Please review this selection of frequently asked questions before posting any new threads in the main forums.
Updated: 8/22/08
Frequently Asked Questions: Music & Merch
Frequently Asked Questions: Album/Song Specific
When will Jason next be on tour?
The latest tour dates are always available at Jason's official website, as well as listed on his MySpace page. Sign up for Jason's mailing list to ensure that you are the first to know about the latest tour dates in a city near you!
How can I get Jason to come to my city?
If you would like to suggest your city for a future Mraz concert, please visit this thread. If you are the booking agent for your local venue, Jason is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency. Serious inquiries only, please.
Can I also buy the merchandise sold at shows online?
Yes. Most items are available at the Jason Mraz online store.
How many albums has Jason released with his record label?
Three studio albums, one live CD/DVD, several single and acoustic EPs (both in print and digital), and one digital LP. Most notably:
How many albums did Jason independently release?
Before signing with Elektra Records (now Atlantic) in 2002, Jason released four independent albums:
Where can I buy Jason's albums?
Jason's albums are available at his live shows, as well as at the Jason Mraz online store, online stores such Amazon.com and Awarestore.com, and all major record stores in the United States.
Where can I find Jason's albums that are now out of print?
Until recently, Live at Java Joe's remained available for purchase at the online store but has since been removed. It can still be purchased at Awarestore.com. The rest of Jason's independent albums are now out of print, but actively traded between fans for free. Check the trading forum for more information and offers. Original copies occasionally appear on Ebay, but the overpriced purchase of such items is not encouraged by the majority of Mraz fans.
Where can I download unreleased and/or new songs?
While MP3s of live and unreleased material have been previously shared on RKOP, Jason's management kindly asks that there be no trading of live material in MP3 format. SHN and FLAC format, however, are approved, as is the trading of previously released studio recordings in MP3 format. Please see this thread for more information.
When will Jason's next album be released?
Jason's most recent studio album, We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things, was released in the U.S. on May 13, 2008.
Where can I find lyrics?
One of the most comprehensive lists of lyrics can be found at Common Pleasure.
Where can I find tabs?
The Musician's forum is a great place to start, as well as the archive at Common Pleasure.
Where can I watch official Mraz videos online? (music videos, blogs, etc.)
The media section of Jason's official site offers a small collection of videos. Jason also has an official YouTube channel, featuring music videos, live performances, and video blogs, that can be located here.
Where can I find the Uncle Crispy videos?
Uncle Crispy's videos from Java Joe's are also available on YouTube, as well as at his website.
What is the Homemade CD and where can I buy it?
Before Jason signed his record deal, he frequently recorded new tracks at home. The Homemade disc was one such compilation of songs (out of many that Jason would burn for friends) that Jason approved to be openly traded. It was never released or sold at shows. The unofficial title of Homemade has incorrectly led fans to believe that it is a disc Jason released while he was playing in San Diego; instead, it is one of many "homemade" disc out there that made it into the trading circle.
Track listing for the disc most frequently shared (recorded circa. 2000):
1. Best Seat in the House
2. Burning Bridges
3. Run Boy, Run
4. One Find
5. Wear Your Sign
6. Strange
7. Falling All Over the World
8. Water
9. Running
10. Eyes Open (Remember My Name)
11. Take Me Away
12. God Moves Through You
13. The Boy's Gone
14. Stranger in the Sky (Make Believe)
What is Before Rockets and Roosters?
What is "Before Rockets and Roosters"?Shortly after Jason's major label debut was released on October 15, 2002, fans expressed several negative opinions regarding the new album, claiming that the CD was too "produced." Philly Brentnall created this concept CD on November 2, 2002, and distributed the disc through a mass B&P of 60+ participants soon after. Using acoustic recordings taped by Peter Brentnall at Java Joe's during January and June of 2002, Philly produced this CD as the unofficial live companion to Waiting For My Rocket To Come. Before Rockets and Roosters features live versions of each song on the studio release. This way, Philly hoped that everyone was satisfied.
Where can I find set lists?
CommonPleasure.org (formerly Mrazmerized.com) contains the most comprehensive setlist archive.
Do people tape Jason's shows? Where can I download live recordings?
