Jacob Asher Interview

by the partae
Jacob Asher

Photo: Will Cornfield

 

Where are you currently based?

Rochester, New York

How has your isolation situation been so far?

It has been refreshing. Granted I get stir crazy fairly quickly, I’ve been able to focus more than I ever have.

What have you been working on recently?

More music! And recording some covers when I’m less inspired. I also just finished building a bathroom set piece consisting of two walls, sink, toilet, mirror and cozy artwork to make it feel like home. It’s sitting in the middle of my backyard right now.

You’ve started a side solo project aside from Joywave, how and why has this come about?

After touring and being in the band for 7 years I wanted my own vehicle for expression, and the stars happened to align with time off between album cycles.

Your new single ‘Joshua Tree’ is out now, what influenced the sound and songwriting for this track?

The production is influenced by slow-motion movie sort of drama. It feels epic and drawn out like something catastrophic just happened. Living in your perceived moment.

How did you go about writing ‘Joshua Tree’?

The lyrics were inspired by a literal cleaning lady that drove a Mercedes-Benz. My mind filled to the brim with ideas and assumptions about what their life might be like. I wrote them all down with a flow in mind and that became the song.

Where and when did you record and who with?

I recorded this in my home studio (spare bedroom) all by my lonesome, about a year and a half ago? I think that’s right.

What programs/instruments did you use?

I used Ableton, and a few analog synths/drum machines. This project I kept 100% analog. Even the opening choir sound is all me stacked/and pitched around. Full instrumentation is Roland JX-8P, Ensoniq ESQ-1, Yamaha RX-11, piano, voice memos, vocal, and my partner screaming before the second verse drops.

What do you like to do away from music?

I enjoy cooking, running, reading, and travel. I’ve made what feels like over 10 pounds of pasta from scratch since I’ve been isolated.

Who are you listening to at the moment?

Rina Sawayama’s new record, my friends Ynough and Jessica Genius, Steely Dan, and some Ravel.

What’s planned for 2020?

More music!! Releasing a few more singles, and *fingers crossed* getting started on an EP or some sort of longer collection of tunes. I also want to make some focaccia.

Favourite food and place to hangout?

There’s been a boom of great restaurants and eateries in Rochester the last few years, it’s usually quite difficult to pick a place. But Fiorella is my favorite Italian restaurant in town. Very quaint, dimly lit, and the food is on par if not better than some I’ve had in Italy (shhh don’t tell them I said that) .

 

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