How are you feeling about this year’s music you’ve put out so far?
I’m feeling pretty good about all of it. Date Night was released back in June and “Drunk” will be released next month. I’ve got more songs that I’d like to release but I’m really trying to master all of the back-end processes. All the marketing and advertising that goes into releasing music. Which is just as important as making sure you have a great song. Stay tuned.
The year is coming to an end! What are you doing in these last few months musically?
Drunk will be out in November. I also have several live performance appearances scheduled. This time of year is one of my favorites because I get to sing holiday music.
What are you working on right now in the studio?
I’ve actually got a few things in the works. I’ve mentioned “Drunk” a few times which will be out next month. I’m also working on a full length album due out next year (Spring 2022). This album is a long time coming and it’s something I’ve started and stopped over the last year. I finally decided to buckle down and get it done.
What are your studio sessions looking like these days?
Most of my studio sessions are run out of my home. Most of the pre-production work and ideas all get worked out at home as well. I can do most of the heavy lifting in my own studio, and once done, send it out to be mixed and mastered. It’s also cool to bounce ideas off the producers I’m working with because they might hear something musically that wasn’t on my radar. One of the most important things for me though is to make sure I’m prepared as much as possible when it’s time to record.
Is it just you when you go to record or do you work with others?
It’s usually just me when I go to record unless it’s a collaboration. And even in those cases, I sometimes work solo. The latest collaboration I worked on was with a fantastic singer/songwriter out of Utah (Mel Soul). The song we collaborated on is called “Lie To Myself” off her latest EP “We Are The Storm” which was all done remotely. “Drunk” which will be out next month is possibly the only song I’ve done to date with so much input from other creative minds. You’ll have to wait for the release to see what I mean.
Who is the person that you want to work with next whether it’s putting them on a track or just producing?
Tough question because there are so many talented people I admire and respect. I’d love to do a song with Yebba. Her voice is otherworldly and I think our voices would be great together. So if you’re listening to Yebba, give me a shout lol.
How are you customizing your sound in your next tracks?
I think that comes from how I deliver the songs vocally. There are certain runs and riffs I like doing that have become somewhat of a signature sound for me. I also think introducing instruments not typically found in the RnB/Blues genre is another way I experiment. So for instance, “Dreams” (released Dec 2020) features a ukulele that drives the rhythm section. I wrote it on ukulele and loved the sound and vibe so I went with it. You really just have to experiment until something comes out that you love.
How do you make sure that you’re customizing your overall vision for your music?
Every time I release a song, I want to make sure it “fits” within my overall vision. Sometimes, this means stepping away and listening to a lyric I wrote or a riff I sang the next day with fresh ears. For me, this is a really important step, otherwise you start to lose your ability to distinguish what you’re actually hearing from what the original vision was. Admittedly, I find this difficult at times but without it, I know I’d regret the end result.
What is your overall vision for yourself!?
My overall vision is to make soul music for the grown and sophisticated. I define “soul music” as any song or tune that resonates with the listener on a visceral level. I want folks to really revel in whatever they are feeling at the moment. Whether it’s joy, sadness or contentment, I want my music to stimulate people emotionally because those experiences make life what it is. Without emotion, you’re not fully living life and my hope is that the music I create draws people out of their shells.
How are you leading with love with your music?
I think it goes back to the overall vision I’m aiming for. I try to get people to feel whatever they need to feel through the music I create. I want it to be a safe space for people to let go of whatever inhibitions they might have over what they’re dealing with at the moment. And I can’t think of a better way to show love than to allow people to be themselves.
Where can you be followed on social media?
You can find me on:
https://linktr.ee/jeiriscookmusic
Much appreciate you having me!
For Press Inquiries: bsquaredmgmt@gmail.com
End of Interview