Jet West, Dropping In

“Our music intertwines upbeat reggae riffs with fist-pumping, melodic rock,” says Jet West singer/guitarist Scott Floquet. “We pull influences from blues, funk, country, and we’re even starting to experiment with techno.”

Jet West’s debut Dropping In was released late last year. “The album title is based on where our band is currently in the music industry,” says singer/guitarist Chris Warner. “We understand that we are just ‘dropping in’ with our debut album, just as we love to drop down waves from San Diego to Mexico.”

Jet West’s first music video, for their song “Sunday,” was recently filmed at locales in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach. “Not until the past couple years have I really appreciated that day,” says Floquet. “Sunday used to be the day before school or work, loaded with a curfew, which hindered my ability to enjoy the moment. My perspective has changed. Sunday is a release from the rat-packed clubs and faded, dreamlike memories. It became a day to appreciate our beautiful California weather. And what better way to appreciate the moment than when there are no plans?”

The band includes bassist Deren Schneider and drummer Derek Potter.

WHAT’S IN YOUR MUSIC PLAYER?

Warner:

1) Slightly Stoopid, The Longest Barrel Ride. “Their second album has stood the test of time.”

2) Strike Twelve, Killing California. “Their freedom of life expression in their music reminds me of Thrice and NOFX.”

3) Sublime Acoustic, Bradley Nowell & Friends. “In rotation for life.”

Potter:

1) My Morning Jacket, Okonokos. “I once boarded fresh powder at a Vail ski resort for eight hours with this album on repeat all day.”

2) Band of Skulls, Baby Darling Doll Face Honey. “I’m straight-up addicted to their old-school rock and roll sound.”

3) Incubus, Morning View. “I bought this album when I was 16, and I honestly don’t think it has ever come out of my rotation.”

Floquet:

1) Queens of the Stone Age, Era Vulgaris. “Melodic singing over trance rock.”

2) Rodrigo y Gabriela, 11:11. “Two guitar players who combine Metallica-style riffs with flamenco guitars.”

3) The Raconteurs, Consolers of the Lonely. “Jack White tends to break free from conventional rock and strives to find original sounds.”

ANY FEARS OR PHOBIAS?

Potter: “Giant spiderwebs — the ones you don’t notice until after you’ve walked straight through them and your body has gone into a terrifying breakdance of confusion and agony.”

WHO SHOULD PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE?

Potter: “I’ve been told I resemble Kevin Bacon. Preferably the 1984 Kevin Bacon.”

Floquet: “Ty Burrell, who plays Phil in Modern Family. He knows how to laugh about things in life we all take too seriously.”

Schneider: “Chevy Chase from the old Vacation movies.”

WHERE DO YOU TAKE OUT-OF-TOWN VISITORS?

Potter: “South Beach in O.B., for San Diego’s best fish tacos.”

Floquet: “Sunset Cliffs is a great place to drink beer — without being hassled by overweight cops that are too lazy to walk down the side of the cliff.”

BIGGEST REGRET?

Warner: “Failing out of Chico State College.”

Potter: “Not discovering the California burrito before the age of 22.”

BIGGEST QUESTION YOU WANT ANSWERED?

Schneider: “Why does this country give so much money to illegals and to people who blatantly milk the welfare system?”

UGLIEST THING IN YOUR CLOSET?

Potter: “My Bret Michaels getup from Halloween a couple years ago, with snakeskin tights and crocodile boots.”

Floquet: “A dirty, old, oversize, zebra-print jacket. I still think it’s rad.”

SOMETHING WE DON’T KNOW ABOUT YOU?

Warner: “I gave up an $80,000-a-year job to pursue music full time.”

Potter: “I was a contestant on the Price Is Right in 2009.”

Floquet: “My apartment smells of rich mahogany.”

Schneider: “I can’t go to bed before midnight.” ■