Current Press:

I grew up in a split household, one always residing in Jacksonville, FL. And one household being a military family. So I moved around a ton all over the US but would always split my time coming back to FL. So I would call Jacksonville home but I def kinda grew up everywhere at the same time.

I went to school at St. John’s University in Queens. I spent a year back home in Florida during the pandemic. I then spent a year in Denver on a whim to try something new. I moved back to the city Nov 21 and have been here since. Currently reside in Bushwick, Brooklyn.

When did you start making music?

I've been playing guitar and piano and drums from a young age, as long as I can remember. But I didn't really try to start making music at this scale until I was in my senior year of high school. I think I was 17!

What is this project?/How did it come to be?

Born in the Sunset: Thoughts to Oasis tells a story of a relationship that mirrors the beauty, passion, and brilliance of the sunset. Using the sun as a metaphor, it's meant to convey the cyclical nature of life and love and the pursuit of one's own happiness. So if one considers a relationship arc - from meeting to falling in love, all the way to never wanting to speak to someone again - and mirrors those feelings with the color, imagery, and sound of the sun setting, that's how this album came about.

The title of the album alludes to the point listeners are supposed to reach after listening: That through the feeling and overcoming of the pain that was "Born in the Sunset" (i.e. the downfall of a relationship), one can find their own "Thoughts to Oasis", or tools to get to or get back to happiness.

For more information, there are lyrics and a script on my website at https://jacobs.blue/archive. It was meant to be a short film, but COVID-19 put an end to those plans. Still, if one follows the script while listening, they can start to understand the transitions, abrupt stops, and conciseness of the project. The script marks the time stamps, helping listeners to imagine the colors of the sky as each song plays - colors that are heavily reflected in the music.

I played, wrote, produced, and recorded everything heard, except for the ukulele on the last part of the last song (shout out to Robin Lemmerz for that). I also performed all of it, except for some background vocal help from Harmoney Limoggio on the last part of the song called "Hard of Hearing". Sonically, I tried to drive home the cyclical nature of the project by repeating the album after the last song, and allowing any of the songs to be played on repeat. Every sound and lyric was meticulously crafted and overanalyzed over the last year and a half.

The message I want listeners to hear is that, even though we may feel stuck in the cycles of our own creation, predestined to live the same time over and over, it was worth it because it added to our story. A new sun, a new story, will come again tomorrow.

Any insights that you want to share

Just something I think that might be interesting to share is a little bit of my story.

After high school, I moved to NYC to pursue music professionally. I knew I needed to invest in my technical skills as a musician, producer, and engineer, so I applied to every studio worth a shit in the Metropolitan area. I offered to sweep their floors and do whatever else in exchange for knowledge. After 200 messages, I was asked to come by Jungle City Studios, which I think is one of the best studios in the US.

I was paid and got to be with real professionals, learning every single day. It was one of the best experiences of my life and a major catalyst for my own growth in music. I worked my way up from a runner to an assistant engineer by the time I left.

I owe a lot to Alex "Matik" Estevez, who not only brought me under his wing since the first day I started at Jungle, but also mixed the entire project. Nicolas "Dep" de Porcel from Million Dollar Snare mastered the whole thing and continues to support me.

I was a one-man-show, but I had lots of people listening, challenging, and pushing me along the way. You can find more about that on my website.

What makes your music unique? How would you describe it?(genres-subgenres)

The music is just fully representative of me. I was so in love with alternative rock and pop and hip-hop and r&b and alternative music growing up so I think it all just blended together to be what you hear now. Everything from Gorillaz to Audioslave to Frank Ocean to Kendrick to Cage the Elephant inspired this project and my sound.

Who are your biggest musical influences? Any particular artists/bands you would like to collaborate with in the future?

I'm just a huge fan of music so I really think there are too many influences to count. But definitely the aforementioned. As far as collabs, I actually have a dream list that is super long but the shortlist consists of $NOT, Gorillaz, Slowthai, Gracie Abrams, Daft Punk, The Neighbourhood, Dominic Fike, and Kenny Beats, all of which I just know in my chest I'll make bangers with it. The list goes on and on but those are some of my favorites right now.

Best moment in my musical career that you're most proud of?

Honestly, it's right now. It's so cool to see people feel something or reach out to me or keep listening to something I made. I worked hard to make sure this music was something I was proud of, and it's paying off. I'm touched by the people around me being proud of it too. That means the most. Just trying to stay present in this special chapter of my life.

How do you balance your music with other obligations - family, friends, or work?

haha. That's the name of the game, isn't it? Life is all about balance. I just try to remind myself of that. Right now I work as a web designer during the day. So I try to do things like never let my work come home with me. I think compartmentalizing my life as much as possible and constantly evaluating what my priorities are, help me keep a good balance. But there's no question that my relationships, personal growth, and music are at the top of that list. I can't wait for the day that working for someone else can be a thing of the past!

What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

I'm not sure I'm the best person to offer advice, but I often remind myself of two key points: 1) never give up, and 2) never forget that, despite all the other elements involved in being a musician, artist, or whatever, it's always about the product. Just focus on creating quality work, and it will speak for itself...hopefully.

If you had one message to give to anyone that listens to your music.

I love you. Thank you for listening. And the sun will always come tomorrow.

What's next for you? Any upcoming projects?

The short answer is I have no idea. I'm eager to live my life for a while and leave the burden of this project behind. I'm looking forward to collaborating with others and continuing my passion for making music. Whatever I decide to do, I'll give it my all.

Any cover art/press photos:

Album Art:

Alternative Cover art by Phillip Glenn:

Some more process:

Some press photos: