BabyJake is a name you will want to remember. Hailing from Florida, BabyJake is making waves in the alternative space with his silky vocals and blend of rock, pop, and psychedelic influences. His unique sound and smooth vocals have been co-signed by the likes of Dillion Francis, superstar manager Scooter Braun and more. BabyJake’s newest single “MadHappySad” was released late last month and has already amassed over 250,000 plays on Spotify. We had the opportunity to chat with him about the story behind “MadHappySad,” working with Dillion Francis, and connecting with his fans.
BTS: Can you tell us how you got started with making music?
BABYJAKE: I started playing guitar when I was 8. [I started] producing and songwriting when I was 13 or 14. So I guess I’ve always been involved in music. I didn’t take it seriously until 18 though.
BTS: How would you describe your music for someone who hasn’t heard it before?
BABYJAKE: I would describe it as unique. I’m trying to bring rock & roll back. I want to make people jump out of their seats. I miss that type of music. Generally my music leans in the alternative lane.
BTS: Who are some of your influences, musically and non-musically?
BABYJAKE: One influence of mine is my parents. Both of them are great, and I admire their hard work. My mom was an immigrant from Lithuania and my dad was a poor country boy from Texas. They both did very well for themselves as they developed into adults. Musically, my inspirations range. I love Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young (CSN+Y) and Tom Petty, but I also love new school kids like Dominic Fike, Tame Impala, etc. But I’m influenced by a lot. I enjoy all types of music. Salsa, Reggae, House, Rock, etc. I really try to pull from all of that. You’ll see some more genre-bending stuff in newer pieces from me.
BTS: What’s your creative process like in the studio?
BABYJAKE: My creative process in the studio changes depending on the situation. But currently, I just moved into a new house and setup my studio in the living room, so I’m honestly hunkered down working by myself or with close friends. I produce and loosely engineer, so I’m doing a lot of stuff on my own nowadays.
BTS: Tell us about your new single “MadHappySad” – what’s the song about?
BABYJAKE: “MadHappySad” is about being with a woman who you never really feel one thing with. She just drives you off the walls emotionally, and you can’t seem to stay on one thing.
BTS: How was writing and recording “MadHappySad” different from songs you’ve previously released like “Confidant” and “Blue Cellophane”?
BABYJAKE: I wrote “MadHappySad” with my buddies Andrew [Luce] and JJ [Scheff]. It was super organic. We just got together at [Luce]’s and made it happen.
BTS: In addition to the release of your new single, you also teamed up with Dillon Francis on a couple tracks – what was it like working with him?
BABYJAKE: Working with Dillon [Francis] is always a ton of fun. He’s a goof just like me, so we get along quite well. The records came together real easily and were super fun to push. “Touch” is one of my personal favorites, so I’m excited it gets to live out there.
BTS: You once said that your goal is “to reach out to people and connect with their hearts” – why is developing that honest relationship with your fans important to you?
BABYJAKE: It’s important because it’s all about the fans man. I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for the fans. They are the ones who support the artist. They deserve the most time and respect honestly. I love connecting with fans. I try to respond to everyone as much as I can.
BTS: What’s been the most important lesson you’ve learned as an artist so far?
BABYJAKE: Focus on yourself. Don’t worry about what others are doing. The only competition is between you and your own mind.
BTS: What’s one fun fact about yourself for our readers?
BABYJAKE: I love basketball. It was my first love. I try to get on the court regularly.
BTS: What can fans expect from you this year?
BABYJAKE: Fans can expect more music, more content, and more experiences. I’m currently working on releasing my first EP. Super excited for everyone to hear this body of work.
Follow BabyJake on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to stay up-to-date on all of his forthcoming releases.
Follow Beyond The Stage to stay up-to-date on all of your favorite artists.
- PHOTOS: Lewis Capaldi – Berkeley, CA – 4/30/23 - May 2, 2023
- PHOTOS: Fletcher – Oakland, CA – 11/16/22 - November 17, 2022
- PHOTOS: Muna – San Francisco, CA – 10/23/22 - October 24, 2022
