Jake Hill is an unconventional young professional: music is his profession and his passion! He released his first CD “Black Coffee Sessions” last year (2007) and was touring the country at the time of the interview.
Using his guitar and harmonica, he makes it his mission to fill our hearts with pure and beautiful melodies.
YoPI: I read your biography, and wow! I am impressed! You need to tell us all about you and how you got there. How old are you Jake and where are you from?
Jake Hill: Well, I am 24 years old, and I have lived all my life—aside from the 4 years I attended University of Arizona—in Plymouth, MA (USA).
Jake Hill: I would have to say that I am rather easy going, optimistic, and a definite risk taker—for my ability to overanalyze situations is pretty much non-existent.
YoPI: You’re a songwriter and musician. How did you know that this was a path you wanted to take?
Jake Hill: Music has always been the thing that reaches me on a primal emotional level. I began playing the saxophone in third grade, and even then I picked up the basics quickly, and became addicted to everything about music. Songwriting is something I discovered when I started really listening to music. And when I say really listening I mean sitting in a chair in a silent, calm place, and listening to every particle that is coming at you. And in this process I discovered that songwriting is one of the most important forms of art, for everyone in the world who likes music in some way, shape or form. It is true expression of the soul!YoPI: Tell us about your music.
Jake Hill: The type of music I play is what I would consider American Folk Music, meaning: acoustic guitar, harmonica, and a song to sing that you really feel strongly about. But in the last couple of months I have been rehearsing and gigging with incredibly talented players, and my live show has taken on more of a folk-rock feel. I never want to limit myself musically, because I feel that is when artists become stagnant, and apathetic.
YoPI: What advice would you give to aspiring musicians?
Jake Hill: The only advice I can give is that if you truly feel that music is the only thing you will be able to do for the rest of your life, you need to make it the rest of your life… It is not easy to convince people that doing something unconventional is safe or secure—because it isn’t. And if the thought of sitting in a cubicle for 9 hours a day or more, for the rest of your life, makes you queasy, you need not listen to anyone else; for they are just jealous that you are actually following a dream, and not being passive drones of Middle America.
Jake Hill: You can check it out at www.myspace.com/jakehillsings …. And it can also be purchased on ITunes for those of you who love that service.
YoPI: What are the biggest obstacles that you face and how do you overcome them?
Jake Hill: The biggest obstacles when you are starting out are mostly mental; because everyone is telling you that you’re making a wrong decision. Hearing that over and gets tiring, but it also makes the strong willed stronger. If you want to make it in music, you have to be selfish in many situations. But this is something you learn to deal with, because if you’re not doing things for yourself, no one else will do anything for you either. You may ruin relationships with people that don’t truly support you, but once their gone, you will find those that want to see you succeed and will help in ways that will make your heart heavy.
YoPI: When you are not working, what do you do for fun?
Jake Hill: Fun is actually a big part of my life. When I am not playing shows or recording or writing, I love to be near the ocean. Sailing is a huge passion of mine, and just reading on the beach is another favorite pastime. I am a amateur book collector and try to read for at least 2 hours everyday. I also love playing golf at any chance I have.
YoPI: Last question: where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?
Jake Hill: If I were to answer this question, everything I said before this would be null and void. Because when you take big risks, you either fly or fall. So I hope in ten years I am not on my face in a gutter, but who knows??
