Jake Vera is an independent Dallas, Texas-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for blending raw, alternative rock and metal influences with deeply personal lyrics. He aims to bring back rock music to the mainstream.

With Jake Vera’s debut album, Lost, out now, we took some time to hear from Jake Vera. Read below to learn more about Jake Vera, the story behind Lost, and what’s to come.

Hi Jake Vera! Let’s start with how did you get your artist name?

Well as you could probably guess, that’s my name, hehe, the decision to just go with my name instead of a traditional artist/stage name is because my music is an extension of myself in some way shape or form. I want to be as authentic and sincere as I can possibly be. So, what you see and hear is what you get.

What city are you from, and where are you based now?

Dallas, Texas born and bred! Dallas is my home and it’s where I will remain here until these bones turn to dust.

At what point in your life did you decide to pursue a career in music? How did you get started?

A little over a year ago now actually, believe it or not. I spent so much time stalling and convincing myself to not try until I finally got over myself. After years spent teaching myself how to play drums, piano, and how to sing, I started off doing some vocal covers before meeting some very talented artists/producers online and worked on some projects together. “Reaching Out” by Hndhld was one of the first projects that I was a part of and one that I’m particularly still very proud of.

How has your upbringing played a role in shaping who you are and defining your sound?

I think so, I was brought up in a devout Catholic household, so it’s no surprise that a lot of my music contains some religious themes. I also grew up listening to rock music my whole life and fondly look back at the early 2000’s era, which will definitely be obvious for people that have heard my material, ha.

How would you describe your sound to readers who may not be familiar with you?

I’m your new favorite artist/vocalist >:), and my sound is very emotional, dark, and heavy yet gentle.

Do you have any hobbies outside of music? What do you do to stay creative?

I love to unwind playing video games, working out/running, practicing MMA off and on, and I LOVE going to the movie theaters! I make sure to take a break and step back from music whenever I get in an obsessive state over a project. Not working can be the answer sometimes. Aside from that, practicing and improving my vocal/instrumental abilities also keeps me motivated and gets the ideas flowing.

Who are some of your main musical influences?

Three Days Grace and Breaking Benjamin are definitely my top 2. Maynard James Keenan from Tool/A Perfect Circle definitely played a major role in shaping my vocal style/direction. Justin Bieber and Post Malone have also influenced my writing quite considerably as well.

What artists would you like to work with in the future?

There’s a pretty reclusive artist named mymy, that I’d love to work with! I like what she’s been putting out. Cloudyfield and Amira Elfeky I’m always praising because their music is fantastic, so I’d jump on that opportunity in a heartbeat.

In my fantasy world, working with bands that I grew up listening to like Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Thirty Seconds to Mars would be a dream come true!

What’s one of the proudest moments of your music career so far?

Definitely this album, it was a life goal and dream to create a full album that I can call my own and share with the world. Even after death, I’ll still have left a mark on the world in some small way.

What would you say are the greatest lessons that you’ve learned so far?

Knowledge of music production and recording, how the music industry works, how much of an uphill battle my music journey will be. I think despite all of that, the most important lesson that I learned is that I shouldn’t focus too much on the success, but instead stay true to myself and continue to make the music that I enjoy and can use as an outlet to express myself.

Now onto your release, Lost. What inspired this album?

It started off as just one song as any other, then unfinished projects started piling up together and I realized that there was definitely a sound coming together from all these songs. I had also made the decision to start implementing some more aspects of my personal life into these songs which I think helped elevate the music pretty well.

What is the overall theme of Lost?

Being lost both morally and spiritually. We’re all lost souls navigating this life the best we can, and at times, we’re so astray that hopelessness can feel overwhelming in a dark world. Though there is still light in the dark in the end, it’s still up to each individual whether or not they choose to stay where they are and wallow in despair, or embrace redemption and salvation. As cheesy as that sounds.

What was the inspiration behind the cover artwork for Lost?

I wanted the cover art to have some sort of religious imagery mixed with a wasteland to set the tone of the album and as a premonition of what’s to come, should we not change our ways.

What was the creative process like when making Lost?

I would typically sit down at my desk and just let the music speak to me. A certain emotion or topic would start to formulate, and I’ll just let my mind do what feels natural. I’ll already have so many different ideas in my head for vocal melodies and harmonies that I immediately start recording away once I have the lyrics down and will try to see what fits and what doesn’t. Once I have the melodies down, I really lock in and will obsessively record literal hundreds of takes to get the best possible performance I can get.

How long did it take to complete Lost?

I think just under a year, give or take. The writing and recording process actually was pretty quick and seamless, despite the ridiculous amount of hours that I spent being a perfectionist. What would usually set me back was acquiring the funds needed to get the record made, perks of being an unknown independent artist, haha.

Is there a specific song on Lost that speaks to you the most? If so, why?

I think “Inside” from a lyrical standpoint. I wrote that song as a one sided conversation between myself and angels/God. It definitely came from a very vulnerable moment.

What message or messages do you hope fans take away from Lost and your music in general?

You’re not alone and all are welcome to enjoy the music that I create, regardless of any and all differences. Despite the darker sound that my music contains, I still hope people feel a sense of comfort, like a gathering at a bonfire.

What’s next for you? Are you working on any upcoming projects, or do you have any upcoming shows that we should be on the lookout for?

I have a few projects that are already mostly finished, which I’m very excited about! I think the next big milestone I want to reach is a quality music video. No shows planned as of now, I’d still like to expand my discography at the moment.

Where can we follow you on social media?

I’m most active on Instagram!
https://tr.ee/ZWamy3s9bY
https://www.instagram.com/Jakev_era
https://www.tiktok.com/@jacobvera115
https://www.youtube.com/@JakeV_era
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0fugVpgpowLO9coAvpgRvP

Before you go, let’s ask you a random question. Were you ever on Epstein’s island?

I plead the 5th.

Thank you for the great interview; wish you much continued success!