Hiya Jake, thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today. Grab a brew and take a seat.
Hey thanks for having me! 🙂
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
I would say that music actually chose me heh, as far back as my memory allows, I’ve always been fascinated by all kinds of music! From being a toddler dancing and singing along to Michael Jackson, jamming out to The Calling or Green Day as a kid, listening to country music during car rides with my mom, LOADS of pop music through all forms of media, I always felt some sort of strong connection to music that I can’t really put into words.
Introduce yourself, what’s your musical history?
Hoo boy, I’ll try and condense this as best I can haha. My name is Aaron Jacob Vera, but call me Jake! I was born and raised here in Dallas, Texas, and I’m just a typical guy. I love playing video games, working out, MMA, and my family very much.
As I mentioned earlier, music was always very prominent in my life. I think the first memory I ever had where I discovered a desire to perform was when I was a young child in second grade singing a song in class. My teacher at the time complimented my singing specifically and that sparked something in me. Funny enough, my attention turned to drumming. I’ve always thought it was such a cool instrument and it came naturally to me. Didn’t have the opportunity to play until I finally got a kit for my 16th birthday, and then picked up piano a year later. I taught myself how to play both instruments and I still enjoy playing both very much.
I actually didn’t start singing until very recently! I was much more reserved about singing because it’s just so personal and was always self conscious about my voice. Obviously, I got over myself and managed to overcome that fear and decided it was time to finally start writing and releasing music! Life is too short and I’ve wasted far too much precious time that I have on this rock to not at least try and share my love of music with the world!
What’s the live music scene like in Dallas right now? Anyone we should be looking out for (bar you, of course)?
Unfortunately, most of the local bands I had the pleasure of seeing and befriending didn’t last too long. Bands are a lot of work and require lots of time, resources, and sacrifices so most local bands here don’t last too long and will usually play cover songs most of the time. I will say that a few artists that I’ve worked with such as: Hndhld, Blursed, RISN, and Iman Kumar Muhkerjee, are definitely worth checking out!
I’ve seen a lot of people struggling for support recently online. What’s your view on the industry?
It’s definitely an over saturated and competitive market. Unless you go into music making with a business mindset or have a gameplan, there’s a very high chance your wonderful music will never be heard. Times have changed, being a musician comes with a lot of territory to cover now. Aside from writing and performing your own music, you have to be your own promoter, manager, producer, editor, videographer/ photographer, etc.
The sad truth is, being an exceptional musician just doesn’t cut it anymore. If you want to be a trending artist, you essentially have to become an influencer. Music and the world has evolved, so that means you should too!
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
I’m not delusional, I’m not even a blip on anyone’s radar haha but that can absolutely change! I’d like to think I’m in the beginning stages of a rising star 🙂 I know I have what it takes to be the next big thing in music. Whether it be the new face of the rock/ metal scene or a pop superstar, I know I have that special spark. (As cheesy as that sounds)
Tell us two truths and a lie about you.
I’m 27, I’m engaged, my favorite color is black.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture?
Nah not really ha I just make music and live life, I don’t go out of my way to antagonize people and try to be kind. If somebody doesn’t like my art or feels a certain type of way about certain lyrics/ subject matter that I write about, that’s totally fine. I know my music won’t resonate with everyone and there’s nothing wrong with that. Now if someone dislikes my music or whatever I say so much to the point where they grab their pitchforks, well, that’s their problem.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If not, why not?
No, not really. I haven’t really spent much time looking into any conspiracy theories since they never really pique my interest. Most of the time there’s never really much evidence to draw any compelling arguments. It’s mostly just fun theoretical scenarios.
What was your best experience on stage?
I have yet to play any live performances as of yet, but hey maybe that’ll change sooner than later! :,)
What was your worst experience at a concert?
I went to Knotfest back in 2021 and it was a giant mess! No access to water, hot weather, missing out on 80% of the bands, exhaustion, definitely could’ve been better to say the least. I don’t know how no one died (thankfully obviously)
Only thing that made it fun was the road trip I made to Iowa with my very good friends and the time we spent out there.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I despise classic rock haha I know it’s a little contradictory to admit that but I just can’t stand bands like AC/DC, The Beatles, Queen, etc. I acknowledge all they’ve done for music and their achievements, I just can’t listen to any of their music without wishing for the second coming of christ.
What are the next steps you plan to take as an independent artist to reach the next level?
I plan to just keep doing what I’m doing, making music that I enjoy making, and sharing it with anyone and everyone who will listen. It’s all I ever really wanted and could ever ask for.
I plan to also improve obviously, and perfect my craft. Maybe I’ll get to the point where I can possibly work with some of the super talented and upcoming artists that I can’t get enough of like Amira Elfeky, Static Dress, and Cloudy Field!
I hear you have new music. What can you tell us about it?
I do! I’m very excited to announce I have another single titled “Mine” that will be released this week on Valentine’s Day! It’s a love letter to my beloved fiance, so it’ll be fitting for all you fellow love birds out there! It will be an addictive and energetic yet chill song that will bring back a bit of that early 2000’s rock era, with a modern touch of course.
Aside from that I’m actually currently working on another track and hoping to have that out by next month, if all goes well. So lots of music coming y’alls way and I couldn’t be more happy to share it with the world! 🙂
What was the recording process like?
It was surprisingly fast, despite my obsessive and perfectionist approach. There were many moments that were satisfying when it came to figuring out what vocal melody worked at certain parts and being able to nail a take.
I recorded all of my vocal melodies from my bedroom and then mixed/ mastered myself. It was a ton of fun and it’s always enjoyable with all the creative freedom I currently have!
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Probably coming up with topics/ subject matter during the early concept stages of writing. A good song will always take you on a journey, the lyrics dictate what kind of journey you’ll be on and how engaging it may be. So I do my best to write what fits the song best while being both relatable to myself and the audience, and a compelling piece of literature.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Nah, I think it turned out exactly the way it was meant to. I know the production could very easily be tweaked and improved but I think the current version maintained artistic integrity. The emotion I tried to convey in the song, the cracks, everything just gives the song character.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Aside from more music, I just want whoever may be reading this to go after whatever passion you have in your life! Don’t waste precious time like I did getting held up on reasons to not pursue what you love.
Make sure you appreciate what you have and who’s in your life right now, tomorrow is never guaranteed.
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