Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jacob Cooledge. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Jacob, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?
Honestly I’ve wanted to create music, and play in a band since I was about 6 years old. I remember getting my “first CD” it was Sum 41 does this look infected. Followed by that was my introduction to MTV, and the Canadian Equivalent MuchMusic. I remember being a young kid and locking myself in my room and “writing songs” which granted were horrible but the passion was there. One thing that has never changed is i’ve always been envious of, and inspired by artists I love. Not because I wanted to be them, or wanted what they had. I wanted my own version of that. I want my own outlet.
Growing up in a middle classed family I wasn’t underprivileged but anything I wanted I had to still work for, and prove to my parents. They never really entertained my desire to play music, and other things because I was a young kid. Kid’s want something new everyday. Once I got a bit older I begged to get drum lessons. I had saved enough money for a cheap drum kit my friend was selling, but my parents wouldn’t let me buy it unless I knew how to play it, and would stick with it. After about a month I was convincing enough, I dropped the lessons, bought the kit. Then I played drums religiously for years.
Once I got into high school I really wanted a band. Literally more than anything. My good friend Scott (who is in my current band) and I both wanted this. We found the people, and I decided I wanted to pursue being a vocalist. As I got older vocals, and guitar have remained my two main interests. Drums are still great but not what i’ve been able to dedicate time to.
It’s always just been a dream of mine to perform, write, and record music to the fullest extent. I wanted it for the experiences, and the family that gets built around a band. We had a couple bands up until I was about 17-18. Things change people change, and move on those fell through. I was asked to join the original formation of Beguiler before it was a public thing. The stars aligned, and I was able to drag Scott in with me.
To wrap this up we were young, and hungry and pursued this blindly. We didn’t have the clearest picture of the industry, and lifestyle in our minds. You really learn more as you are exposed to it and experience it. I had the Idea I was going to go to college, and would just do the band thing simultaneously until it took off. Otherwise it would fizzle out, and I could have an education, and work to die.
When I was about 20 my mother passed suddenly, and to me it was traumatic. It was my first realization that life is not fair, and you make sacrifices no matter what. The thing is the world will not make anything up to you. Your life is your life, and when you’re gone. You are gone plain and simple. I really knew then that If I wanted this I have to sacrifice, and pursue it at all stakes. Be smart, and calculate it. A lot has changed and that whole process even took a really long time. But I just know that when I am gone, I won’t be in the ground thanking myself for working a job with a pension. I saw the potential, and I still see it. Without being corny you have one shot so I realized I have to pursue what I want.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I am Jacob Cooledge. I perform, and make music with a deathcore / death metal band called Beguiler. I have been playing music in a band in the same genre since I was about 14. I definitely inherited my work ethic from watching my parents bust their ass off for myself, and my sister to have a chance at whatever we wanted. They obviously wanted us to have security, and I have gone far enough now my dad realizes playing this type of music he does not understand is not a phase.
Once my mom passed I didn’t want to give up on my dreams. I wanted to make her proud, and anyone that cares about my future for that matter. Once I got full blown in this, and dedicated I wanted a job that would provide the flexibility to tour. I have put on shows since I was a teenager. I have always had a passion for live music. I ended up working for an independent concert promoter based out of Toronto. It was in its futile stages, and I have been able to see it through, and help the company grow behind expectations I ever had. My boss, and mentor has always been supportive of my band, and has taught me a lot about how to be an entrepreneur. It is a job and lifestyle I love, and it allows me to pursue my dreams whilst also pursuing a career outside of my band. It is a total 180 of a day job. You are always faced with an endless list of problems, and challenges to overcome.
Very similar to my career working as a promoter, bands are faced with an endless list of problems, and challenges that people really don’t see or understand from the outside looking in. After laying a path, and many sleepless nights my band has been able to deliver music to people that seem to genuinely enjoy it, and believe in us.
I am proud of building this band, and career from absolutely nothing. No money, no hand outs. When my band started all we had was gear, that we likely still owed money on haha. Since then we have been on the grind and became self sufficient. We actually have assets which granted aren’t worth a ton, but it’s expensive whilst never being easy out here. I have been able to cross things off my bucket list this year, for example performing at Wacken Open Air in Germany. When even at the beginning of 2024 the future looked promising but uncertain. We have been around for years, but had lineup changes. The last couple of years brought together a lineup for this band where we all have a similar mindset, and end goal. We have experienced a lot of successes, and small wins leading up the where we are now. The highs and lows of being a musician or someone in a creative profession fluctuate on a literal day to day basis. Nothing good comes overnight, and you only succeed through perseverance. As a group we just make what we like, and try to be as authentic to ourselves as possible. While trying to remain focused, and continue to have faith in ourselves whilst trusting each other.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
Every successful creator or artist always talks about sacrifice. If someone you love or care about seems absorbed in their work, but you see them succeeding remember they are human. Things are overwhelming, and the amount of work and focus involved in success in a creative profession knows no boundaries. It is not a job without a punch clock. On the best days you are occupied performing or creating, and promoting your craft. Seeking the best ways to make a mark and deliver to your audience, and continuing to build that. On the bad days it can really get bad. Never guilt someone for sacrificing time for something they love, and have built. It takes a lot to maintain this, and grow it. You lose track of the world and people around you. If said creator is a good person though they will never lose their love and care for you. Life is draining for anyone. Being constantly vulnerable, and having to be creative can be even more draining. On top of that you have to constantly build and conquer to stay a float. If you are non-creative remember this, and understand someone pursing their dreams at all costs is not a sleight on you. There is something inside of us we need to fulfill.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
To keep it short. At least in Canada grants are a huge thing. There is a budget set aside every year by provincial, and federal governments to help creators, and artists survive. Arts are an extremely expensive career, and though revenues can be huge expenses are insane too. The more you expand your creative business the more creative you need to be with revenue. The expenses are always massive, and it very much is a risky pay off with no guarantee. There is no lower and middle class. You are either spending a lot, and making a lot. Otherwise you could be spending a lot, and eating shit making a 2:1 profit or still losing. Grants enable you to make it through. For new artists it is good to learn everything you can, and prepare for this, because I am seeing now it can make or break you. Grants do not fund hobbies though, make sure you are ready for this. This is why I say to research it and learn while improving your craft, and growing it to a level deemed worthy of funding.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Beguiler
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beguilerband
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/beguilerband
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@beguilerband2777
- Other: Merch: beguiler.bigcartel.com
Image Credits
@raerocknroam
@bluehorizonphotos
@dexter_apogean
@chrissygrrrl
@Stephanieluxtonphoto