Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to JacobAlexander. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
JacobAlexander, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Raised by a single mother, I learned early on that I was capable of anything. She instilled in me a belief in my own potential, often telling me I was a genius and encouraging me to immerse myself in the arts. This nurturing environment not only expanded my horizons but also ingrained in me the importance of perseverance and dedication. A figure who became like a father to me taught me a valuable lesson: “If you’re going to do something, do it right.”
These teachings shaped me into the person I am today, embedding in me a work ethic and resilience that have been instrumental in my life and career. The encouragement to constantly try new things has fostered an open-mindedness in my professional endeavors, making me adaptable and innovative. The principle of doing things right, or not at all, has taught me the importance of commitment and excellence in everything I undertake.
My mother was not just a preacher of these values; she was a living example. Her daily affirmations and actions showed me the value of finishing what I start, pushing me to always seek knowledge and strive for greatness. This foundation was especially crucial in navigating the challenges of the music industry, a field known for its competitiveness and harsh realities. These lessons have not only aided me in my career but have also influenced my approach to parenthood, allowing me to pass on the values of hard work, determination, and curiosity to my own children.
I am profoundly grateful to my mother for her unwavering support and the lessons she imparted. Her dedication as a single parent, coupled with her refusal to give up on me, has left an indelible mark on my life. It’s a testament to the power of believing in someone and the profound impact it can have on their journey.
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?
Growing up in Indianapolis, surrounded by a family where music was as natural as breathing, my love for this art form was nurtured from the very beginning. My strongest asset, my voice, found its power early on, with my mother’s encouragement being a guiding light. She saw in me what I was just beginning to discover — a passion for music that needed to be explored and shared.
This passion led me on an incredible journey to Europe, where I dove into classical training during my formative years. But music has always been more than just notes and rhythms to me; it’s a way to connect, to change, to innovate. It’s not just about creating tunes but weaving experiences, emotions, and technology into something transformative.
The decision to take music from a cherished hobby to a career came naturally after the city I call home embraced an early version of what would become my hit song, “Margaux.” The support was not just a vote of confidence but a clear sign that this was the path meant for me.
My approach to music is deeply personal. I aim to strip back the layers, offering my true self in my songs. It’s about sharing stories that resonate, that make you feel seen and understood. This vulnerability has become my signature, allowing an effortless connection with those who find solace and joy in my music.
The stages I’ve performed on — from the electric atmosphere of the Final Four 2019 in Indianapolis to the grandeur of the NBA All-Star 2024 festivities and intimate nights at the Jazz Kitchen — each hold a story, a memory of connection with the audience. Being recognized on platforms like Fox59 and WishTV8, and even performing for a venture owned by Magic Johnson, are milestones that highlight the journey but, more importantly, the impact music can have.
At the heart of my work is a desire to connect, to use my music as a bridge between my experiences and those of my listeners. Whether it’s through the shared understanding in a melody or the communal feeling at a concert, my goal is to create moments where someone, somewhere, feels a little less alone. This is what drives me, what I want my fans, both current and future, to know about me. In a world that can often feel disconnected, I believe in the power of music to bring us together, and it’s a belief that I carry into every note I play and every song I write.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Reflecting on the early stages of my journey in the music industry, I recognize how being naturally driven propelled me forward, but also how a lack of knowledge in legal protection and proper funding avenues led to inefficiencies and missteps. The industry, vast and complex, often felt like navigating without a compass, especially without clear guidance on how to safeguard my creations or financially sustain my career.
Early Challenges and Lack of Guidance: Initially, I grappled with understanding how to legally protect my music and secure funding. This gap in my knowledge resulted in wasted time and avoidable mistakes. The industry seemed shrouded in secrecy, with little willingness from others to share the necessary insights for success.
Finding Valuable Resources: While resources existed—many behind paywalls—the real struggle was in discerning where to begin and which information warranted investment. Moreover, a noticeable void of mentors or educators within my community made it challenging to navigate a field where competition is fierce, and artists abound.
Impact of Early Knowledge on Funding and Legal Protection: Knowing early on how to register my work to receive royalties and understand the funding mechanisms could have significantly influenced my career choices. The uncertainty of financial stability can impede or even halt progress within such a demanding industry.
Learning Through Experience and Community Support: Over time, through both successes and failures, I’ve learned the intricacies of the music business. Fortunately, leaders within the artistic community have started to bridge the gap, establishing organizations and movements that offer vital resources. Additionally, city governments are beginning to recognize the value of investing in the arts, further enriching the support network for artists.
Advice to Emerging Artists: My advice to those embarking on their artistic journey is to embody the adaptability and resilience of water. The music industry is in constant flux, requiring one to be ever-vigilant and flexible. Absorb all the knowledge you can, not just through formal education but through your experiences. Don’t wait for someone to hand you the keys; be proactive in your learning and growth.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Reflecting on the most rewarding aspect of being an artist, a pivotal moment early in my career stands out, one that has shaped my approach to music ever since. I wrote a song titled “School of Thought,” a deeply introspective piece, within which I navigated through my complex feelings towards my father. This song, personal and raw, somehow transcended my own experience when a coworker, who became a supporter, shared how it resonated with him. He confided that a specific segment of the song, dealing with my resentments, became a catalyst for him to address his own unresolved feelings towards his father. He would listen to it on repeat, especially during workouts, a time many use for mental and emotional decompression.
This interaction was enlightening and profoundly rewarding. It underscored the power of authenticity in art—how honest expressions of personal experiences can reach beyond the personal to touch others in meaningful ways. This experience became a cornerstone of my ethos as an artist: to always infuse my music with honesty, hoping that my journey, with its highs and lows, could offer solace, understanding, or perhaps a mirror to those navigating their own complexities. The realization that my music could serve as a conduit for healing or reflection for others has been one of the most gratifying aspects of this journey, fueling my commitment to authenticity and emotional sincerity in my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.jacobalexandermusic.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacobalexander.music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jacobalexander317/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jacobalexanderest9635
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2rD8eqfAjwmdbTJlB32jJu?si=EQUW_Qd_SO6KOz0d-qn4MA Apple: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jacob-alexander/1513417868
Image Credits
Kaylon Outlaw All317 Photography