In this episode of NS Radio, we have the pleasure of sitting down with one of the hottest rising stars in the music industry, Jakey. With his unique blend of pop and R&B, Jakey has been taking the music world by storm, and we couldn't wait to chat with him about his creative process, inspirations, and future plans.
During this interview, Jakey shared fascinating insights into how he came up with his hit single, "Call It." He spoke about the personal experiences that inspired the song's warm and summery vibe, as well as the creative process that led to its development. We learned how he wanted to capture that indescribable feeling of a perfect summer night, where everything just feels right, and how he aimed to make the song a "time capsule" that would transport listeners back to those moments.
Jakey also discussed how his move from Canada to Los Angeles has influenced his music and helped him find his voice as an artist. He shared how he initially focused on writing songs for other artists but eventually realized that he had the talent and support system to go all-in as a solo artist. He spoke about his inspirations, including his love for early 2000s R&B, and how he plans to stand out in the industry by being true to himself and expressing himself through fashion and art.
As our conversation drew to a close, Jakey teased some exciting upcoming releases and collaborations that he has in the works. He spoke about his dream of putting together a cohesive album and how he plans to make his mark in the industry by creating music that people can truly connect with. With his talent, passion, and unique sound, it's clear that Jakey is a rising star to watch in the music world.
Can you walk us through your creative process from start to finish when you were writing "Call It"? How did you come up with the melody, lyrics, and overall vibe?
The whole journey of creating "Call It" felt really natural. We started with the guitar chords, and the melody and lyrics just flowed from there. I wanted the song to have a super relaxed and laid-back vibe right from the start. When I was writing the lyrics, I was thinking about a summer fling I had at the time. I found myself wanting more from it, and that feeling inspired the song. The chorus captures a moment I wished would last forever.
As an artist, there's something incredibly satisfying about having a vision and bringing it to life perfectly. Even though "Call It" felt easy to create, there's a lot of heart and intention behind it. It's a song that comes from a genuine place, where inspiration meets my personal experience.
"Call It" has a very nostalgic and summery feel. What specific memories or experiences inspired you to create a song with such a vibe?
"Call It" really brings out that warm, nostalgic, summertime feeling. I think a lot of us can relate with not wanting those perfect summer days to end. It's that universal sensation of just chilling, with nothing else to do, and it feels soooo good and nostalgic.
I remember writing this song after one of those unforgettable summer nights. You know the vibes- the soft, golden light sneaking in through the window, that cozy, hazy atmosphere. There's some music playing softly in the background, and you're lying in bed next to someone you're slowly falling for. Those vibes, they're incredibly unique and hard to put into words.
But that's what I aimed to do with this song - capture those indescribable moments. "Call It" is like a time capsule, taking you back to those feelings and memories of a perfect summer night, where everything just felt right.
You mentioned that you draw inspiration from a variety of artists and genres. Can you give us some specific examples of how those influences are reflected in your music?
I get inspiration from a mix of artists and genres. I'm mostly a pop guy, but you'll often hear some R&B influence in my songs. I'm especially inspired by music from the early 2000s because it brings back a sense of nostalgia.
What's interesting about my music is that it might feel like you've heard it before, but it's still so fresh. It's this blend of my influences that makes my songs familiar yet new. So, when you listen, you'll notice a mix of early 2000s R&B with a modern pop twist. Even when I'm inspired by another song or artist, I never go into the studio with the intention of making something similar. Once I'm in the studio, all those preconceived inspirations and ideas fade away, and it's just me making music - made for Jakey. Inspired by Jakey.
The lyrics of "Call It" talk about savoring every moment with someone special. Can you share a personal experience that inspired those lyrics and how it affected you as an artist?
"Call It" dives into that moment in a relationship where you're wanting more. The lyrics express this longing, with lines like "Why do you lie? Your feelings don't lie." It's that intense feeling of being ready to give your all to someone even when they seem uncertain. This song is essentially me opening up and expressing my emotions to that person. It's a snapshot of where I was at emotionally during that time. It's relatable because we've all been in situations where we've wanted to take a step forward in a relationship, and this song captures that sentiment.