Many Mraz fans have recorded his live shows since 2000. A large archive of those shows can be located at Archive.org. Many of the shows are in SHN format, which stands for shorten. It was developed by SoundSoft and compresses music files to 50-60% of their original size with no loss in quality. To listen to them, you'll need to download a decompression program. NOTE: To preserve the recording's quality, tapers request that you refrain from trading in MP3 format unless otherwise specified.
What is Jason's taping policy?
As defined by Bill Silva Management on 8/22/08:
I want to start recording live shows. What do I need and where do I begin?
Mraz taper Tyler Huff compiled a great guide for beginners here.
Why can't I download Jason's previous releases at Archive.org?
Archive.org only hosts live fan recordings on their servers. While Sold Out (In Stereo) is a live show compiation, Archive.org will not host the album because it was previously sold at shows.
What is a B&P?
B&P stands for blanks & postage. It's an exchange that provides a way for new fans to collect some live shows when they have none to tade. Check the trading forum for the latest offers and requests. A full explanation can be found here.
What is the two-week rule?
It is generally considered bad practice within the trading community to request a show recording any less than two weeks after the show has taken place. Sometimes it only takes a taper a couple of days to release a recording, but it is important to remember that it takes a certain amount of time to convert a show recording and prepare it for distribution. In appreciation of the taper's efforts, it is expected that fans allow the taper at least two weeks to get the show ready for trading.
What does "lacubrious" mean (as sung in I'll Do Anything)?
la·cu·bri·ous
Pronunciation: la-'cü-brE-&s also -'cyü-
Function: adjective
Etymology: irregular derived with a positive twist from lackadaisical
1 : Chill Out; especially : exaggeratedly or affectedly becoming less tense or reserved < " I can be lacubrious wit' you." - J. Mraz>
2 : Relaxed: a lacubrious feeling
Idioms be at ease, breathe easily, feel at home, make oneself at home
- la·cu·bri·ous·ly adverb
- la·cu·bri·ous·ness noun
- Dr. La·cu·bri·ous title
* this word was made up and cannot be found in the dictionary
* not "lugubrious" or "a cool breeze with you"
Does Jason mention "Philly" in Curbside Prophet? Is he referring to the RKOP admin of the same name?
Yes, he does... but no, he isn't.
Who is Elsa the Dog in Curbside Prophet?
Elsa is producer John Alagia's dog. She was present during the recording of Jason's first album.
The lyrics of The Remedy (I Won't Worry) sound very similar to part of earlier recordings of Dreamlife of Rand McNally. What's the deal with that?
The first verse of The Remedy was originally featured in the middle of Dreamlife of Rand McNally. After writing The Remedy, Jason admitted that the first verse had always been part of a song concept he'd wanted to share but could never write to a point where it could stand alone. When Elektra (his record label at the time) heard what he had, they encouraged him to complete the song and include it on his debut album.
I heard that The Remedy (I Won't Worry) was inspired by someone who had cancer. Is this true?
From People Magazine (Aug. 25, 2003):
I heard that On Love, In Sadness and Tonight, Not Again were originally poems written by someone else. Is that true?
Both songs were inspired by and adapted from On Love, In Sadness and Tonight (Not Again), original poems by Jenny Keene.
I recognize the lines "our house / in the middle of the street" featured in 0% Interest. Is this a reference to another song?
That segment is a partial cover of Our House by Madness.
Why does Jason "change the station to 'f-eh m-eh'" at the end of 0% Interest?
In Spanish the letters FM (implying radio, explaining the "change the station" part) are pronounced as "f-eh m-eh." The part following this line is sung in Spanish, a tribute of sorts to performing in San Diego.
What language is Toca singing in during 0% Interest and what is he saying?
Toca likes to refer to his solo as Afro scat. In reality, he's not saying anything at all.. It's scat and therefore not a real language.
Updated: 8/22/08
Frequently Asked Questions: Music & Merch
- When will Jason next be on tour?
- How can I get Jason to come to my city?
- Can I also buy the merchandise sold at shows online?
- How many albums has Jason released with his record label?
- How many albums did Jason independently release?
- Where can I buy Jason's albums?
- Where can I find Jason's albums that are now out of print?
- Where can I download unreleased and/or new songs?
- When will Jason's next album be released?
- Where can I find lyrics?
- Where can I find tabs?
- Where can I watch official Mraz videos online? (music videos, blogs, etc.)
- Where can I find the Uncle Crispy videos?
- What is the Homemade CD and where can I buy it?
