New York-based multi-instrumentalist and producer JACOB ASHER has just released his new single Medusa, along with an accompanying video, out everywhere today. The track is a follow-up to Joshua Tree and Jacob Asher’s 4th release of the year.
Jacob Asher is the solo, passion project of Ben Bailey, keyboard player of Rochester Indie-Rock band JOYWAVE. We caught up with Jacob Asher to talk about his recent work.
AC: In the studio, do you have a fear you’d like to conquer? What about outside of the studio?
JACOB ASHER – The studio is a very freeing space for me. I view it as a playground where I have no inhibitions whatsoever. Outside the studio, I’m definitely afraid of getting COVID-19. Also bears. There have been very few bear sightings in my area, but I spend a lot of time on hikes alone in the middle of nowhere.
AC: Where does the creation of a song begin for you?
JACOB ASHER – It can start from so many places. It usually starts from a voice memo, humming a melody into my phone to develop later. Sometimes it comes from improvising on a keyboard. Or just making noises. Lotta ways to your destination.
AC: Who do you feel inspired by in the music industry?
JACOB ASHER – Billie Eilish. Industry plant or not, music slaps. Dorian Electra, Tommy Cash.
AC: As a music artist, what are you still trying to learn?
JACOB ASHER – To be honest with myself.
AC: How important is social media to you right now?
JACOB ASHER – I participate in fairly frequent “dopamine fasts” but when I have something to promote, the importance of it cannot be denied.
AC: Ahead of a gig, do you have any pre-show rituals?
JACOB ASHER – Consuming a hot beverage, vocal warm-ups, anxiously pacing around the room, figuring out what I’m going to eat at Taco Bell after my set.
AC: What’s the biggest realization you’ve had this past year?
JACOB ASHER – The reoccurring realization that nothing matters.
AC: What makes you feel nostalgic?
JACOB ASHER – Lately, canned meat. As a kid, I always got a can of Vienna sausages in my stocking for Christmas. Now being on a high protein diet, I’ve incorporated them back into my diet along with spam and others (I’ll admit) absolutely disgusting things that shouldn’t exist. Takes me back to sitting way too close to the tv, shovelling hot-out-the-microwave miniature hot dogs into my face.
AC: What do you want the world to look like in 10 years?
JACOB ASHER – A better place.
If you had the chance to put something on billboards worldwide next week, what would it be? Or what would it say?
JACOB ASHER – BLUE LIVES DON’T EXIST.
PHOTO: BENJAMIN BAILEY
TEXT & DESIGN: MIKE TURZANSKI
INTERVIEW: ADAM CROOKES
