In August, Jager Henry proudly marked the launch of his debut EP, Heart of Thorns, and on Wednesday, November 6, he engaged in an in-depth discussion with Loudwire Nights to explore the creative journey behind it. This milestone represents not just a collection of songs but a personal evolution for Henry as an artist.

“I composed numerous tracks, and while they were impressive, I felt an absence of the right emotional connection,” Henry shared with host Chuck Armstrong. This reflection highlights his dedication to authenticity in music creation, which ultimately led to the powerful songs featured in Heart of Thorns.

He elaborated, “It’s like when you have a thought just out of reach—right on the tip of your tongue—but it won’t come out. I felt I was on the brink of something significant.”

Instead of forcing the existing songs to fit the EP’s theme, Henry made a bold decision to start fresh and create entirely new music. This choice led to a collection of tracks that he stands behind with immense pride and joy.

“The first riff hit me like a spark. I knew immediately, ‘This is it; this is the direction I was meant to take,'” he described passionately.

He continued, expressing the mystery of the process: “There was no clear explanation; it was a moment of awe, wondering how we could replicate that feeling with every song.” This insight into his creative process provides a glimpse into the magic that drives him as an artist.

Jason Bonham’s Enthusiastic Endorsement of Jager Henry’s New Music

Henry’s confidence in his songs for Heart of Thorns was bolstered by an unexpected yet significant endorsement. It was not just about personal satisfaction; he received validation from none other than his father, Jason Bonham.

“There were tracks I shared with my dad that simply didn’t resonate with him,” Henry recounted, humorously admitting, “He would tell me, ‘Nah, this isn’t it yet, keep trying.'” This candid exchange underscores the high standards they both uphold in music.

READ MORE: Jacoby Shaddix + Chris Daughtry Open Up About Mental Health

However, when Henry sent Heart of Thorns to his father, an unmistakable shift occurred.

“He was genuinely surprised. ‘Whoa, this is something special. Let me connect with a friend to ensure the right ears hear this,'” Henry recounted, thrilled by his father’s reaction.

“For me, it’s not about hitting a billion streams. My dad’s approval meant everything. It was the one project I never expected him to enjoy, considering the heavy screams and intensity. Hearing him say he liked it was the pinnacle of my artistic journey.” This heartfelt moment reflects the deep bond between father and son and their shared passion for music.

Insights from Jager Henry’s Conversation on Loudwire Nights

• His greatest inspiration while crafting Heart of Thorns: “Daughtry … I actually have an unreleased track that I sent to his team, hoping for a response. So Chris, if you’re [listening to] this, please check it out; I believe you could turn it into a Platinum hit.”
• His experiences opening for his father’s band: “It’s such an incredible honor to perform alongside him. I know he wished he could have done this with his own dad, which makes it even more special.”
• The defining moment that shifted his focus from drummer to frontman: “Seeing AC/DC live was transformative. I realized I wanted to be out front, engaging with the audience, not hidden behind the kit.” This revelation showcases his passion for performance and connection with fans.

Catch the Full Interview in the Podcast Player Below

Jager Henry was featured on Loudwire Nights on Wednesday, November 6; the show is available for replay online here, and you can catch it live every weeknight at 7 PM ET. Additionally, check for availability on your local radio station, and listen to insightful interviews on-demand.