- What is Before Rockets and Roosters?
- Where can I find set lists?
- Do people tape Jason's shows? Where can I download live recordings?
- What is Jason's taping policy?
- I want to start recording live shows. What do I need and where do I begin?
- Why can't I download Jason's previous releases at Archive.org?
- What is a B&P?
- What is the two-week rule?
Frequently Asked Questions: Album/Song Specific
- What does "lacubrious" mean (as sung in I'll Do Anything)?
- Does Jason mention "Philly" in Curbside Prophet? Is he referring to the RKOP admin of the same name?
- Who is Elsa the Dog in Curbside Prophet?
- The lyrics of The Remedy (I Won't Worry) sound very similar to part of earlier recordings of Dreamlife of Rand McNally. What's the deal with that?
- I heard that The Remedy (I Won't Worry) was inspired by someone who had cancer. Is this true?
- I heard that On Love, In Sadness and Tonight, Not Again were originally poems written by someone else. Is that true?
- I recognize the lines "our house / in the middle of the street" featured in 0% Interest. Is this a reference to another song?
- Why does Jason "change the station to 'f-eh m-eh'" at the end of 0% Interest?
- What language is Toca singing in during 0% Interest and what is he saying?
When will Jason next be on tour?
The latest tour dates are always available at Jason's official website, as well as listed on his MySpace page. Sign up for Jason's mailing list to ensure that you are the first to know about the latest tour dates in a city near you!
How can I get Jason to come to my city?
If you would like to suggest your city for a future Mraz concert, please visit this thread. If you are the booking agent for your local venue, Jason is represented by Paradigm Talent Agency. Serious inquiries only, please.
Can I also buy the merchandise sold at shows online?
Yes. Most items are available at the Jason Mraz online store.
How many albums has Jason released with his record label?
Three studio albums, one live CD/DVD, several single and acoustic EPs (both in print and digital), and one digital LP. Most notably:
- Waiting For My Rocket To Come (October 15, 2002)
- Tonight, Not Again: Jason Mraz Live at the Eagles Ballroom (August 24, 2004)
- Mr. A-Z (July 26, 2005)
- Selections For Friends (2006 digital live LP)
- We Sing EP (March 18, 2008)
- We Dance EP (April 15, 2008)
- We Steal Things EP (May 13, 2008)
- We Sing. We Dance. We
Steal Things. (May 13, 2008)
How many albums did Jason independently release?
Before signing with Elektra Records (now Atlantic) in 2002, Jason released four independent albums:
- A Jason Mraz Demonstration (1999)
- Live at Java Joe's (2001)
- The E Minor EP in F (2001)
- Sold Out (In Stereo) (2002)
Where can I buy Jason's albums?
Jason's albums are available at his live shows, as well as at the Jason Mraz online store, online stores such Amazon.com and Awarestore.com, and all major record stores in the United States.
Where can I find Jason's albums that are now out of print?
Until recently, Live at Java Joe's remained available for purchase at the online store but has since been removed. It can still be purchased at Awarestore.com. The rest of Jason's independent albums are now out of print, but actively traded between fans for free. Check the trading forum for more information and offers. Original copies occasionally appear on Ebay, but the overpriced purchase of such items is not encouraged by the majority of Mraz fans.
Where can I download unreleased and/or new songs?
While MP3s of live and unreleased material have been previously shared on RKOP, Jason's management kindly asks that there be no trading of live material in MP3 format. SHN and FLAC format, however, are approved, as is the trading of previously released studio recordings in MP3 format. Please see this thread for more information.
When will Jason's next album be released?
Jason's most recent studio album, We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things, was released in the U.S. on May 13, 2008.
Where can I find lyrics?
One of the most comprehensive lists of lyrics can be found at Common Pleasure.
Where can I find tabs?
The Musician's forum is a great place to start, as well as the archive at Common Pleasure.
Where can I watch official Mraz videos online? (music videos, blogs, etc.)
The media section of Jason's official site offers a small collection of videos. Jason also has an official YouTube channel, featuring music videos, live performances, and video blogs, that can be located here.
Where can I find the Uncle Crispy videos?
Uncle Crispy's videos from Java Joe's are also available on YouTube, as well as at his website.
What is the Homemade CD and where can I buy it?
