Jake Canney is a rising hip hop artist from Killingly, CT, who recently released his latest album, ‘Never Forever’. We had the opportunity to sit down with him and discuss his creative process, his inspiration, and his hopes for the future.
- Can you tell us a little bit about yourself, Jake?
I was born in Wareham, MA, but grew up, and represent Killingly, CT. I’ve been making music for almost my whole life and I’ve slowly gotten better and better through hard work.
- What is your creative process like?
My creative process includes going into my home studio at night, pouring up some cognac, skimming through beats until I find something I catch a vibe to, open up Pro Tools, and get to recording.
- Who were your biggest musical influences growing up?
The first time I got introduced to hip hop I was about 8 or 9 and my uncle put me on top Snoop and Dre, so I suppose that was my first influence that inspired me to write raps myself. Since then, I’ve found more inspiration through artists such as Drake, Joyner Lucas, and Partynextdoor.
- Can you tell us a little bit about your latest album ‘Never Forever’?
It is basically a collective of songs that have a deep/darker vibe and allowing me to express negative situations I’ve dealt with in the last couple of years. It’s really just me in my home studio venting on beats track after track until it formed into an album, and the concept/title, ‘Never Forever’.
- What is your approach to live performances?
When it comes to live performances, I like to get my fans excited about a show, and get as many people to show up as possible, and even connect with other artists in the meantime. During the show, I like to connect with my fans and get to know them as much as possible and feel the artist to fan connection and put on a great performance making them want to come to the next show and bring their friends.
- What has been the most memorable moment of your career so far?
Releasing my first album that I put a lot of hard work and emotion into, then watching it climb to the top of the charts for well-deserved accomplishment.
- How do you stay motivated and inspired as an artist?
I stay motivated and inspired as an artist by listening to my old songs, and seeing what I could have done better, and then applying that into current songs, and that progression is really inspiring just from wanting to achieve that level of progression.
- What advice would you give to up-and-coming musicians trying to break into the industry?
I would just say don’t expect it to happen overnight, and understand you have to invest in yourself. A lot of hard work goes into this behind the scenes, and I’ve spent a lot of money on myself as an artist over the years. If you’re going to get to a level where people actually want to listen and even replay your music you have to show your fans you’ve put in a lot of work to get to where you are, and stay true to yourself and perfect YOUR style, don’t change it to fit in.
- What are your thoughts on the industry today?
There’s a lot of money in the music industry and as time goes on it seems it’s almost becoming more of a business than anything. The love and passion are slowly being drained out of the mainstream media, and I hope I can make a difference and inspire others to want to make it big by remaining true to themselves and keeping that love and passion for music. On the other hand, there are a lot more artists realizing you can make it and stay independent, just look at Russ for example. I think he’s the face of staying true to yourself, remaining independent, and not selling out right now.
10. How do you balance staying true to your artistic vision while also appealing to a wider audience?
The way I stay true to my artistic vision while expanding my fan base, is good marketing, good sound quality, attention grabbing visuals, and top tier production overall.
11. Tell us about any upcoming orihects or collaborations you have in the works.
Fresh off my first album, this soon after its hard to tell you exactly what’s coming next, but something soon. I have no plans one sitting back and taking my time, I’m currently treating this like its now or never, so my fans can expect something else real soon. Probably a few more singles and music videos for now, until I get the spark of an idea for another project.
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