We are happy to spend some time today with the talented artist Jacob Walters.
Thank you for taking time to talk with us. You have a new single out- super exciting. As an artist attempting to make a connection with audiences, what has been your focus of theme with this album?
The theme is one of asking hard questions. Attacking what may be thought of as “taboo,” or “hidden.” I found myself taking common acoustic instruments, like marimbas, woodwinds, etc., and kind of flipping them on their head by applying lots of distortions to them. I started saying to myself that I wanted to make a folk album, but as if it was a folk album from an alien planet. I decided to explore the subject matters I was writing about through a series of aspects, which will be released as separate EP’s. The first, Folc, or Folk, explores life cycles and monotony, and how even a non-glamorous reality can be incredibly beautiful. That came out on September 1st. The next, Hearg, which means Altar, explores different spiritualities, and attacks religious institutions that cause harm. Heard will be out on September 29th! Next, Lufiende, meaning Lovers, explores different ways of loving each other, which I think really dives into the idea of taboos and hidden-ness. The next is Deorf, which means industry, and explores problems with our post modern capitalist society, specifically healthcare, and the food industry. Finally, there will be Endestæf, which means epilogue, which just kind of wraps it up in a bow. The titles are Old English translations of modern words, again to represent something that is very vaguely familiar, but somehow still foreign.
I know that was a lot, and very nerdy, but I am so so so so excited about it!!!
If you had to – how would you classify your music?
I’m always trying to kind of mix it up, but I would say at its heart I make pop music. But, I have a ton of influences, and part of my mission is to keep pushing the boundaries of commercialism and pop music! Why can’t pop music be academic? Why can’t academic music be poppy? 🙂
What is the best concert you have been to? What do you like most about playing live?
That is such a hard question! Haha. I think it’s gotta be when I saw Kimbra in Phoenix. I was SO close to the stage, and could see how the music moved through her, her backing band, and the audience. I also was able to meet her, and she is one of my absolute idols, so that was badass. I also saw Queen with my parents, which was really therapeutic and gorgeous, because I grew up listening to Queen with them ALL the time, and that was just a great bonding time.
What I love about playing live is knowing that we are all together for a common purpose, despite differences we may have. Music is a great healer, and a great way to bring people together. It feels like a big party where we all love each other, which really for me, is the ultimate goal. I also just love sharing what I have to say, musically, face to face. It feels much more meaningful, and I sometimes even derive new meanings from the music from playing it live.
How have you evolved as an artist over the last year?
I think that sometimes evolution can actually look like regression on the surface. I spent a lot of time really trying to make my voice a certain way, to fit into a box, and I did the same with my writing. I tried to “make a statement,” or whatever. It was just always try try try try. It was getting to a point where what I was doing didn’t really feel honest. I would listen to myself sing, and I wouldn’t recognize the voice I was using. So, this past year, I really tried to shut off any ideas of comparison or something. I tried to tap into the memory of how I sang when I was young, how we all sing when we’re young, free, vibrant, and flexible. Same with the way I write. I just want to make something honest and meaningful.
Musically, who are you listening to and enjoying right now?
I love this question! Right now, I’ve been really into Kylie Minogue’s new music. I don’t know why but it just gives an adrenaline rush and makes my body move, no matter what I’m doing. Also really enjoying Kesha’s new album. I love the direction she took with it, with its minimalistic and experimental vibe, while still maintaining styles she’s better known for. I’m also big into Arca, she really inspires me to challenge myself and go further with my music and production! I’m also always listening to Björk and Kimbra. I mentioned Kimbra earlier. I never get tired of her music.
Where can we listen to the new album and check out your socials?
-My new music can be heard anywhere music is streamed, but my go-to is Spotify! Here are a couple links!
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/album/2BZtmYpB1Y6wMpJcrIMBiN?si=WB4U0636QFmQu2xrk0nloA
APPLE MUSIC: https://music.apple.com/ca/album/the-eighth-house-i-folc-single/1702628974
BANDCAMP: https://jakewalters.bandcamp.com/album/the-eighth-house-i-folc
Check me out on Instagram and Tik Tok! Sometimes I make silly Tik Toks, but you gotta keep life fun, right? 🙂
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/khakijake/
TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@khakijake
End of Interview