Getting To Know... Jacob Cummings

After establishing himself as one of the more innovative names doing the rounds right now, LA-based artist Jacob Cummings now makes his eagerly-awaited return to deliver his wondrous new album 'Southern & Enlightened'.

Featuring the previously shared gems 'Love In The End', 'Forever & Ever, Amen' and 'Joan', this new eleven-track collection makes for a wonderfully warm and transportive listen. Filled with rich and alluring textures, a sweeping atmosphere, and some captivating vocals layered throughout, 'Southern & Enlightened' sees him returning to the fold in stellar form throughout.

So with the new LP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has been inspiring him most lately.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

The first instrument I fell in love with is the saxophone. In 6th grade, our school had a mandatory concert band class and I decided to choose saxophone as my instrument. I then played it nonstop for the following 10 years, playing it all throughout high school and college.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I grew up listening to a lot of christian radio from my parents. As I grew older and formed my own interests in music, my brother and I would burn my dad’s old CDs to put onto our flip phones. A lot of the Beatles, RHCP, Bob Marley, Led Zeppelin, etc. Growing up coastal, one of the first artists that sparked my interests was Jack Johnson.

What was the first album you remember owning?

My mom would help me burn CDs to make mixtapes, often buying singles off of iTunes. When I was 9 or 10, my family went to a christian surf film and there was a christian artist playing along to the film named Josh Garrels. We bought one of his CDs and had Josh sign it. The first and only time I remember buying a CD on my own was at Target and I got Mumford & Sons’ ‘Babel’ as well as OFWGKTA’s ‘The OF Tape Vol. 2’.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

I’ve never really thought in this way. If I really connect with a song, I’d almost prefer I have a level of separation from it. However, ‘Pool Party’ by Julia Jacklin is one of my favourite songs right now from a lyrical perspective. It hits me right in the gut. It would be pretty cool to claim as my own.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

Writing music for me usually works best when I least expect it. It usually appears in the midst of life. Like strumming a guitar before bed or playing around during a soundcheck. Playing piano or the guitar can be so cathartic for me and often is a tool for healing or making more sense of my feelings. So, as much as I love habits and routine, the most magic moments for me when creating is when it just happens.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I was just listening to Travis Scott’s ‘UTOPIA’ album during a workout this morning at the park. I’m finally having a Coldplay moment. My friend Alex always plays them on road trips and something finally clicked in me during a Viva la Vida song. I just discovered an artist named Elke and really loved their new album ‘Divine Urge’. It was a very unique and refreshing listen.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Tough question! Here are a couple of artists that first come to mind: Dead & Company, Charli XCX, Big Thief, Jack Johnson, Neil Young, and Wednesday.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

I think the most rewarding part of being a musician might be the connections I make with people. We are able to relate in this way that transcends words or appearance. It is this universal language that we all get to participate in.

And what is the most frustrating part?

The most frustrating part of music for me right now might be the mass interest in short-form consumption and the lack of attention span (including myself).

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

The best piece of advice I’ve received is maybe from my dad. It wasn’t necessarily advice, but he was reflecting on his life and career as an artist and had the realisation that he needed to make more opportunities for himself. I constantly need to remind myself of that.

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Jacob Cummings' new album 'Southern & Enlightened' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.