In this interview, we talk with Jesse Palmer of Wild Ire, an alternative rock band from Salem, Oregon, known for their energetic live shows and adventurous spirit. As Wild Ire approaches their ten-year anniversary, Jesse reflects on the band’s beginnings, musical influences, and deep connection with Make Music Day—a tradition they’ve helped shape in their community. He shares stories about their costumes, creative process, and the pure love for music that keeps them going strong.
Can you tell us how Wild Ire got started? How did you all meet, and how did you start making music together?
We started probably about ten years ago, in 2015, right around May—so it’s almost our ten-year anniversary. Several people have been in the band, and I met them through our first bass player, Drew. His friend Stefan was a guitar player, and Stefan knew our drummer, Nick. We all just started jamming. They were in high school, and I had just graduated when this all happened. It was pretty easy to find more people because they went to North High School and could find more musicians there.
How would you describe your sound to someone who’s never heard your music?
We have Jake as our singer, and he really likes the poppier stuff, like Justin Bieber. He grew up on the pop side of things, and all the musicians backing him are all pretty virtuosic. We’ve always wanted to push ourselves to new levels of ability. I think we’re like progressive pop, almost, because of that, with a little bit of a rock edge. We love Incubus and Muse, and I write a lot of the music myself, so I pull from them.
What other bands or artists would you say inspired your band’s music?
Polyphia is one of them. They’re kind of newer and similar to our style, where they use trap beats but then have shredding guitar over the top. Sean was another one who kinda did that, although they’re not really around anymore. We definitely pull from everybody, like Rage Against the Machine, or just whoever I’m listening to or obsessed with at the time.
How did you first get involved in Make Music Day?
I think it kinda started in Salem right around when we were starting. I’m pretty sure we’ve played every year since it began in Salem. I’m almost sure the Make Music Foundation in Salem told us that we’re the only band that’s played every year. And we just love it. You don’t see Salem come alive for music nearly as much as it does on Make Music Day. Salemers really go out of their way to find music downtown.
Did the experience feel different from a typical show? How different do you think it is?
We’ve always pushed ourselves for Make Music Day to be our biggest show. We would dress up. When rompers first came back, we all dressed up in rompers. We’ve always had a costume for Make Music Day. Because it’s usually our biggest show, we really put a lot of effort into it, and we’re running out of costumes to wear! Last year, we did country: cowboy hats, tucked-in shirts, cowboy boots, and all that. Every year, we go all out for Make Music Day. It’s our favorite time of the year.
How important do you think having a Make Music Day is for a city? How important is it for the community?
For Salem, it’s huge. I don’t see Salem participating in anything else the way it does for Make Music Day. That’s when everyone comes out, and you can really see how many people actually live here. The streets are empty until that day, and then they’re packed full of people watching music. I think it’s really important—it shows that people want live music, and how much they enjoy it.
What’s next for Wild Ire? Any new music, shows, or projects coming up?
We’re constantly in the studio. Right now we’re recording a new album. We have no idea when it’s going to come out, but we’re slowly working on it. The live music scene in Oregon hasn’t been as fruitful and lively as it used to be since 2020, but it’s starting to come back.
Last question: What advice would you give to new rock bands just starting out?
Most of the time, we don’t play music because we’re expecting anything. I mean, the goal would be for music to be our job, but we do it because we love it. It’s fun to hang out with your bandmates and go to Taco Bell at 2 a.m. Just do it because you love the music, and don’t expect anything except to have fun. If you do that, you’ll have a good time.