Before Jason signed his record deal, he frequently recorded new tracks at home. The Homemade disc was one such compilation of songs (out of many that Jason would burn for friends) that Jason approved to be openly traded. It was never released or sold at shows. The unofficial title of Homemade has incorrectly led fans to believe that it is a disc Jason released while he was playing in San Diego; instead, it is one of many "homemade" disc out there that made it into the trading circle.
Track listing for the disc most frequently shared (recorded circa. 2000):
1. Best Seat in the House
2. Burning Bridges
3. Run Boy, Run
4. One Find
5. Wear Your Sign
6. Strange
7. Falling All Over the World
8. Water
9. Running
10. Eyes Open (Remember My Name)
11. Take Me Away
12. God Moves Through You
13. The Boy's Gone
14. Stranger in the Sky (Make Believe)
What is Before Rockets and Roosters?
What is "Before Rockets and Roosters"?Shortly after Jason's major label debut was released on October 15, 2002, fans expressed several negative opinions regarding the new album, claiming that the CD was too "produced." Philly Brentnall created this concept CD on November 2, 2002, and distributed the disc through a mass B&P of 60+ participants soon after. Using acoustic recordings taped by Peter Brentnall at Java Joe's during January and June of 2002, Philly produced this CD as the unofficial live companion to Waiting For My Rocket To Come. Before Rockets and Roosters features live versions of each song on the studio release. This way, Philly hoped that everyone was satisfied.
Where can I find set lists?
CommonPleasure.org (formerly Mrazmerized.com) contains the most comprehensive setlist archive.
Do people tape Jason's shows? Where can I download live recordings?
Many Mraz fans have recorded his live shows since 2000. A large archive of those shows can be located at Archive.org. Many of the shows are in SHN format, which stands for shorten. It was developed by SoundSoft and compresses music files to 50-60% of their original size with no loss in quality. To listen to them, you'll need to download a decompression program. NOTE: To preserve the recording's quality, tapers request that you refrain from trading in MP3 format unless otherwise specified.
What is Jason's taping policy?
As defined by Bill Silva Management on 8/22/08:
JASON MRAZ PERFORMANCE OFFICIAL TAPING POLICY
Jason Mraz allows audio taping at almost every live performance. We feel that each show is unique and want to offer our fans the opportunity to recreate the live experience through the audio reproduction of our shows. At all taping authorized performances, tapers can tape from any ticketed seating location in the venue. Also, for many of these performances tapers are able to purchase tickets for a specially designated taper section, normally located immediately behind the soundboard. No soundboard or power feeds are provided. When Jason Mraz is not headlining a show we always defer to the taping policy of the headliner or the festival.
Taping is limited to audio-only, using only microphones. Please, no wireless receivers. We sincerely appreciate all of our fans, so we ask that you please be considerate of those around you by not obstructing anyone else's view of the performance. We do not allow still photography or video taping.
When taper tickets are available for a particular show, they are released concurrently with general seating tickets. To obtain designated taper tickets, contact the venue's box office.
All recordings must be used for personal use or trading only. Selling or commercializing any recording is illegal. Please read our Bootleg Statement for more information.
From time to time we may record some of our shows for a live album or DVD, and we may not allow taping at those shows or we may notify you that we are going to commercially release our tapes from the show at which time we will ask you to withdraw all of your tapes from that show(s) from further trading.
All audio and video performances belong to Jason Mraz and are not available for promotional use without the prior written consent of Jason Mraz. Please read our Bootleg Statement for more information.
Jason endorses the creation of fan web sites; however, the images, audio, and video material found on www.jasonmraz.com belongs to Jason Mraz and may only be used with prior consent from Jason Mraz. Please fax us on +1 310-651-3345 attn: Mraz Info, or send an email to: info@jasonmraz.com
All lyrics, CD covers, and other original artwork designed by or for Jason Mraz belong to Jason Mraz. Please respect the artist's ownership and refrain from infringing upon copyrights.
BOOTLEG STATEMENT
A notice to our fans about Bootleg Recordings:
We would like to let you know that Jason encourages the taping of his performances, but only for personal use, including trading, as outlined in the Taping Policy Statement. The resale of recordings of our concerts is a concern to us, but primarily, they are an illegal use that threaten the taping privileges. We would be extremely grateful to any of you who pass along information about commercialized bootleg recordings. We encourage you to fax us the name and locations of any retailers or distributors of bootleg CD's along with the titles and quantities in stock. We can be reached by fax at +1 310-651-3345 attn: Mraz Info or send an email to: info@jasonmraz.com Thanks.
