Spending childhood on tour buses was Pet love for Jonas

Jewish Telegraph, April 2008

GROWING up in the music industry rubbed off on Jonas Stein.
The 21-year-old is making a name for himself as guitarist in indie band Be Your Own Pet, who recently released second album Be Awkward (Ecstatic Peace/XL).
Other members of the rising group are singer Jemina Pearl, bassist Nathan Vasquez and drummer John Eatherly.
Jonas is the son of Burt Stein, who managed music stars like Hank Williams III and Poison’s Vince Neil. Consequently, Stein spent much of his early years on tour buses.
“I grew up with very spiritual parents,” Jonas said. “My father grew up in a strict Jewish family, but seems to have abandoned his religious past and grown into his own opinions of life and spirituality.”
Whilst Jonas — who was influenced by punk legends The Buzzcocks and The Clash — was never barmitzvah, he recalls going to all his friends’ simchot.
He said: “I did attend many barmitzvahs in my past. I had a very good time. They were the first real parties I ever attended. I really enjoyed the experiences.”
He added: “My parents always made me aware of religion and led me on a path to make my own decisions and choices.
“I really appreciate Judaism, but I don’t lean towards any one religion. I am still up for learning about all religions and developing my own opinions on things.”
Jonas said: “I started getting into rock ’n’ roll when I was 11 and started playing with my friends. Since then, things have been progressing in very positive ways.
“My parents did support my band and the fortunate success we were getting.”
Jonas used his father’s music experiences to help his development. He said: “I like to ask him questions about things that confuse me. He’s been around the block and can usually give me logical answers and explanations about the music industry
“He is good at giving me good advice on things.”
Be Your Own Pet were overnight sensations in Britain thanks to the support of the music press — something Jonas describes as “one of the most shocking things of my life”.
The group released their first single, Damn Damn Leash, in late 2004 and followed it with their debut self-titled album in 2006.
Has it been hard for Jonas to be in the public spotlight since he was young?
“I don’t know much about any spotlight,” he said, “but it was very crazy being in a hype band at the age of 17. I was too young to be able to mentally comprehend all of the crazy music industry folk.”
Jonas and Eatherly also play together in a band called Turbo Fruits, along with their friend Max Peebles.
http://beyourownpet.net/site/