Following on from the release of his self-titled debut EP on Friday, we roll out a Q&A with Aussie pop/R&B performer Jakob.
He gives us a run down of he journey so far, along with a track by track analysis of the new EP.
Not only that, but he teases that even more new music will be on the way soon.
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, welcome to our latest Q&A.
Q. Congratulations firstly on the release of your debut EP. You must be thrilled that it’s finally out in the world.
A. Thank you so much! I’m so stoked that the record is finally out. I have worked for like two years on this EP and for it to finally be out, it’s amazing!
Q. What have been some of the challenges you’ve faced in the transition from boyband member into an artist in your own right?
A. I don’t feel as though there were any challenges with the transition. This has always been something that I’ve wanted to do. I have had so much fun with this project thus far.
Q. Naturally, being a solo artist affords you the opportunity to forge a fresh new path. How much work has gone in to finding the ‘Jakob’ sound?
So much work has gone into it. Many long days and nights have been spent on this project, after all of that everything feels totally right and I definitely know who I am.
Q. How have former fans of the band reacted to your new music? (Presumably they’re all still along for the ride?)
A. The reaction has been great. Everyone has been so supportive and have loved the songs so far. I am grateful for them as well as the new supporters of my music for the love.
Q. Which artists have helped inspire you in the creation of your EP?
A. I have loads of inspirations. I think people like Frank Ocean, Kanye West, The Weeknd and Childish Gambino are artists who go beyond just making music, they strive to make art. I aspire to do the exact same.
Q. How did your time in LA help shape the release?
Going to LA helped loads. I really found who I was as an artist when I was there and discovered what I was going to sound like with the help of so many people who I collaborated with. I’m so thankful for that experience.
Q. Can you tell us a little bit about each song and the meanings behind them?
A. Intro : This track is the opening scene. A rainy vibe that sets the scene and positioning for the record you’re about to hear.
Crazy : This is the beginning of the story. Like a lot of movies, I start this story from the very end. It’s an emotional song about my feelings towards someone else who looks a lot happier than I was, not being together any longer.
Secrets : This is where I met that someone. The initial feeling after seeing that person. Wanting to know everything about them, everything they want in life and to send the message that they can open up and that all their secrets would be safe with me.
Lie : This is after the discovery that the other person is with someone else. She constantly asks me for advice and what to do about her toxic relationship. Me being the person I am, I will never tell someone to do anything but encourage them to do what they think is right, so I constantly lied to help her but all I wanted to say was that she should’ve been with me instead.
Half Burned Cigarette : ‘Half Burned Cigarette’ is the initial reaction when everything collapsed. Whether it worked out or it didn’t after all, is up for the listeners imagination. I didn’t see the split coming and this song was my first reaction to it.
All I See (Out My Window) : ‘All I See’ is my reflection of the falling out. After some time and space, I am still heart broken by thinking about all the unkept promises and being let down when all I ever tried to do was give my everything. The ending of the entire record is my attempt to move on by leaving it all behind me to grow as a musician, a lover and a man.
Q. Which of the songs on the EP means the most to you? And why?
A. I can’t say I’ve got a specific song that means more than the other. For me it feels as though they’re all one big song fading into each other.
Q. Which will be plucked for single status next? Or will you surprise us all and drop something entirely new?
A. Everyone will have to wait and see hahahaha.
Q. Will you be doing some live shows in the not-too-distant future?
A. Yes I have just played my first show in Sydney at The Vanguard. It was epic. Definitely have some things in the works for more.
Q. Given there’s now been an EP, will there be an album in the future? Or do you think the format has lost its relevance in today’s streaming environment?
A. I’ve always wanted to make an album, so no matter the relevancy it has in today’s age I will be making one and putting it out. Yes there will be an album and it has already been started.
Q. How do you usually consume music? Though streaming services? Downloads? Physical product?
A. I stream music. I think streaming is great for music as it allows more people to discover new artists from anywhere around the world.
Q. When was the last time you bought a physical product? And whose was it?
A. I really cannot remember. I want to start collecting vinyls which is really cool to me, so I’m definitely getting into getting more physical copies of records.
Q. Who are some of the artists you’re rating at the moment?
A. I’m really loving music from Lauv, Lany, Ruel and Brockhampton. They all have different sounds but I’m just in love with the different concepts that are intertwined within each other.
Q. What are the three songs on highest rotation on your playlist right now?
A. Hmmmmm… I’d say the new Billie Eilish track ‘Everything I Wanted’, ‘Face To Face’ by Ruel and ‘Loving Is Easy’ from Rex Orange County.
Q. How do you think the Jakob sound will evolve from here?
A. I’d say that the next phase of Jakob is going to have a lot more live instruments and is going to bring a little bit of old school back to mainstream music. Some of the songs from the album stem from a lot of past influences for me.
Q. Thanks so much for your time. And congratulations on the release.
A. Thank you guys so much for all support. I hope you enjoy the record!
Jakob’s self-titled debut EP is available at all digital music providers now.
INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/jakobdelgado
FACEBOOK : https://www.facebook.com/jakobdelgadomusic/
TWITTER : https://twitter.com/delgado_jakob
YOUTUBE : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo6f3aIh2PgC8vNVTY7nbxw/
Australia's first stop for pop!