This song was a game-changer for me as an artist. It helped me find my voice and gave me the courage to actually express how I felt to that person. And now we’re dating babyyyyy! So, "Call It" not only shaped me as an artist but also changed my personal life in the best way possible. It's amazing how music can do that.
Moving to a new city can be a big change. How has living in Los Angeles influenced your creative process and the music you've been making?
Moving from Canada to LA was a huge change for me. It gave me a whole new perspective on life and music. I've been here for over three years now, and I've learned a lot. At first, I was focused on writing songs for other artists, but after about two years, something clicked. I woke up one day and realized, "Oh shit- , I'm in LA, I'm actually good at what I do, and I've got a solid support system." That's when I really decided to go all-in as an artist. Now, with three singles out, I couldn't be happier with how things are going. There's so much more to come. I can't wait to look back and laugh at how young and inexperienced I was. Jakey is here to stay.
"Headphones" was a big hit and helped establish you as an artist. Can you tell us about the process of creating that song and how it feels to have it be so well-received?
“Headphones” is my baby. After “Headphones” was born - I knew that it had to be released asap. I was instantly inspired and continued making songs for what will now be my first EP! In the early stages of developing my sound, my friend Maddi and I were just playing around in her bedroom studio. When she started strumming those guitar chords they spoke to me instantly.
What’s super important to me in my music is allowing there to be enough room for my vocals to live. I find that a lot of music today is so production heavy that the voice of the artist tends to get lost in the mix. I wanted to keep the production super simple. Less is more. My lyrics and melodies can then become the main focus and shine through.It feels so gratifying to see all the love on “Headphones”. I am so grateful to anyone who listens to and supports my music. Jakey loves you!
You mentioned that you aim to break through the industry in Pop and R&B. How do you plan to stand out and bring something unique to these genres?
Honestly, I think that being myself is the only way to stand out in this industry. There are so many artists who are trying to be something they’re not. As an artist, I'm always growing and evolving, both in my sound and style. Each record is a chance to reinvent myself. But it's not just about the music. I also want to express myself through fashion and art. Fashion, especially, is a big part of who I am, and I think it really allows for me to connect with people on a deeper level and build an aesthetic world around my music. I hope to make a unique mark in music and in the world. It's all about being real.
Can you tell us about a specific song that you've been listening to lately that has really caught your attention and why it's resonated with you?
I've really been into Omar Apollo lately, especially his most recent single, "Ice Slippin." It's just amazing. He’s a god. And he’s fine af! The production coupled with his dope vocals is top-notch to me. There aren't many male artists that I feel like I can really connect with, but Omar is one of them. He has this undeniable honesty in his writing. He manages to lay it all out there but in a really blunt and cool way. I definitely look up to him and I'd love to collaborate with him in the future. Who knows…Omar you know where to find me.
Your playlist for NS Radio includes a mix of genres. Can you walk us through the process of selecting those songs and what they mean to you personally?
This playlist is a small collection of some of my influences both within “Call It” and my music in general. "White Iverson" by Post Malone has this chill guitar vibe that really reminds me of "Call It." I also love that this was one of Posty’s first songs. It feels super ambiguous. After hearing that song for the first time I was kinda left asking myself like “Damn who is this?” That's the same kind of intrigue I hope "Call It" sparks when people are listening to Jakey for the first time. There's also 454, an artist who really knows how to experiment with pitch and tempo. He is super innovative. His creativity has definitely influenced the pitch and tempo changes in “Call It”. And obviously it wouldn’t feel complete without Frank, and Ryan Beatty. They're two of my all-time favorite artists, and their unique sounds continue to inspire my work.
What can fans expect from your upcoming releases or collaborations? How do you see your music evolving in the future?
I’m just excited to start working on my first full length project. There is no better feeling than putting together a cohesive album. It’s always been my dream. I want to get a house by a lake for like a week and just create this next Jakey chapter. I have a few more exciting singles coming hopefully leading into an EP. I actually just got done shooting a music video for my next single. I want people to listen to Jakey because they fuck with the music. That’s all it’s about for me. I don’t want people listening to me or coming to my shows because they think I’m funny or cute. Lol. I want people to come because they resonate with my lyrics and feel like they can be a part of the world I’ve created around my music.