StrateJacket

August 1st, 2024

Interview By: Militza Reyna

Photo Credit-Ashutosh Gupta/838 Media Group

StrateJacket is an alt-rock/pop punk trio from Northern California made up by Jackson Roemers (lead vocalist/guitar), Fabian Angel (vocals/bass) and Nate Mangold (drums)

With the release of its self-titled EP earlier this year, StrateJacket makes a bold entrance into the Bay Area punk scene. Here at The Encore Nights we had the pleasure of talking with Nate Mangold who shared details about their EP and their Debut Album “Bad Start” that is set to be released in October.

Can you share a little bit about yourself? 

My name is Nate “Moneybag” Mangold. I play drums in StrateJacket. I was in two other bands before. And I like dogs. If you got a dog with you, I’m gonna freak.

How do you work creatively together?

We all have different influences that we try to integrate in our music. Most of the time, it’s brought out when we jam together. We jump around genres a lot when we do that. When we actually start to write out the parts and lyrics, they come very naturally. Since we just always play together, it kinda feels like we all know what the next transition or move in a song is. 

You released your Self-Titled EP back in May of this year. What does this EP mean to you? How does it represent you?

I think it represents the range we can have as a band and that we’re not a one trick pony sound wise. Some songs take me back to the time they were written about. And obviously it reminds me of when we first wrote them and how much I think we’ve progressed. 

You guys are set to release your album Bad Start in October of this year, what can you share with us about it? How is it different from the EP?

Songs from the EP are going to be included in the album. With the rest of the songs, I think our influences and capabilities are more apparent when they’re all together. 

How does it feel to finally be releasing your first album? 

It’s exciting. It feels great to know it’s finally coming out after all this time playing them live, unreleased. Once they’re released, I know it’s gonna feel like a weight lifted off our shoulders. I’m very impatient though, so I just want them to be out already. 

Which song from Bad Start is your personal favorite and why?

A track that’s not out yet called “Watched You Go.” To me, that song out of all of ours flows the best. It’s a simple song, structurally. Well, all of our songs are. It’s a less strenuous song to play, but it’s the catchiest and most fun for me to play.

Are there any songs or moments of songs you’re proudest of that you want to highlight?

Personally, my drum parts in “Watched You Go” are the ones I’m most proud of. The pre chorus is my favorite part of the song to play every time. I do get to sing when we play live too. It’s one of the easier parts to sing. And I probably don’t do it justice. But, it’s still fun for me. 

Describe how we can encourage your career growth.

If everyone can just promote and go to all of our gigs. Buy all of our shirts. And stream every single song of ours a billion times. That would be neat.

Anything else you want to share or add?

It’s your life. Don’t you forget. 

Make sure you watch the music video for “Bad Start” here and listen to their catalog on Spotify while you wait for the release of their debut album of the same name.
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