JFM

Bio

According to Tim, aka TMO, music should be more than just the percussion and vibration of various instruments, it should be an auditory experience capable of moving the mind, body and soul, giving meaning to what would otherwise be only words. It is armed with this vision and a deep seeded compassion that he pens the synergistic instrumental, vocal and lyrical force that is Justice For Mary (JFM). Having already carved out quite a reputation in the local music scene, JFM showcases TMO’s eclectic repertoire, which brings a unique yet encompassing sound, and an emotional message, to a variety of audiences.

As he sits in the 20 ft. x 20 ft. box that is his Long Beach apartment, his immediate surroundings hint at his background and influences: a 2008 Hawaii wall calendar (only for the pictures, he says), surfboards that haven’t been de-waxed in a while, a Mesa Boogie guitar amp and walls adorned with a plethora of Hawaiian paintings and Dallas Cowboys memorabilia. All befitting a Texas-born, Hawaii-raised surfer and musician, but his greatest influences, those that serve as the fodder for JFM, are of a darker ilk. “I have personal stories and experiences involving the maltreatment and abuse of women, children and those with no voice,” TMO explains. “Growing up I came into contact with victims who confided in me.” As they shared their painful stories of rape, incest and abuse, it created in TMO a deep sense of anger, disgust and frustration. It was no surprise that he felt a particular emotional attachment to a girl named Mary.

“Mary was abused by her parents for 11 years. Locked up in a bathroom, she was treated like an animal, beaten and starved. One day she escaped from her abusers and found freedom as she received treatment for her physical and emotional scars. To this day her gutless parents remain in hiding,” TMO laments. “I believe her parents will one day pay for their crimes. Until then, JFM along with Mary, and all of those who know her story are hoping, waiting and believing that one day there will be ‘Justice For Mary.’”

With a vision and a voice to be heard, TMO continues to craft the cathartic songs of JFM, connecting with audiences in a seemingly intrinsic fashion. More than just a personal expression, the soaring and ethereal melodies of JFM serve as a siren song for voiceless victims like Mary.

*** UPDATE: Since the time of the interview, TMO has given up his apartment in California, packed his belongings into his car and put his career and music on hold to travel across the country to Tennessee in an attempt to help remove his nephews, Jacob (9) and Alex (6), from an abusive living situation. “That’s what love’s all about,” TMO affirms over the phone from Tennessee. Money for the trip expenses as well as resources for his nephews was raised recently at a benefit show held at Octane Alley in Huntington Beach, CA. “The door was $10 and people were throwing wads of money at the door guy, way more than $10,” TMO says. “When they found out what it was for, people were coming over from the bar next door and throwing money on the stage. If people are given the opportunity to do something positive, they will.” TMO plans to continue to raise money to benefit abused children. Jacob and Alex’s situation has yet to be resolved. ***

Q&A

WHAT INFLUENCES HAVE HELPED SHAPE YOU AS A PERSON?

I was born in Texas (hence the Dallas Cowboys memorabilia) and moved to Oahu, Hawaii when I was 2 years old. I call it my island. I grew up wearing board shorts and slippers. My friends and I used to steal trays from Burger King and use them to body surf by the wall in Waikiki. Then I moved to body boarding and then graduated to surfing. Growing up in Hawaii gave me an appreciation for nature, the ocean and people from all over the world. In Hawaii we make fun of each other and no one really takes it seriously. So I learned not to take myself, or difficult situations, very seriously. I’ve learned to “roll with the punches” as they say. Growing up in a single parent home, with not much money or belongings, and wearing people’s hand me downs definitely kept me humble. It has helped me to appreciate what I do have and what I have been given. Another shaping influence was my mom. When things got difficult I would see her fighting for us. She was extremely stubborn and persistent, someone who never gave up. She never backed down from a fight and because of this we were always taken care of. I learned from her to be this way and this is why I’m still here fighting to be heard, and fighting to make a difference through music.

MUSICALLY, JFM SEEMS TO DRAW FROM A PRETTY DIVERSE PALLETTE.

My early musical influences were pop singers. I loved Michael Jackson and Madonna. I was also into the British New wave invasion, groups like Depeche Mode and New Order. I had friends in high school that turned me on to these groups. Toward the end of high school I met some rocker dudes who introduced me to classic rock bands like Guns N’ Roses, Queen, Boston, Journey and U2. I was really intrigued by these bands because they were so passionate about their music and there was so much amazing melody in their song writing, something I felt was lacking in a lot of the bands of that time. Since I started out as a pop guy I was drawn to their melodies. I think that was the point where I moved from “pop guy” to “rock guy” and in my junior year of high school I decided I wanted to rock! I made music my career choice.

TO WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE THE CONNECTION FANS AND AUDIENCES FEEL TO JFM?

I would describe my music as passionate, moving and impossible not to respond to whether positive or negative. The beat makes you want to move, the hooks get stuck in your head, the lyrics make you think and the melodies make you want to sing. The music is all encompassing, you don’t have to be “in a mood” to listen to it.

WHAT KIND OF IMPACT HAS JFM HAD SO FAR?

My music has been on mainstream rock radio in Hawaii. It has been on extreme TV shows shown on Fox Sports and used in commercials in Hawaii. I have played the Hard Rock Café in Honolulu, Maui and Newport. I have also, the House of Blues in Hollywood and Anaheim. Probably my biggest accomplishment was playing the Anaheim Convention Center for over 5,000 people. I plan to continue to raise money to help abused children.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

The future is the present fulfilled and the present holds for us now the opportunity of a lifetime to impact all generations and different cultures with a passion for music, justice and life!

WHAT RANDOM FACTS ABOUT YOU WOULD MAKE GREAT ANSWERS TO GAMESHOW QUESTIONS?

I shave my head every two days. I like white sauce on my pizza. My favorite beer is Young‘s Chocolate Stout. I’ll never drink Absinthe or eat licorice ever again!

ANY FAMOUS LAST WORDS?

“If people actually step out and show that they care about something and that they believe in it, people will get behind it. If people are given the opportunity to do something positive, they will.”

“Whether in the lungs or the hiney, saltwater is best left in the ocean!”

MEMBERS

TMO

STATS

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: jfmband.com, myspace.com/jfmband

GENRE: Alternative/Rock

FOR FANS OF: U2, Tool, Smashing Pumpkins, Arcade Fire, Jimmy Eat World

FREE DOWNLOAD: “The Fire Inside”