Catch up with Jacob Edward Cole and watch the video for single "Trouble" off his upcoming EP, Cold Blue, to be released October 10th.
What first got you interested in music and songwriting?
Jacob Cole: Music always seemed like a more natural way of relating to the world, people, and life in general. My brother and I grew up listening to our pops play with his band as we were falling asleep. That definitely fostered a heavy interest in wanting to play. Writing was the natural next step. Not being good at communicating, in the conventional sense, left me feeling alone a lot of the time... Music and writing was my way of taking in information and processing it, at least, that's how it started out.
Do you remember the first song you wrote?
I remember trying to write soon as I started playing; I was probably about 10 years old. It was something about lost love and heartbreak, even at that age. Not that the songs were any good, but the desire to write has always been there. I think I ended up calling the song "Waiting".
Which musicians have you been influenced by?
Many, but lately I've been on a Nick Cave kick. Also, reading Just Kids by Patti Smith, that's rekindled a serious love for her.
How would you describe your sound to someone who had never heard your music?
Dreamy, thoughtful, minimalistic. A more psychedelic Bruce Springsteen.
What were your inspirations behind your single and the video for "Trouble"?
The idea for "Trouble" came from my friend telling me how I'm always worried about one thing or another and, coupled with a recent separation, the song grew from there. I've always liked the idea of recording a song live with people who've never played it before - in that method, there is potential to arrive at the feel of the song quicker 'cause there's no room or time to think about it. My brother, Samuel, who plays drums, and Mic Singh, who plays guitar and bass, weren't available for this session. So, I decided to try this idea for the video. Randall Sena is playing electric guitar, he also produced a lot of the songs on the EP and recorded this session. Wesley Hill (The Only Ocean) is playing bass. Justin Flint is on drums and Morgan Enos (Other Houses, Hollow Sunshine) is playing piano. My friend Casey Fera filmed it while we recorded and edited it. Because we played it live for the video, the song took on a different sound than the version on the album. Stoked on how it came out.
Could you tell us more about your upcoming album, Cold Blue?
It's a compilation of various songs written during a breakup and mostly recorded in 2014. I never released the songs properly 'cause my old band was going through some changes, on top of all the other heavy shit surrounding my life then. The material is very reflective of that time and was recorded in a way that felt true to what the songs were about. Definitely more intimate. Earlier this year I hit up Burger Records, asking if they'd be interested in releasing some of these songs, and they said to hit up their subsidiary Wiener Records. Now they're putting out a run of 150 tapes. It's really kind of a mixtape, a separation mixtape. I'm proud of the material, it just took me a long time to come around to doing anything about it.
How would you sum up Cold Blue in one sentence?
A thoughtful dream-ridden conclusion to a younger perspective on love and loss, reflective.
What do you hope listeners are able to take away from your music?
If you feel less hurt after listening to it, I'd be happy. Honestly though, if it makes you feel anything, that's good enough.
Is there anything you want to add?
Nothing, other than, thank you for chatting.
