Chattanooga music venue JJ’s Bohemia recently was named on Consequence of Sound’s list of 100 Greatest American Music Venues. Owner John Shoemaker spoke with Chattanooga Times Free Press music reporter Casey Phillips about being selected, why he doesn’t mind not being chic and the club’s upcoming 10th anniversary.
Q: Did Consequence of Sound reach out to you to discuss JJ’s inclusion on the list of the nation’s 100 Greatest American Music Venues, or was it a surprise to be selected?
A: Oh, it was a complete surprise. I had no idea. Actually, [bartender] Eddie [Bridges] is the one who saw it and sent it over to me. That was the first I heard of it.
Q: How did it make you feel?
A: Oh man, I was completely stoked about it. Of course, I went through the list and looked at the venues. Most of them are big, prominent venues that everyone has heard of. It was great to be in that company. They selected some small venues for the list, and I thought that was cool.
Q: What’s your takeaway from being selected? What does it reinforce about the work you’ve been doing and what impact does it have on your plans for the venue moving forward?
A: I’m not sure how they put us on the list or when they came by because it sounds like the reporter was in the venue at some point. It just feels good to know that we have a good reputation and that word of mouth has traveled around. Bands have made a second home of JJ’s.
It’s kind of overwhelming in a way. I always look at those lists, Top 50 Bands of the Year and all that, and it just feels good. And I guess I’m really proud of my staff, because they’ve brought in shows and all the different promoters in town who have brought in shows.
Q: It seems like it’s a pretty shining vindication of the effort you’ve put in over the last decade.
A: Yeah, I mean, we’ve always gotten good local recognition and regional recognition from Nashville and Birmingham and pulling from those cities with their best performers. But it feels great. Half of my job is working at JJ’s, and the other half is sitting at my computer and putting together the best combinations to make for a good show. Getting honored this way after almost 10 years of doing this feels good that someone has paid attention to it.
Q: How does it feel to be closing in on that milestone?
A: It still feels like I’m running a marathon. That’s what it feels like. It’s like the marathon that never ends. Every week, your shows go away and you bill more shows. It never stops. When you first start something like this, you don’t think it’ll last that long, but once you’re into it and you’re stable, you’re working all the time. You’re waking up every day to Facebook messages and emails and trying to put together good combinations of bands.
Q: So how did you end up on Consequence of Sound’s radar? Did one of their editors come to a show or was it a word-of-mouth situation?
A: No, not at all. They didn’t say anything to us or send me an email to say they put me on the list. It was by complete surprise. That also makes me think, “Are there any other lists out there that we’re on?” [Laughs.]
Q: Who is Allison Shoemaker? Is the name a coincidence, or is she related to you?
A: No, not at all. I have no idea who that is, but it’s super cool. I thought that was a pretty neat coincidence.
Q: JJ’s entry on the list doesn’t start off terribly complimentary, saying “JJ’s is many things, but none of them are chic.” Did that bother you? All in all, did you agree with how they characterized JJ’s?
A: I mean, for me, I think that was a compliment. For my bar, they kind of hit the nail on the head. That’s exactly what we’re going for. We’re definitely always trying to be just a more comfy, homey-type place. It appeals to certain people, and it is kind of a throwback. There aren’t many places that operate like that anymore. Everything has gotten neater and urban-ish. I like that JJ’s still kind of has that David Lynch movie feel to it. It’s weird, and it’s funny to see people walk into it for the first time. They either love it or hate it within two steps from the door.
Q: Anything to add?
A: I think probably one of the reasons we made it is because every year, we have two or three acts that get big and blow up and we’re catching them on the way up. Future Islands are headlining festivals now. Same with Alabama Shakes and Snarky Puppies.
Hopefully, [being on this list] generates more business. I go out and see shows at other places, but I still feel like we provide the most intimate atmosphere. Our artists will be right there, unloading and setting up in front of you. There’s nowhere for them to hide. You get a different experience coming to JJ’s and seeing a band. At a bigger venue, you don’t get that kind of access.
Contact Casey Phillips at cphillips@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6205. Follow him on Twitter at @PhillipsCTFP.