Every so often, we take a little time on Mondays (or, in this case, a Friday) to pay tribute to the Muthas! That is, reprinting the adorable metal/maternal Q&As that run in the magazine. Today, enjoy Justin Norton’s chat with Michele Thomas of, Metal Mutha of Jared Klein of Rivers of Nihil.
Can you tell us a little more about yourself?
I was the child of a chorus girl who danced her way from Chicago’s Chez Paree to the opening of Wilbur Clark’s Desert Inn in Las Vegas. Jared was born in Reno, Nevada. Jared’s dad was on tour with Engelbert Humperdinck at that time and I enjoyed taking a break, staying at home baking. After two years, I jumped back into the game. I am singing and living in Las Vegas.
Did Jared ever get into trouble?
Do I tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but? Between the age of 13 to 17, Jared became possessed by the teenage years. All that changed, and he started practicing for hours every day and became in demand with local and national bands.
How did Jared start playing drums? Did he pick them up quickly?
At two years old, he climbed on the throne behind his dad’s drum set, picked up the sticks on the snare and proceeded to play and it all made sense! His dad and I sat there, looked at each other and said “uh-oh.” Jared had that sparkle in his eyes. He was hooked. He was in a concert band at Pine Middle School for two years and marching band for four years at Galena High School.
Did Jared’s musical tastes ever worry you?
Jared’s older brother, Toby, paved the way so I knew what I was in for regarding Jared’s musical direction. I can’t deny the first time I was introduced to this genre I was like “what the hell?” I didn’t understand why the music I was hearing had screaming through the whole song instead of singing.
What is something most people don’t know about your son?
Jared is an open book. If there are any secrets, please let me know!
What about Jared makes you the proudest?
The human being he has become. Through all our happiness, struggles, dysfunction and anger, our family has a very strong love. Jared is such a good man. Each day I am so grateful. I am so very proud to be his mother.
