Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: I was brought up in a household where music was always playing. My parents are huge music fans, so I was always surrounded by a wide variety of music from different genres and artists, namely Elvis, The Verve, The Rolling Stones, Bowie, Elton John, The Beatles, The Chemical Brothers, Leftfield, and Underworld. I think hearing music from so many different genres with such different sounds really influenced my own relatively unique and diverse sound.
Q: Can you describe the musical style of Jacob Shakespeare in three words?
A: I would describe my musical style as authentic, honest and raw, especially with my lyricism.
Q: How do you stay connected with your fans, and what role do they play in shaping your musical journey?
A: My community is extremely important to my musical journey! I have met a lot of people on social media, especially Instagram and TikTok, where they have interacted with my content and showed my music so much love! I recently released some limited signed CDs and the reception to those have been incredible. Seeing people thoroughly enjoy my art makes me so incredibly happy, and really spurs me on to keep creating unique and authentic music.
Q: You have just released your new EP, ‘the things you do’. Is there a story behind it?
A: My debut EP ‘the things you do’ is really a collection of feelings and emotions I experienced during my teenage years. It explores failed relationships, self-confidence, pride, and life as a LGBTQ+ teenager. As a gay artist, it is extremely important to me to highlight my true experience through my work, so numerous songs on the EP are about boys who I have liked who have turned out to be straight, a relatable experience for many people in the LGBTQ+ community, or about doubting one’s sexuality and worth. In my opinion, an honest and authentic representation of the LGBTQ+ experience was vital when creating my EP, and I really hope people can see that they are not alone in anything in the world, and find some kind of solace or understanding within my lyricism.
Q: What is your favorite track from the EP and why?
A: It is so hard to choose a favourite track from the EP considering how they are all so different! I think it would have to be ‘how’d i do it again’ though, as I wrote it when I was going through a tough time with my feelings toward a friend, and the song really helped me process my emotions at that point. I think the lyrics are some of the best I have written and I’m really happy with the entire production of it too. I think it really encompasses so many raw feelings and emotions of doubt and regret that we experience in our lives, and I am so happy with how it turned out.
Q: Can you walk us through the creative process of producing the EP, “the things you do”?
A: I started properly writing the EP in April 2024. The first song that was finished would’ve been ‘it was never gonna work’, my debut single. For that song, I worked with upcoming Australian producer Charlie Tonkin to create the calm acoustic indie pop instrumental, and then I wrote a first draft of the lyrics to it in the middle of the night in about 5 minutes! I then worked with him on the other 6 songs too. For a few, like ‘how’d i do it again’ and ‘you’re so you’, I approached him with lyrics and a melody and we worked together to craft a sound and instrumental for the song. Alternatively, on some of the songs, we created the instrumental first and then I wrote the lyrics to it. I would then record all of the vocals in my bedroom, before the song was sent of to be mixed and mastered by Beau Vallis. In total I believe I wrote about 24 songs for the EP. Some were absolutely terrible! Although, there are a few stashed away in my notebooks that I might save for a later date.
Q: What has been the most memorable concert or performance for Jacob Shakespeare so far?
A: I actually am yet to perform live to an audience! This is something I’ve been wanting to do, so watch this space.
Q: Reflecting on your body of work, each song holding its unique significance, could you share a particular track that stands out to you personally? What makes that specific tune special, and why does it hold a place of pride in your musical journey?
A: I think my debut single ‘it was never gonna work’ truly holds a special place in my heart due to the fact that it was the first song I released into the world. As a shy teenager, I started singing and writing music in my bedroom, and didn’t really tell anyone of my passion. So when I told people I was releasing a single, it was quite shocking, especially to family. The response I received from ‘it was never gonna work’ was so incredible, and I think I will always remember the experience of releasing my first single and the excitement I and the people close to me felt on the lead up to its release.
Q: Exploring the diverse creative processes within the music industry is always fascinating. Could you provide insight into Jacob Shakespeare’s unique approach to crafting music? From the initial spark of an idea to the finished song, how do you navigate the creative journey and bring its musical concepts to life?
A: My songs are all based on my own real life experiences, whether that be relationships, unrequited love, friendships, or just general teenage life. My lyrics are heartfelt, honest and raw, conveying my true feelings that hopefully people can relate to and find an element of comfort in. I typically write my songs at my piano and work with incredible producers, or produce myself, to develop a sonic landscape for the song. I try to be quite unique in my approach to music, often blending multiple genres or sounds into a single song or project, as seen in my EP. I think that authenticity and uniqueness allows you to stand out in the music industry.
Q: As we wrap up our conversation, looking ahead, what aspirations or dreams do you have for Jacob Shakespeare, and what message would you like to share with your fans as they continue to accompany you on this musical journey?
A: Since releasing my first song in August 2024, I have been met with so much love and kindness, it astounds me. I am so thrilled and excited to see what comes next and be able to connect even more with my fans. In terms of what I would like to see happen, I would love to do some live performances, that would be really cool. I think pushing myself to have the confidence to do that will be really beneficial and I would love to meet some of my community at a show. More music WILL be coming, that’s a promise. I am so excited for what is happening right now, and truly grateful for everyone’s love and support. This whole experience of releasing my debut EP ‘the things you do’ has been one I will never forget.
