Wauwatosa, Wisconsin native Jake Paul is a excellent example of a reggae rock artist that elegantly leverages his originality and compositional skills to the service of modern entertainment. His new single ‘Inhale’ demonstrates blazing musical stylings that are sure to appeal to mainstream audiences. This rocker with a performance flair has the right look and the right attitude to become a proper rock / reggae-magnet and audiences around the world are beginning to acknowledge the fact that a new creative force has arisen. Where will he take it from here? One critic wrote of his award-winning work: ‘It is rare to come across an artist with such a 'sublime' balance of great vocals, solid musicianship and edgy songwriting and Jake Paul is such an artist, with this collection of rock reggae gems as undeniable proof.’ We suspect this artist will navigate the future on his own terms, given his obvious passion and musical skills. Independent reporter Alexis Adams recently caught up with Jake Paul to discuss his music and the interesting path by which he came to it.
ALEXIS: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
JAKE PAUL: The first time I experienced that feeling was after we earned a slot on a local radio station’s playlist. I began to see how persistence was paying off and my thoughts changed from “can we do this?” to “we can do this if we keep at it.”
ALEXIS: Your song ’Inhale’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
JAKE PAUL: Initial reaction was euphoria! Hallelujah! I really wanted to get this song out of our local listening area and into the world. Now people that I don’t know personally are re-tweeting it and quoting it on Facebook!
ALEXIS: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
JAKE PAUL: I was having an argument with the love of my life and I was at a point internally where I had some doubts about whether or not we were going to stay together. I thought to myself, “if we break up I want her to know that we could’ve made it if we both try.” So I started reflecting on our memories together and wrote down a list of some of my most memorable moments with her…I didn’t stop writing until the song was finished, which took about an hour
ALEXIS: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
JAKE PAUL: Without a doubt! The catalyst for me was my mother’s unsolved murder. I was 9 when we got the phone call that she was gone and the prime suspect was her boyfriend at the time. He was never convicted so I went to the police station years later to get the official (84 page) report. After reading it, I wrote the song “Hollow.” “I got a big black hole in my restless soul, I’m hollow today.”
ALEXIS: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
JAKE PAUL: I am mainly fun-loving and down-to-earth. I meditate daily and usually come away from my mediations with a laid-back realization that people take life entirely too seriously. On the other hand, I have a dark side that comes out from time to time and I get really serious about writing sad songs (i.e. “In the End,” “Hollow,” “Reap”). For the most part though, I’m all about the sunshine, beaches, and the ocean.
ALEXIS: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
JAKE PAUL: There have been significant ups and downs for sure. On the up side, when I met our bass player a shiver ran down my spine because I knew I was experiencing fate, my Personal Legend (from the book, The Alchemist), and/or I was exactly where I needed to be at the right time. There have been many coincidences and/or signs along the way, and I love my band members for the countless amazing experiences we’ve had together.We are brothers. Every experience came with a valuable lesson. On the down side, several of us have struggled with addiction and that has really taken a toll on our ability to keep the momentum going as a 5-piece band. It seems like when things are going really good, one of us “falls off the edge” and that usually means a break for all of us until we get our sh*t together again.
ALEXIS: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
JAKE PAUL: I always wanted to play in the band at school but my dad wouldn’t allow it (mainly for financial reasons). But I remember back in elementary school I made a guitar out of plywood and fish string and I tuned it so I could play “Stand By Me” in front of my class. In 4th or 5th grade I put on a musical skit for my class and my teacher took me to the office to perform for my principal. I entered the 5th grade talent show and did an old school Rob Bass song “It takes two” where I had half of my body dressed like a woman and the other half like a man to perform the song standing sideways. I’ve been free-styling at parties since high school and I can recall people flipping out as I would bring them into the free-style by describing their appearance or personality to the group through rhymes (“that dude is the best white rapper I ever saw!” they’d say). My dad was a music lover and would blast his music at home, especially in the mornings after a night of partying. I come from a background of “dad was never there” as he moved us into our grandpa’s house and left us but he was definitely a song writer and I imagine that has rubbed off on me.
ALEXIS: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
JAKE PAUL: The rewarding part is connecting with people. When someone comes up after a show and says, “I really like that song, it touched me” that really sparks a chord in my soul. I love to create music! It’s my passion. The challenge is in managing other people! Managing a band has taken its toll on me. I feel like its too draining sometimes. I don’t like telling people what they should do. I wish people would just manage themselves in that regard.
ALEXIS: Who are your role models in music?
JAKE PAUL: I’d have to give most credit to Bob Dylan, Jack Johnson, and Sublime for inspiring me to play music. I admire Dylan’s persistence, courage, and simple, yet creative song writing. I’m soothed by Jack Johnson’s tones. And Sublime is my music of choice at any party. They lift me up. Because of them, I felt compelled to pick up a guitar and play. But I also love Jerry Garcia, Grateful Dead, Layne Staley, Citizen Cope, Pink Floyd, Phish, Jimmy Cliff, Barrington Levy, Bill Withers, and Bob Marley.
ALEXIS: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
JAKE PAUL: Our best performance was at the Hard Rock Café in Chicago. The sound there is amazing and people responded well to us and they didn’t even know us. I love the vibe there and the scenery. One of the most memorable performances (or lack of) is a show in Colorado that we were supposed to play at. We drove 15 hours, arrived at the venue, looked around, dropped off our trailer (so we didn’t have to lug it around downtown Denver) and said “we’re going to dinner and will be back.” But we never returned (until later that night of course to pick up the trailer). The venue was a dump but they promoted it online like it was something more…we had to give’em the ol’ sucker punch. They deserved it for false advertising.
ALEXIS: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
JAKE PAUL: My advice is to test things out. When I was filled with doubt and said, “I’m going to put the music away” something inside of me wouldn’t allow it. I came to a point where I realized that I’m going to make music forever, regardless of the outcome. That is what is important. Advertising is a good thing, but don’t pay for “likes.” Focus on your craft. Be persistent. The reason people say “It’s the journey that matters, not the destination” is because you have to find a way to experience hope. You must dream. What is the alternative? Do you want to grow and evolve or do you want to whither and die? I know miserable millionaires and happy poor folks…so I know that money isn’t the end result I’m looking for. Find your purpose. Meditate on it and follow the path that lights your trail.
ALEXIS: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
JAKE PAUL: I believe the next single will be called “PIE” and it’s about looking for and fighting for a slice of it. It’s an acoustic-based song but then picks up as the full band enters into the mix. I’m working on the next album, “First the hunger, then the thirst.” No release date yet…
It’s been great talking with you and I appreciate our conversation! Take it easy and keep on keepin’ on!
ALEXIS: Wow, that all sounds very exciting! Thank you so much for letting us get to know you a little better. I look forward to hearing and seeing more great things from you in the future.
http://www.jakepaul.org
