So I recently had an interview with Jake coco, a singer/songwriter/producer from Los Angeles California who also runs an independent record company called "Keep Your Soul Records, we spoke about what he is getting up to at the moment and his journey so far.
Hope you enjoy the interview.
Hi Jake, Thanks for doing this man.
Before we jump straight into the questions, can you give the YHP Readers some background
information about yourself?
Certainly! My name is Jake Coco, I am a singer/songwriter/producer from Los Angeles California. I run an independent record company called "Keep Your Soul Records". I have 5 albums out on iTunes and I am looking forward to making many more :)
So how did you get into music?
My mom got me started with the violin when I was about 2 and a half. I was creating music before I was really talking. I have always felt that I am able to communicate better through music than I am through words, I definitely consider it my first language. I used to fiddle around with anything musical that I could get my hands on. I eventually focused on the drums for a while, followed by guitar and piano when I was around 14.
What sort of music do you enjoy listening to?
Anything and everything. I spend most of my free time trying to find cool new artists and bands to check out. I love Jeff Buckley, The Beatles, Queen, Elton John, Elvis Costello
How do you describe your music to people?
Indie/Acoustic....I usually just throw a cd or mp3 on and let them describe it themselves, its much easier that way :) I really wish that I could use the word "Core" when describing it though....like "Grind-Core"....maybe I will be "Acoustic-Core"....
Do you have any favourite song at the moment?
Random, but its this song called "Dont Unplug Me" by a band called ALL CAPS that I found on Youtube. They are awesome.
Who is your favourite upcoming artist?
I have quite a few. Two new Keep Your Soul Records artists to watch out for are Caitlin Hart and Ari Stidham. I am excited about both of their records. I also thoroughly enjoy the group Carney, and Jason Reeves.
Who are your musical influences?
I try to draw influence from everyone that I hear. Even if something isn't my particular cup of tea, I feel like there is always something to be learned from any musician/artist that you come upon. As a more specific answer, I would have to say Butch Walker and John Lennon are probably my two biggest songwriting influences.
What are you currently working upon?
I just finished a new album which I am looking to release in february of next year. I am also working on scouting artists for Keep Your Soul, as well as working with the talented artists that we have already found. I am also doing my best to teach my cats how to speak english....its not working so well though :)
How did you start uploading covers/videos on YouTube? How is that being so far? What opportunities has it given so far?
My business partner Julien contacted me when youtube first started and told me to video tape myself sitting around singing my songs. I didnt understand why, but I did it, and then all of a sudden we were featured on the front page of the website. We started getting a ton of views and it was a huge blessing in pushing album sales.
I took a break for a while to re-group and just started releasing covers again about 2 months ago. I am really enjoying getting back into it. A lot of artists seem to take themselves too "seriously" to do covers of pop songs, but I really enjoy taking the songs and kind of creating my own spin on them.
What would you say has been your most memorable moment so far?
Just this past year I have had the chance to work alongside the amazing Film/TV Composer Snuffy Walden (The Wonder Years, Roseanne, West Wing). I feel like all of the moments I spend working with him are amazing. He is an amazing mentor, and I feel so grateful to working with him.
What would you say has been your biggest challenge as an unsigned artist?
The main challenge as an independent artist/label is financially competing with the bigger labels and artists. We keep our promotional budgets minimal while they are out spending millions of dollars on advertising and radio play. I don't really mind this though, Julien and I really enjoy finding new and creative outlets for me and the other artists to get their music heard
What do enjoy doing outside of music?
I love to hike, watch movies, eat sushi, travel and play poker
If you could share the stage with any 3 artists or bands who are still around and touring, who would they be?
Butch Walker, John Mayer, Elton John
So what should we be expecting from you in future?
I am hoping to have my newest record as well as the Caitlin Hart released in the next 4-6 months, and I will keep putting up as many videos as possible on my youtube.com/jakecoco channel.
Thanks!
Good luck jake and thanks for your time, hope to catch up with you soon.
Dont forget to check him out on:
