We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jake Loban. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jake below.

Hi Jake, thanks for joining us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

Making a living as an artist is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever accomplished. I’m very happy doing it. I don’t ever have to wonder what it’s like to have a regular job because I’ve worked several of them in the past. From being a dishwasher, doing construction, warehouse work, telemarketing, being a barback, I’ve done all sorts of work. Whenever I feel burnt out I think back to my previous jobs and it gives me an instant reality check. I think it’s really important to have worked real jobs because it keeps things in perspective. Being an artist has been my favorite by far.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m a singer songwriter in Nashville, TN and it’s been my home for 7 years now. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA, and started playing in punk rock bands when I was a teenager. I actually started touring while I was still in high school and traveled all over the US, Canada, and Europe. Traveling at such a young age exposed me to so many new cultures and experiences, and it really pushed me to go further down the rabbit hole that is American music.

I became obsessed with early rock n’ roll, blues, and country. I started exploring these genres when I wasn’t on the road and was flooded with new inspiration. At age 25 my band started falling apart and I didn’t have anyone to play with. I bought my first acoustic guitar, learned some outlaw country songs, and began booking gigs all over CA as a solo artist.

I eventually got a new band to back me up in San Diego, and we played some amazing gigs with artists like Whitey Morgan, Nikki Lane, and Wade Bowen. After playing everywhere I could in my hometown, I decided to pack up and head to Nashville. I’ve been playing & recording country music for a living since I came here.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Getting to do what I love every day and being my own boss. I really think the future belongs to independent artists, and I’m proud to be one myself. Having the freedom to create what I want, when I want, with who I want really is beautiful. I’m so thankful to be in Nashville making music for a living. Whether I’m on stage playing live or in the studio, I never take it for granted.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

The mission has always been to stay inspired. I grew up playing punk rock, then rock n’ roll, and now I’m in Nashville doing the country / Americana thing. It’s all felt very organic to me because I follow what inspires me. Growing up and evolving into new genres is exciting. I think having a diverse background and experiencing different musical cultures is so important, it also helps bring a unique perspective to the table.

Contact Info:

• Website: jakeloban.com
• Instagram: @jakeloban
• Facebook: @jakelobanmusic
• Twitter: @jakelobanmusic
• Youtube: @jakeloban

Image Credits
Megan Blanton