Audience taping at Jason Mraz concerts is authorized for non-commercial purposes only. Unauthorized sale, duplication and/or distribution is strictly forbidden. All Jason Mraz performances and recordings are the exclusive property of Jason Mraz. All rights reserved. The privileges to record Jason Mraz performances set forth in this policy constitute an express, revocable license. We reserve the right to withdraw our sanction of recording, tape trading, and/or non-commercial digital audio file transfers on a case specific basis or in general, as we deem necessary. No waiver of any copyright or trademark right is intended.
I want to start recording live shows. What do I need and where do I begin?
Mraz taper Tyler Huff compiled a great guide for beginners here.
Why can't I download Jason's previous releases at Archive.org?
Archive.org only hosts live fan recordings on their servers. While Sold Out (In Stereo) is a live show compiation, Archive.org will not host the album because it was previously sold at shows.
What is a B&P?
B&P stands for blanks & postage. It's an exchange that provides a way for new fans to collect some live shows when they have none to tade. Check the trading forum for the latest offers and requests. A full explanation can be found here.
What is the two-week rule?
It is generally considered bad practice within the trading community to request a show recording any less than two weeks after the show has taken place. Sometimes it only takes a taper a couple of days to release a recording, but it is important to remember that it takes a certain amount of time to convert a show recording and prepare it for distribution. In appreciation of the taper's efforts, it is expected that fans allow the taper at least two weeks to get the show ready for trading.
What does "lacubrious" mean (as sung in I'll Do Anything)?
la·cu·bri·ous
Pronunciation: la-'cü-brE-&s also -'cyü-
Function: adjective
Etymology: irregular derived with a positive twist from lackadaisical
1 : Chill Out; especially : exaggeratedly or affectedly becoming less tense or reserved < " I can be lacubrious wit' you." - J. Mraz>
2 : Relaxed: a lacubrious feeling
Idioms be at ease, breathe easily, feel at home, make oneself at home
- la·cu·bri·ous·ly adverb
- la·cu·bri·ous·ness noun
- Dr. La·cu·bri·ous title
* this word was made up and cannot be found in the dictionary
* not "lugubrious" or "a cool breeze with you"
Does Jason mention "Philly" in Curbside Prophet? Is he referring to the RKOP admin of the same name?
Yes, he does... but no, he isn't.
Who is Elsa the Dog in Curbside Prophet?
Elsa is producer John Alagia's dog. She was present during the recording of Jason's first album.
The lyrics of The Remedy (I Won't Worry) sound very similar to part of earlier recordings of Dreamlife of Rand McNally. What's the deal with that?
The first verse of The Remedy was originally featured in the middle of Dreamlife of Rand McNally. After writing The Remedy, Jason admitted that the first verse had always been part of a song concept he'd wanted to share but could never write to a point where it could stand alone. When Elektra (his record label at the time) heard what he had, they encouraged him to complete the song and include it on his debut album.
I heard that The Remedy (I Won't Worry) was inspired by someone who had cancer. Is this true?
From People Magazine (Aug. 25, 2003):
"The Remedy (I Won't Worry)" was inspired after a good friend was diagnosed with bone cancer. "He would tell me, 'Dude, don't worry about it. Living through this is going to be the best thing,' says Mraz, whose pal Charlie Mingroni is now in remission and living in the singer's L.A. apartment. "What's cool is that the success of 'The Remedy' is paying his rent."
I heard that On Love, In Sadness and Tonight, Not Again were originally poems written by someone else. Is that true?
Both songs were inspired by and adapted from On Love, In Sadness and Tonight (Not Again), original poems by Jenny Keene.
I recognize the lines "our house / in the middle of the street" featured in 0% Interest. Is this a reference to another song?
That segment is a partial cover of Our House by Madness.
Why does Jason "change the station to 'f-eh m-eh'" at the end of 0% Interest?
In Spanish the letters FM (implying radio, explaining the "change the station" part) are pronounced as "f-eh m-eh." The part following this line is sung in Spanish, a tribute of sorts to performing in San Diego.
What language is Toca singing in during 0% Interest and what is he saying?
Toca likes to refer to his solo as Afro scat. In reality, he's not saying anything at all.. It's scat and therefore not a real language.
