Unsigned Spotlight: Jake & The Venom
A Stone Unturned by singer/songwriter Jake & The Venom is a poetic alternative album and part one of a three part series. This record explores a range of human emotion that the world as a whole had to conquer during the pandemic.
A Stone Unturned also delves into the mind's influence on our own personal journeys and the realization many are going through the same setbacks and triumphs. Each track stands out rightfully on its own with the twangy "Strange World" serving as the catalyst of the album. A Stone Unturned will appeal to fans of emotive music with a message they can interpret as their own.
For starters, what bands have you been a part of prior to Jake and the Venom? How long has the band been around?
I've been playing music professionally since age 16, where my first introduction into paid gigs was with a vocal quartet called Evolution. Followed that up with a 4 piece rock band, Hunters Run. Then came a 5-piece, Highland. Highland did little pocket tours and shared the stage with acts such as Sponge, Smile Empty Soul, Safety Suit, Madina Lake, and Cartel to name a few. After that, I ventured into cover bands, Nine Lives and The New Fashioned, then The Daydrinkers.
Jake & The Venom (JATV) came to fruition in 2016, originally as a recording project/collaboration where I would record a full album of tunes that I had written over a 14 year period, each track featuring a different musical guest. This would be the launching pad for what would continue as a solo studio project, solo to full band on stage.
What’s the origin of that name and have you changed your name before?
Jake & The Venom is a nod to a number of things. First and foremost, I'm a lifelong pro wrestling fan, so right off the bat, Jake "The Snake" Roberts comes to mind. I had a pet snake as a child for a brief bit, emulating the pro wrestler. From 2016-2018 I had a podcast called The Snake Pit which featured interviews with movers and shakers of the entertainment community in Northwest Ohio/Southeast Michigan. So when it came time to give my music project a name, Jake & The Venom seemed like a perfect fit, since it somewhat implies there is more than just one person involved, yet also works as a solo act name.
What are the main themes or topics for most of your songs and do you think these topics will change over time?
The main themes in this 3-part release all boil down to the concept of isolation; the challenges and themes that come with isolation. Thoughts of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, depression... all of which come with facing mortality, questioning faith, existential crisis. 2020 in a nutshell. That's just this album though. I think that themes and topics will indeed change over time at the same rate that I change/evolve as a person. But I think a lot of the aforementioned themes are an inevitable landing space, no matter the topic on the surface.
What bands are currently inspiring the music that you’re making?
Nine Inch Nails, Alice In Chains, Muse, Mazzy Star, Jason Isbell, Roy Orbison, The Ink Spots... the list of inspirations range close to a century of music, and maybe beyond that, from performing artists to producers. If Phil Spector, Trent Reznor, and Rick Rubin co-produced a record, I think you'd be close to what I hear in my head.
Was there a particular band/artist or concert that inspired you to start a band?
Freddie Mercury and Jim Morrison, from an early age, were the two icons that really captured my attention. Flamboyance, energy, madness, and pure chaos all tossed into something of beauty and occasional elegance. Melodies that moved like an angel through fire. I enjoy that contrast.
What do you do to prepare for a show? Any flexing, exercises, ect …
If I'm being honest, I probably prepare mentally to a near maddening point, everyday leading up to the show. So if I have multiple shows in a span of a few days, my wheels are constantly spinning. As far as physical prep? I'm good with a couple beers and a couple tacos.
What has been the biggest highlight of the band’s career so far?
March of 2020, when the world shut down. It was an abrasive punch to the face. And it felt very dark for a while. But it's exactly what I needed; It's what my music needed: a deeper, more honest dive into self-reflection, and therefore, songwriting and production. Odd highlight, I know.
If you could tour with any bands, past or present, who would they be and why?
Past: Alice In Chains (with Lane), Leonard Cohen, The Doors, Harry NilssonPresent: John Paul White, Jason Isbell, Tyler Childers, Pearl Jam, Billie Eilish
reasons for all: they're all great writers whose songs tell great stories that dive deep into the tragedy of our own headspace. And they do so with grace. They can put on great shows whether it be in a big room with a light show and screaming crowd, or sitting in stools without any flash and a crowd sitting on blankets or theatre seats.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I hope for people to explore music the same way they explore a new tv show. Some of the best shows take their time for the sake of laying a solid foundation, world building, and character development to make the special moments feel bigger and richer.
And with that, I hope artists don't forget to take chances and have the patience to do the same with their work. Instant gratification will always feel good, but patience and commitment can feel great. A kind of enrichment that exceeds the 3 minute mark.