After seven years out of the limelight, in 2012 Orgy vocalist Jay Gordon made an executive decision to revitalize the brand and bring Orgy back to the forefront of the industry. With the help of a few old friends: Nic Speck (of Run-Run-Run), Ashburn Miller (of Deadsy), Carlton Bost (of Berlin), and Jamie Miller (of Snot), Gordon was ready to hit the ground running with the new Orgy and reintroduce fans to the music that had influenced a generation. The band embarked on a nationwide tour with L.A Goth metal band Vampires Everywhere! and industrial/shock rocker Davey Suicide at the beginning of March 2013. At the Spartanburg, S.C. at Ground Zero, yours truly had a chance to catch up with Jay and find out a little bit about the journey so far, how it all came together, and little more about the man himself.
So what it’s like to be back on tour and doing the full circuit after being away?
J.G: It’s great. Um you know it’s definitely a different climate from when we stopped playing years ago, seven years ago, or whatever. But it’s been cool. You know once people know, you know. All the gigs have been really good so far, so no complaints.
And what’s it been like to be on tour with Vampires Everywhere! and Davey Suicide?
J.G: Really cool. I love both of those guys you know as far as band wise goes. Both bands are real cool. Um, you know the response has been good and all the bands get a long great.
How did this all come together?
J.G: Through you know, we looked at what would be a good fit as far as who we should be out on tour with right now. And through the booking agent and our merch girl Sarah we kind of just hooked up with both of those bands.
What would you say has been your best experience so far (on tour)?
J.G: So far I would say the St. Petersburg show in Florida was the best one. It was just a really good night. Everything went smooth, it went great.
Do you have any specific tour habits? Good or bad?
J.G: Nah, I just sleep a lot. (laughs) Gotta try and take it easy on the voice. But nah, everything’s been great. Nothing real crazy. It’s been fun, you know. Been doing a little DJing when I get time, and set up my little stuff and throw down a little bit. But it’s been good.
Now (in regards to) this reformatting (of the band), you spent a little time in Deadsy, right?
J.G: Yeah, early on. I just laid down some bass tracks for the first record.
Did that make this easier (getting everyone together)? Having worked with them in the past?
J.G: Definitely, yeah. It’s been really cool having Carly and Ash. And I’ve known Jamie from Snot for a long time, so it’s been great having him as a drummer and right now it’s been cool. He’s not with us on this tour because he had another, you know, he’s in like twenty bands (laughs). He’s on the road right now
So, what are you guys looking to do this year? What can fans expect from Orgy in 2013?
JG: Put out some records. So, that’s our main goal. I’d like to try and get over to Europe eventually and play those circuits.
Having done several stage shows yourself, what has been your favorite or best experience as a spectator?
J.G: Ugh…Ooo, that’s a tough one. You mean…?
I mean you being a fan and going to a concert. Either pre or post infamy (Orgy)…
J.G: Umm, you know I really like. God, you know it was great doing Family Values and being a spectator because I used to go out and watch all the bands play and stuff like that. And seeing those shows was really good. Uh, you know going to Depeche Mode shows was cool. I like a lot of bands though. Pantera. Seeing them live was great. So, you know, lots of bands.
If you weren’t doing music, what do you think you would be doing? Or what would you want to be doing?
J.G: Uh, actually I’m starting a bottled water company…Or, I would like to be directing films. Things like that. Just, like, I have all these ideas that I want to try to capitalize on and do some things like that.
Okay, so I want to play a little lightning round with you. So, you know, first responses only, okay?
J.G: Ok.
Day or Night?
J.G: Night
‘80s movies or ‘80s music?
J.G: (Pauses) Music.
Comedy or tragedy?
J.G: Comedy
Evil Dead or Army of Darkness?
J.G: Neither. (chuckles and rolls eyes) Army of Darkness.
Not a fan of B-movies?
J.G: (*shrugs*) Eh, they’re alright (laughs)
Xbox or Playstation?
J.G: Oh, Xbox.
Alright, well cool, Jay. Any last words you want to put out there?
J.G: Not really, just looking forward to playing for everybody on the road. And we hope you make it out to the shows!
In watching him later onstage, it is apparent that even after all these years, he’s still got it. Gordon plays to the crowd, acknowledges fans, and flashes that big white smile that infatuates onlookers. Charmer by design, he works his lithe body across the stage like a practiced athlete, never missing a step. Watching the crowd it’s clear, the voice that once ruined many a pair of teenage underwear is back to reclaim and melt the hearts of those same teens, now grown into women. You can keep up with Jay and the new Orgy on their website, follow them on Twitter, and “like” them on Facebook for the latest tour information, music news, and updates.
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