Singer-songwriter Jeiris Cook released his latest single, “Drunk”, on February 22, 2022. The song comes after the moderately successful “Date Night” from 2021. The singer has unlocked a whole new genre by blending big band, soul and jazz sounds with country, pop, R&B and Motown vibes.
“Drunk” opens with a catchy acoustic vibe-full riff with a second riff in the background. A little later into the first verse, we get horns. It’s a jazzy big band sound that isn’t common in the country vibe we get from the intro. Jeiris Cook’s rich velvet vocals add a Darius Rucker-like sound to “Drunk”. The singer has perfectly meshed country and big band with this song.
The lyrics, obviously, are all centered around drinking and the effects of drinking excessively. It is a fairly simple song lyrically speaking, but it is incredibly catchy. The line “I gotta stop drinkin’” echos throughout. Of course, the song ends with “but who am I kidding?” making it clear that there is no end to the drinking. At least, not yet. As with anything, people have to want to change. If you or someone you know needs help with alcoholism, visit AA’s website to get started.
Based in New Jersey, Jeiris Cook has created a sound that is all his own. Artists such as Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding inspire him. Cook says that his goal is to “honor the old while delivering songs in a way that is earthy and warm” which I feel he succeeds in. For more on this soulful artist, follow his socials linked below.
Q&A with Jeiris Cook
Q: I get such jazzy, country music vibes when I listen to “Drunk” – I love it. What inspired “Drunk”?
JEIRIS COOK: Thank you so much! I am really proud of this song because it has this old school big band sound that I love. Drunk was inspired by the end of a bad day essentially. At the time I was rooming with friends and we all had a rough time that day. So at the time, we sent the oldest of us who could buy alcohol and we ended up polishing off a bottle of Everclear. And we chased it with cheap fruit punch which made things worse. So “Drunk” basically chronicles all the struggles of being “Drunk” while also trying to maintain a level of responsibility that ended up failing.
Q: Who would you say your biggest influences are?
JC: My biggest influencers are the soul singers of the 60s and 70s. Even though the music of that era is before my time, it feels authentic for me and resonates in a way that’s therapeutic. What I try to do through my own music is take people on the same journey and hopefully convey the same vibes.
Q: If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
JC: Oh that’s a good question. I’d really love to do a song with Anthony Hamilton. I’ve been a fan of his for years and I really love his musical style and tone. I think our styles would compliment each other, especially on a mid-tempo soulful tune. Might reach out to him on Instagram and see what happens haha.
Q: What’s the music scene like where you’re from?
JC: There’s a pretty vibrant music scene where I live now. Especially being in northwest New Jersey, where it’s mostly rural and woodsy, there are plenty of local musicians in the area that are amazing. In fact, several helped me get started so I am grateful to the people here that makeup the music scene. I’m originally from Atlanta, GA where the music scene has been thriving for years. Eventually I’ll get back there and catch up. I’d also love to visit Nashville.
Q: What has been your favorite song to perform?
JC: So I’ll give two answers to this question. My favorite original song to sing right now is “Drunk”. It brings me back to a different time in my life when I had a lot less responsibility. Almost makes me nostalgic, kinda like watching a favorite childhood movie. My favorite cover song to do right now is “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child. The original is upbeat and pop-ish. When I cover it though, I slow it down and make it a ballad. It’s definitely a different feel and I enjoy surprising people in this way.
Q: What are you working on now?
JC: I’ve got a mini collaboration EP (5 songs) that will be released sometime in June or July (follow me on my socials to stay updated). I worked on it with Vern Miller of The Remains, who is one of the most talented musicians I’ve had the pleasure of working with. It’s a quarantine project of sorts created entirely online and over email. Later this year, I hope to release a full standalone album of my own. It will be my first and I’m in the studio now working on it. In August, I’ll be playing Musikfest in Bethlehem, PA for the first time ever (Aug 5th and 6th), so there’s lots of happenings coming later this year I’m excited for. Stay tuned and thank you for having me.
Reviewed & Interviewed by Dana L. Sullivan
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