A Chat with Jake Neuman and the Jaybirds (17.05.24)
Quietly carving a niche in the world of Americana music, Jake Neuman and the Jaybirds are easily one of the most intriguing and exciting up-and-coming arts in 2024. Following a life-threatening brain haemorrhage in 2020, Neuman decided life is too short and turned toward his dream as a musician channelling his recovery (both good and bad experiences) into his tunes. We speak with US-based Neuman about his new EP Little Bitty Town, fantasy supergroups and much more.
OSR: What can you tell us about your forthcoming EP, Little Bitty Town?
Neuman: I am extremely proud of this project we have with Peacedale Records and producer, Greg Griffith! I try to do my best to make the most honest music I can, and this record came out of a very vulnerable place so I am glad to finally be getting it out there!
OSR: Can you share the story of how you first got involved in music and what inspired you to pursue it professionally?
Neuman: I started playing in bars around 17 or 18 years old. My first official shows were at the local bars around my home town in Bakersfield, CA, although I will say many a bonfire had been plagued by some off-key Turnpike Troubadours by myself…. But honestly, those late-night bonfires playing tunes that only me and my buddies knew was really what inspired me.
OSR: Your tracks often explore themes like love, temptation, and personal struggle. What personal experiences or artists have influenced your songwriting the most?
Neuman: Writers such as Tyler Childers, Chris Knight, Jason Isbell and Evan Felker of The Turnpike Troubadours were and are still my biggest influences in how I tell a story. The stories themselves for the most part do come from personal experience. ‘Say What You Mean’ is really about me moving away from a really toxic situation a few years back.
OSR: Could you describe your process for creating a new song? From initial idea to final production, what steps do you take?
Neuman: Often it’s a word or phrase that sticks out in my head. I get very inspired by interesting turns of phrase, but sometimes you have a great line that sits for a while and then one day it will click and then it’ll all come out at once. I try to get at least a line or two down per day, but it’s important not to force myself as it sounds forced.
OSR: As an artist, you’ve faced and overcome significant challenges, including a rare medical condition. How has this influenced your music and your outlook on life?
Neuman: The last time I got really sick, I swore that I’d see it through. Life can be short and it’s a shame to waste it on things you hate. We should do what we love and I believe everyone deserves that.
OSR: Performing live can be a transformative experience for both the artist and the audience. Can you describe one of your most memorable live performance experiences?
Neuman: Like many artists, I have played quite a few shows, but some of the most fun I’ve had has been playing Saturdays at Chief’s in Nashville, TN! I believe that if a song can stand on its own two feet with nothing more than a vocal and guitar, then its popularity doesn’t necessarily matter. Chief’s on Broadway is such a great listening room and can be a place to share tunes with folks that I don’t get to play anywhere else.
OSR: How do you maintain your artistic identity and integrity in an industry that is constantly evolving and often driven by commercial success?
Neuman: It’s definitely a struggle, but to be honest I don’t think I’d be very good at writing commercial-style music. It’s a very different style of writing than what I do. Learning a new writing style can be like learning a new language and I think the one that’s truest to me is what we have on this record.
OSR: If you were to create a supergroup, which artists (living or dead) would you choose?
Neuman: I would love to hear Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Charles Wesley Godwin and Colter Wall do a highwayman-style supergroup. I think they have some of the most interesting artistic voices in the genre.
Many thanks to Jake Neuman for speaking with us. Find out more about Jake Neuman and the Jaybirds on his website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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