Emerging artist Jake Vera dives into the themes of death, redemption, and personal faith in their latest single, Purgatory. Blending alternative, metal, and modern influences, they craft a haunting yet relatable sound.
1.
"Purgatory" explores themes of the afterlife and purification. What
inspired you to dive into this concept, and how does it reflect your personal
experiences or beliefs?
I'm actually a devout Catholic myself, so I was already familiar with the
concept from my faith. The subject matter just seemed to fit the overall feel
of the song perfectly and I always wanted to write a song that revolves around
death. On that note, I wouldn't label myself a christian artist by any means,
but I do feel that most christian music tends to shy away from death, hell, and
all the other darker topics when it comes to christianity/ religon as a whole.
As a consequence of this, there's an ironic lack of humanity and relatability.
People still need to have an outlet that expresses the daily suffering, sin,
and redemption of this world/ reality.
It's not always gonna sunshine and rainbows haha
2. You’ve mentioned influences from Deftones, A Perfect Circle, and even
Post Malone. How do these diverse inspirations shape your sound, and where do
you feel your music fits within the rock and metal spectrum?
I definitely try to emmulate the signature haunting vocal style that those
artists perfected. I also try and take the same restrained and somber approach
when writing vocal melodies that are filled with emotion, while letting small
glimpses of more powerful vocal lines shine here and there throughout the song.
I'm looking to bring the rock and metal scene back to the mainstream. I
remember the days growing up as a kid listening to bands like Green Day,
Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, etc. playing on the radio regularly. My
music is gonna be something that anyone can listen to!
3. The song offers a glimpse into the inner workings of a lost soul. Can you
walk us through the lyrics—what story are you telling, and what emotions do you
hope to evoke in listeners?
The lyrics are meant to be the final melancholic and confused thoughts of
someone in the intermediate state of Purgatory. I wrote the lyrics to have a
sort of dream like feel to the song while also being a bit more open to
interpretation. That way the song can be more accessible/ relatable to more
listeners.
4. You recorded Purgatory in a bedroom studio, which is impressive. What was that process like, and how did it shape the final sound of the track?
Lots of trial and error, obsessive levels of writing/ recording, and a little
"can do" attitude hehe
In all seriousness, the acoustics of my room are far from ideal. I would say
that on top of my limited knowledge of mixing/ mastering, my recording
enviornment sort of gave the song a certain imperfect sound. Which I think
personally kind of adds to the charm of the song, gives it character.
5. Many artists face challenges when producing music independently. What
were some of the biggest hurdles you faced while making Purgatory, and how did
you overcome them?
I'm still learning a ton when it comes to music production so I'm obviously
kind of crawling around in the dark on that front ha
After awhile of scratching my head on how to properly utilize the tools I have
at my disposal, I just took one step at a time and did the best I could. I also
had to get over myself a bit when it comes to being a perfectionist and a shy/
reserved artist.
If I want people to listen to my music, I just gotta put it out there and not
worry too much about what my friends/ family might think.
I'll never be 100% satisfied with a project, and acknowledging that, I feel,
was crucial. At a certain point, spending so much time driving yourself crazy
making a song sound 100%, can ironically either derail the song as a whole, or
make the song lose that certain spark that gives it life.
6. The track has a distinctive edge. What elements—whether it be vocal
techniques, guitar tones, or production choices—do you think set Purgatory
apart from other releases in the genre?
The slow pace, the inclusion of certain electronic effects, the guitair tone,
and the lyrics, I think, are what gave the song that dark sound many will pick
up on immediately.
I also wrote most of the vocal lines to be as smooth and gentle as possible to
contrast the harsher/ distorted sounding instrumentals.
Which I think, is how the song came into harmony.
7. What role does atmosphere play in your music? Did you intentionally aim for a certain mood or sonic landscape while crafting Purgatory?
I've always wanted to write darker sounding music, so what better way to start than right away? Haha
Though I do plan to write music that isn't so bleak and gloomy for sure, but like I mentioned earlier, there will be dark times. That's life.
A healthy balance of darker/ slower paced and uplifting/ vibrant music is the type pf approach that I aim to strive for.
8. Your music blends alternative, metal, and even some modern influences. Do you see yourself experimenting further with different genres, or do you have a specific sound you’re aiming to refine?
Oh absolutely! I can do it all! I don't want to be tied down to one category/ genre. I even plan to do more Pop and EDM music and anything else I find enjoyable. However, I will always be a rocker/ metalhead at heart. I'll never turn away from listening or making more rock/ metal music, I feel very much at home here! :)
I will say, shoegaze, alt/ hard rock, and numetal in particular are something I would love to keep experimenting with!
9. You’re an emerging artist carving your own path in the industry. What’s been the most rewarding part of your journey so far, and what keeps you motivated to push forward?
The simple and honest truth? The fact that people are even listening to my music! How I even released music that I'm super proud of at all was a huge mile stone in my life that I'm still wrapping my head around. Come to find out that people even listened and actually enjoyed just melts my heart.
I have no expectations of being the next big thing (that would be stupendous though), the only thing I know for certain is that I LOVE making music and will keep at it. It's a great outlet for me, and if people are listening, that's more than enough for me!
10. Are there any specific artists or albums that you found yourself revisiting while working on Purgatory? How did they influence your approach?
Aside from Chino Moreno from Deftones and Maynard James Keenan from A Perfect Circle being the obvious influences, there have actually been some new and upcoming artists that I can't get enough of lately!
Amira Elfeky and Cloudyfield in particular are who really inspired me for this track and their quick ascension to the big stage and growing fanbase is well deserved! They both add a more updated sound and modern take to the late 90's/ early 2000's rock music that I've always envisioned.
11. What’s next for you after Purgatory? Are you working on new material, and do you have plans for an EP, album, or live performances?
I actually do have another single titled "Mine" releasing next week on Valetine's Day! It's a love song for all my fellow love birds out there! :) I'm also currently working on another track now and plan to have that out by next month.
Aside from that, I definitely plan on writing and releasing a full length album! God willing, within the year or following year.
I'm also always willing to work with other artists! I have plenty of other works that I'm featured on as well, so don't be afraid to reach out to me for a collaboration!
12. For listeners discovering your music for the first time, what message or feeling do you hope they take away from Purgatory?
First and foremost, from all the sincerity I can muster, thank you so much for listening to my music! Even if it's not to your liking, thank you anyway for giving it a chance. I hope that Purgatory was enough to convince you that I have something unique to offer, and that I have what it takes to be the new voice/ face of the rock/ metal scene!
Post a Comment