10 Questions with ... Jake Smith

NAME:Jake Smith TITLE:Musician LABEL:Rocketown Records

Label:
Rocketown Records

Discography:
Real (July 31, 2007)

1) How did you get connected with Rocketown Records?

In a week's time, I played a couple of different shows with Rocketown artist Shaun Groves and we hit it off. Michael Olson was also on tour with him. I was recording at the time and released this album right away as an indie project. Out of the blue I got a message from John Andrade, who does A&R at Rocketown, through MySpace, saying that he liked the tunes and asking if we could meet up. Rocketown picked it up, we did some radio edits of the songs, and changed the cover art for national release.

2) What's the story behind your first single "This Is Certain"?

All the stuff that happened up to writing these songs, Hurricane Katrina hitting my hometown of New Orleans, my parents getting cancer, getting hit by a drunk driver, totaling my car, that all shook me up. I was really at a point where my faith was shaken. God worked through all those different aspects. I came through knowing that whatever happened, there was only one thing that was certain, God.

3) Which do you prefer: the process or the performance?

Performance, especially when things are going right. I love it. Many times the sound is horrible, there wasn't a sound check or something is broke, though.

4 What does this debut record talk about?

I worked hard not to have some regurgitated message. God is a real part of life. So this record is real, representing a real God in real life experiences. These are real thoughts and songs about girls and life and the bad things that can happen.

5 How much road work do you have under your belt?

I started playing in college, early in my junior year. So, this about my fifth year.

6) You're a spokesperson for the National Breast Cancer Foundation now?

Yes. When I met them at the headquarters in Dallas, it was cool to see the passion they have for all these women. And to be a part of that, after breast cancer hit our home twice with my mother. I asked them, "How can I get involved?" The foundation is about awareness and helping women who are going through the same things, putting people together. On their website, you can create a profile as a supporter or as someone who's had treatment or currently undergoing treatment. Women can upload pictures and share thoughts and add Scripture. The heart of the people who started foundation, they are the real deal.

7) Imagine life without music - what would you be doing?

I'd be a cage fighter. Kidding. I'd probably do something along the lines of writing and speaking. Really though, I've never felt stressed by doing music and I've never been driven to anything but music.

8) How do you handle album reviews - good and bad?

When you hear a bad one, you look for the good in it but realize this is my call regardless of what a review says. This is what I'm supposed to be doing.

9) Who do you look up to songwriting?

John Mayer

10) What's actually in Jambalaya?

It depends but usually chicken and sausage, darker rice and seasonings. My dad makes the best jambalaya.

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with (any genre)?

Jon McLaughlin, John Legend

2) What is your favorite city to visit?

Washington, D.C.

3) What is your favorite road meal?

Sit-down at Chili's, guiltless chicken with steamed veggies

4) Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

Jay Z, Robin Thicke