Sounds like he was more than justified in his response. Booby chick seriously needs some pyshological help.
The End...True story, I don't make this shit up. lol
Since the beginning of this hideous idea to use reality tv show w/contestants to find lead singer of a once respected and respectful band (once when they WERE inxs w/michael) and to pick a las vegas show entertainer impersonator who had Elvis down to a tee and now mimics everything and all to do with MH right up to now this was a tacky degrading and disgusting way to use this classless and tastless venue and discredit everythig inxs stood for. Inxs have shown that Michael didn't mean much to them. Their legacy is shot to hell with that craphot they call their lead singer.
HOw low can you go is the question.
The answer is this is as low as it gets.
Congratulations inxs you now stand for absolutely nothing.
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