Jane N’ The Jungle Talks “Parasite”—AI, Rock, and Reclaiming Power

Phoenix-based rockers Jane N’ The Jungle are back with a track that hits as hard conceptually as it does sonically. Their new single, “Parasite”, produced by Cameron Mizell (Machine Gun Kelly, Avril Lavigne, Jelly Roll), dives into the growing influence of AI and what it means for our humanity. We spoke with Jordan White and Brian Dellis about the inspiration behind the song, the creative process, and where the band is headed next.

Phoenix’s Jane N’ The Jungle have always thrived at the intersection of grit and spectacle, carving out a space where theatrical intensity meets hard rock aggression. With “Parasite”, they stake a claim in the modern metal/rock conversation, riffing on the anxieties of an AI-driven age while keeping the visceral punch of their garage-band roots. Think a collision between the socially conscious bite of early Tool and the punk-infused swagger of ’90s alternative, but filtered through a contemporary lens where digital alienation is the enemy. The song doesn’t just land—it scratches at something deeper, forcing listeners to reckon with a world in which we risk being complicit in our own obsolescence.

Produced by Cameron Mizell, the track walks a tightrope between polished precision and raw, kinetic chaos. Mizell’s influence is clear in the way the guitars and vocals are sculpted, but Jane N’ The Jungle refuses to let the studio smooth away their edge. Jordan White’s vocals oscillate between visceral screams and controlled intensity, channeling frustration and urgency without ever slipping into overstatement. It’s a risky move—lean too hard into theatrics, and the message can drown—but here, the theatricality amplifies the emotional stakes instead of undermining them.

“Parasite” positions the band within a broader cultural conversation: what it means to remain human in the shadow of AI. Unlike bands that skirt topical issues, Jane N’ The Jungle tackles it head-on, reclaiming agency and inviting listeners into the debate. It’s hard rock as philosophical provocation, but never pedantic—the song’s teeth are in its riffs, its lungs, its sheer audacity. You can hear the lineage of socially conscious rock acts, from Rage Against the Machine to modern acts like Jinjer, but Jane N’ The Jungle adds a theatrical bite and melodic sophistication that makes them distinctly their own.

The track also signals evolution, both sonically and narratively. Where early songs like Concrete Jungle and Disco Lemonade traded raw vulnerability for adrenaline, “Parasite” balances grit with conceptual weight, hinting at a band unafraid to take creative risks. It’s a pivotal moment in their journey: a statement that Jane N’ The Jungle is growing, not just in skill, but in cultural relevance and artistic ambition. With “Parasite”, they’ve delivered a record that makes you nod, think, and maybe even squirm—a rare feat in a landscape where hard rock often plays it safe.

Q&A: Behind “Parasite”

Q1: The title “Parasite” is provocative and layered. What sparked the concept, and how did it evolve?

Jordan White: I wanted to write a song about AI and how it’s making us feel less human. The “Parasite” theme quickly came to mind, and we based the song around that idea.

Q2: With “Parasite”, did the weight of the theme—AI reshaping our lives—change how you approached writing or recording?

Jordan: It came together very naturally. I’d say we wrote it similarly to how we write our other songs. It was organic and authentic to our style.

Q3: What was it like collaborating with Cameron Mizell on this track?

Jordan: Cameron was great to work with—so talented! Writing “Parasite” while his production was happening in real time allowed us to see some of his studio magic firsthand. It was fun and inspiring.

Q4: How did you channel Jane N’ The Jungle’s theatrical intensity into “Parasite” without losing its raw grit?

Jordan: I have a BFA in musical theater, and that background shows in our music. I write about topics I feel passionate about, which helps convey that raw sense of grit while keeping the energy theatrical.

Q5: Do you see “Parasite” as more of a warning, or about reclaiming power in a world shaped by technology?

Jordan: It’s about reclaiming power. We choose whether to be creators or just passengers on the ride as technology evolves.

Q6: How does “Parasite” reflect where Jane N’ The Jungle stands today?

Jordan: We’ve come a long way from our garage days. “Parasite” marks a new era, pushing us toward a modern hard rock and metal sound. We’re also working on a new project that reflects our current artistic direction.

Q7: Does tackling a subject like AI align with socially conscious rock, or is it a personal reckoning?

Jordan: It aligns with socially conscious rock. As artists, we need to address current issues that challenge us and make listeners reflect.

Q8: Your vocals are often described as a visceral punch. What emotions did you tap into for “Parasite”?

Jordan: I feel the emotions in my gut and channel that through my voice—frustration and pain help convey the intensity of the song.

Q9: Where does “Parasite” fit in your broader storytelling arc?

Jordan: It’s pivotal. The song lays the foundation for where our music is heading, helping us be intentional about both message and sound.

Q10: Will “Parasite” be part of a bigger narrative or a standalone release?

Jordan: It’s the final single from a project started over two years ago. Songs like “Disco Lemonade” and “Beauty Queen” were originally meant as album deep cuts. Now, Brian and I are working on a new record under a new band name, exploring fresh sounds while staying connected to Jane N’ The Jungle’s ’90s grunge alternative roots.

“Parasite” came out on August 15, 2025, and it signals a bold, introspective, and high-energy chapter for Jane N’ The Jungle—a band unafraid to confront the complexities of modern life with grit, theatricality, and unapologetic honesty.