Singer-songwriter, Jake Troth just celebrated the release of his debut album, It Is As If on September 13th. The album, which was written over the course of two solitary weeks in a Woodstock, NY cabin, finds Troth embracing and exploring the elemental power of his contemplative, soft-spoken songcraft.
After years of penning pop singles for some of music’s biggest names, such as Lizzo, Sia and Kehlani, Jake Troth finally stepped away to work on his own solo material. With a goal to connect with his work and listeners on a deeper, more personal level, Troth began working on It Is As If, a passion project that allowed him to bare his soul for the world to hear. While he didn’t necessarily set out to write hits, Troth was certainly successful in creating songs that hit home emotionally. With It Is As If out now, we caught up with Troth to chat about the album, his solo career and more. Read the interview and listen to the album now below.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself for anyone who might not be familiar?
I’m Jake. I’m a tall southerner who writes and sings songs when I’m not playing golf or learning how to do new things on the internet.
This month, you released your debut album, It Is As If. Can you tell us a little bit about the album? What inspired it?
The album is a collection of love songs for my exes after realizing what I did to get them fed up with me. The album is sweet, a little moody, intimate and recorded with a live session band in Nashville. It feels like something that’s already been around for a while and I love that.
Since it is your debut full-length, did you have any major goals in mind when you first started working on the album?
The only goal I had was that I wanted to love it and believe in it. Everything else can be a surprise. I do love it dearly so I’m ready now for whatever else comes along.
You’ve worked as a songwriter prior to writing and recording you own solo music. Is it freeing in a sense to have the freedom to do what you want with your own music? Do you ever feel more pressure when you’re writing for yourself?
I feel huge pressure to express my true self when writing my own songs. Theres much more freedom in writing for others because I don’t have to own it all on stage. My songs have to pass many many more quality control checks. Though, it makes me love my songs much more than those I give away.
Have you learned anything new about yourself while you’ve been working on It Is As If?
Oh plenty! I used to think I was impatient! But wow this process has taken so long and yielded such beautiful results, I’m proud of myself for sticking with it.
How do you feel you’ve grown as a musician and songwriter with the writing and recording of the album?
Writing the album was enlightening. I began to trust my craft a lot. But it wasn’t until I recorded that I realized I am an actual musician. The live recording techniques are not for people who can’t deliver on musicianship. We cut to tape, and knocked out a lot of songs in a very short time. It felt like hitting a home run my first game in the major leagues.
What was the most rewarding or exciting part about working on the album?
Honestly the history of RCA room A was spiritual. So many songs cut there by so many greats. It was like a haunted house that, instead of scaring you, helped you become a super version of whatever you were doing. The room was buzzing and the songs sound special.
With It Is As If out soon, do you have any shows or tour dates in the works?
Yes, I’m actually singing the anthem at a Giants game in SF next week, which is a dream come true. Then to LA for some shows for friends and small clubs. This winter and all next year I’ll be touring around intimate spaces and theaters so make sure you sign up for my e-mail list on my site to get a heads up of when I’m coming around.
Do you have any other big plans for 2019?
Some friends of mine are getting married in some beautiful places. I’ve been in the studio so long that I’m most excited about seeing some nature before it gets too cold. Also I was born in November so the fall is the most exciting time to me personally.
Thank you for taking the time to chat with us! Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for the questions! Listen to the album and lemme know what you think. I’m all over Instagram and Youtube now so hit me up. Xx
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