J8KE – Hold Me

By starrymag | October 25, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Alternative, acoustic, pop and reggae are the four genres that I really focused on fusing together based on all my inspirations.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) I listen to everything and anything that catches my ears! In particular, a strong melody and catchy chorus!

I grew up listening to punk rock/alternative music as a kid and then started falling in love with ska, reggae and rock bands from SoCal to Sublime, 311, etc. I use a lot of phrasing work from hip-hop/rap as well.

Nothing better than a well written song with an upbeat rhythm.

 

Q) You hail from Toronto! What is it about this area that has made it such a hot bed for up-and-coming musicians these days?

 

A) Toronto and all of Canada is a breeding ground for incredible artists from a wide variety of genres and styles. I think Canadians have a rather laid-back mentality at times, and can really kick it and chill when the time is right. I think it might just help with letting ourselves be extra creative in the process of making music.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Hold Me.”

 

A) I was moving out of a house I roomed in just outside the city of Toronto and the place was empty because all the furniture had been moved out, which made the acoustics sound incredible. I ordered a pizza and was sitting on the last fold up chair and tiny table with food sitting on it and did some writing. I came across the chords and then started singing melodies…I caught the melody quickly and the words, “Darlin baby, can ya tell me why ya love to hate me?” Rolled out with such ease. I knew it was the starting point for a strong song!

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I always miss my partner when I’m away. She’s my ride or die and I imagine anyone who is lucky to have a significant other would resonate with that feeling of absence when they aren’t in your life.

We are all human beings and crave comfort and connection deep down. When it’s missing it’s very difficult. I hope the song helps anyone that is going through a loss of any kind of love to feel not alone.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I filmed a live loop station version of the song because I wanted to have an alternate version for people to hear it raw. I filmed a live loop station version of the song because I wanted to have an alternate version for people to hear it raw.

 

Q) What is your songwriting process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) I figured out the chord progression first because I was simply jamming on it in the empty house. The melodies soon followed and then the lyrics rolled out line by line!

The verses were my favorite part lyrically because I wanted something a little wordier with lots of syllables/phrasing flying around – something that had a rap flavor to it, and melodic with lyrics to glue the story together. You can really feel the rhythmic quality in the verses, and I love that, one of my favorites being:

“Every time I find, pieces of the mind, Zen for a second then destroy my shrine. I would push past the wreckage, even though I’m disrespected, and you may not ever get it, no lie.”

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I actually record and produce 100% of my music. I started learning at seventeen-years-old the art of engineering. It was just a tool at first to write but then grew into more creative storytelling, which I love!

Production has become one of my favorite parts of writing. The layering and parts that we can come up with are endless and that excites me.

I kept it fairly raw but wanted the acoustics to always be the main instrument. To add ambience, I added some sample vocals and tight snares on the drops, which reminds me of SoCal reggae bands.

Production allows me to fuse all my musical influences, why limit to only one?!

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

 

A) Yes, this is part of a forthcoming full album.

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love playing in local venues because of the loyal fans and friends who always come out to support me. Not to mention, it’s nice to have a quick drive home after a hard day’s work. [laughs]

My all-time favorite place to play is up at my parents’ farmhouse. They have some land and just singing out into the forest and nature is a unique experience. It’s peaceful, humbling and I always get some cool ideas writing up there. Thanks mom and dad for that!

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would love to write a song with Damon Albarn from Blur/Gorillaz!

 

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

 

A) Dominic Fike currently – love his phrasing, melodies and mix of styles.

Turnstile is another one I have enjoyed for a while. Great hardcore band from Baltimore. Catchy pop sensibility, but awesome hardcore power…respect.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you for the support, more music to come!