Q: I love the feel and storytelling in “Down.” Could you tell us
more about the song?
JAKE ALDRIDGE: I am someone who naturally feels compassionate towards other people and their struggles. I really wanted to write a song that epitomises a huge part of my character. Sometimes I feel like I’m turning myself inside out through my music. This new single is very much one for the underdogs. It’s a tribute to, and a celebration of, anyone still finding their way in life.
Q: What inspired you to write the song?
ALDRIDGE: I’ve always considered myself to be ‘the underdog’. My father passed away when I was young, I wasn’t academically minded at school and even when I first began writing songs, I couldn’t even nod my head in time with a drum beat. These were hurdles I’ve had to overcome in my life, and I wanted to write a song to show my support and to help inspire others who are still struggling in theirs.
Q: What is your creative process like?
ALDRIDGE: It was very different this time around. Usually, I would receive a full track production from the Producer and then begin writing the song. This time, however, I was working to a scratch track. David Edward Booth, a music producer, artist, and multi-instrumentalist, helped me to nail down the melody. I recorded the song in Suffolk with Sam Holmes and we then sent my vocals, with the scratch track, off to Simon Reid, who produced the entire track. It was a nervy experience listening to it in its entirety for the first time!
Q: What do you like the most about music-making?
ALDRIDGE: For me, there’s nothing quite like getting the master back for a song and feely truly, 100% happy with it. I love playing it privately for close friends/family for the first time when I see them, way before it’s even been released. I’ve always loved that part.
Q: When did you start writing music? What was your first instrument?
ALDRIDGE: I was about 17 when I first began writing lyrics. I do not actually play any instruments. I have always been a storyteller. Lyrics seem to come naturally to me. Musically, just about everything else – does not!
Q: Are you currently working on anything?
ALDRIDGE: At the moment, I am busy pushing my new single, ‘Down’. I am really pleased with the way it’s turned out and now it’s my job to try and get it heard!
Interviewed by Katrina Yang
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