What is your names?
Jacob Clarke
What is your genre of music?
Pop – but everyone says it sounds like the beach, if that’s more specific.
Give us a little bio about you.
I spend most of my time in Leeds working on music and some of my time surfing in Newquay. Those places and those things take a large portion of my life and have defined my music and my character, I’d say. I’m taking my first steps into a solo project at the moment, putting the projects and bands I’ve spent the past years working with to one side, and trying to figure out what I sound like on my own.
What made you go in to music?
I heard someone playing ‘Welcome to the Jungle’ really loud when I was 12. That was enough.
Are you a signed?
Nope.
You released your new single ‘Counting Kisses’, tell us more about the single.
Nobody should be crying over it – it’s an up-beat love song, more about being confused than about being sad!
What is the meaning behind the single?
The title is a throw-back to high school when everybody would be counting the kisses on their texts to gauge how their crush was feeling. I guess there’s a longing for that kind of simplicity in there.
Describe the track in two words.
Quite nice.
What was the writing process like?
I wrote this one with my lovely friend Jenem. It was very quick, very easy – it’s always a pleasure to write with Jen.
What was the recording process like?
It was all in my flat – I built a small cushion-y castle to record vocals and lived in it for a day.
Who did you work with on the single?
My friend Will Killen mixed and brought life to it, and obviously Jenem was there from the start.
Will we see a music video for of the tracks?
Not one that I made!
Will we see a EP or Album this year, if so what can we expect?
2 more single will be out soon.
Do you have any shows coming up?
Shows in London, Leeds, Manchester, Newquay all in the works – find them on my socials.
What else can we expect in 2019?
Probably another general election and the coldest recorded day in England. That’s why Counting Kisses is so important – it brings smiles and a tiny bit of summer, hopefully.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any up coming artists?
Always. Working together is the best.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Always. Contact me directly – I’m already packing my guitar case.
Do you play any instruments?
I try.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by the most incredible creatives – they inspire me daily.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
If I could be surrounded by wonderful people and surfing every day, I don’t really care. I think music will take me there.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I surf and think about music.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
Little Wing by Jimi Hendrix has a spell on me – I like to think that song could take a lot of credit for my music.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Use a muffin tin to serve condiments at a BBQ.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I try to live by Steve Jobs’ rule; “stay hungry, stay foolish.” It’s easy to fall in love with never making mistakes, but it makes terrible art
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Fistral Beach; self-proclaimed ‘home of British surfing’ (it’s where all the cool kids go).
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Somewhere quiet and with no phone service until I’ve recovered from the intensity of playing shows.
2/ Who do you see first? My mum, she’s the best.
3/What do you eat first? Probably like a spinach leaf – it’s hard to eat well and gig
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
Lyrics, snacks, gratitude, money for beer, money for more snacks
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
