Artist Advent Day 16: Jake’s a Gentleman
Written by: Keyali Mikaela
Day 16 of Next Wave's Artist Advent unwraps an exclusive interview with Jake’s A Gentleman. A musical journey sparked by the raw energy of grungy basement shows and fueled by an ever-evolving love for the art, Jake’s A Gentleman delves into the heart of his inspiration. Reflecting on the influences that shape his sound — a dynamic spectrum drawn from the rock and punk scenes of the '90s and early 2000s — he unveils the challenges of navigating a saturated music industry.
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Next Wave: What inspired you to pursue music?
Jake’s A Gentleman: Honestly, it was kind of a slow evolution of really just starting to fall in love with music. I do distinctly remember going to some grungy house show in a basement , and just feeling the energy of everyone there. Went to a a bunch of other shows over the years and I think at some point when I was maybe 14 or 15 I just looked up at the band playing on stage and went holy fuck I want to do that. Started plenty of bands over the years, none of which worked out, so I just started writing songs myself, and eventually things evolved into what I’m doing now.
Next Wave: Who are your musical influences or role models?
Jake’s A Gentleman: I think that I have been influenced by probably more artists then I could even list. Also, my favorite ones change every week. As far as genres pretty much anything that came out of the rock/punk scene in the 90s and early 2000s
Next Wave: What's the most challenging aspect of breaking into the music industry?
Jake’s A Gentleman: Fair amount of it is challenging, but I would say getting people to actually hear your music when there is so much happening in the modern world at all times.
I think, as a society we are a little bit overstimulated, and sometimes we miss or don’t see that we really would love.
Next Wave: How do you go about promoting your music and building your fanbase?
Jake’s A Gentleman: Mostly Instagram and word-of-mouth. Aka shamelessly plugging
Next Wave: How has technology and the internet impacted your music career?
Jake’s A Gentleman: Honestly, it’s an incredible tool to get your music discovered. On the other hand, sometimes it feels like a full-time job, in order to do it right. Everyone I know who does this already has like three jobs. But I don’t think the Internet is gonna go away anytime soon.
Next Wave: Do you have any advice for other up-and-coming musicians trying to make it in the industry?
Jake’s A Gentleman: To be honest, not really. One piece of advice may be the answer for someone, that same advice could be completely wrong or pointless to someone else.
But in general, I would say trust your gut. If you think something’s great, it probably is. If you feel like something is not right, it probably isn’t.
Next Wave: What are your long-term goals and aspirations?
Jake’s A Gentleman: My goals are the same as when I started. I want to make music and play rock shows. How incredible would it be if that somehow paid the bills?
Next Wave: Can you share a memorable moment from your musical journey so far?
Jake’s A Gentleman: OK I guess one thing that did feel very special. Was getting to release the first EP and seeing how people reacted to it live. There’s a lot that goes into this and you don’t really know how it’s gonna turn out until it does or doesn’t. Luckily, I feel like things have been going really well so far.
Next Wave: Can you share a little about your creative process and how you come up with new ideas for songs?
Jake’s A Gentleman: I’ll talk to people, hear their stories, I will monologue by myself in the car while I’m driving. If I think of a phrase or a melody that‘s good, I write it down. Honestly, it’s kind of all over the place. I haven’t done it the same way twice.
Next Wave: What song, ep or album of yours would you recommend to someone who is listening to your music for the first time?
Jake’s A Gentleman: Check out EP No.1 JAKE’s A GENTLEMAN
