Nashville Welcomes BabyJake’s Latest Musical Adventure
Nashville, the Music City itself, is buzzing with excitement as BabyJake, the artist behind the viral hit “Cigarettes on Patios,” has released his fifth studio album, “Beautiful Blue Collar Boy.” Launched on September 13, this 10-track masterpiece navigates a rich blend of indie rock, alternative pop, folk, and classic singer-songwriter vibes with enchanting touches from the 1990s. It’s fair to say that BabyJake is a name you’ll want to keep an eye on!
A Journey to Music City
The journey of BabyJake, whose real name is Jake Herring, is as captivating as his music. Originally from Florida, he made a pivotal move to Nashville three years ago following a particularly challenging period during the Covid-19 pandemic in Los Angeles. “It was absolutely horrible,” he shares. After spending some time in Music City, he felt the vibrant energy calling him, especially for someone in the ever-evolving music landscape. He mentioned, “We both loved the idea of staying in a city, but maybe something that was up and coming, which I still feel like Nashville is up and coming.”
From Viral Sensation to Artistic Evolution
After signing with Scooter Braun’s SB Projects in 2019, BabyJake’s career took off when “Cigarettes on Patios” went viral on platforms like TikTok, earning a certified Gold record status. However, amidst the chaos of the pandemic and some discontent with his creative path, BabyJake decided it was time for a change. He succinctly explained his split, saying, “The main reason that we separated was because I turned into an alternative artist. They didn’t sign an alternative artist. They signed a pop artist.” Most importantly, he still values his relationship with Braun, stating, “Scooter never once told me, ‘Your music has to sound like this.’”
A New Direction
Now signed with the independent label ALTER Music, BabyJake feels revitalized and centered. He drew upon the musical genius of legendary artists from the 1970s and 1990s such as Bob Dylan and Tom Petty while crafting “Beautiful Blue Collar Boy.” His music mirrors influences from contemporary names like Dr. Dog and Mac DeMarco, blending sounds that are uniquely his own. Reflecting on his evolution, he candidly noted, “The reason for the sonic shift is just me learning to come back to the center of who I really am.”
An Impressive Collection of Tracks
The album shines with standout tracks like “Arian(e),” featuring an emotional scream that grabs listeners, and the heartfelt “Momma 212.” Meanwhile, songs like “We, You, and I” and “Ginger, Red (Rubberband Man)” showcase a gentler side, proving that versatility is his strong suit. Herring could hardly contain his excitement about this new work, stating, “I finally came back to … the center of me, of Jake.”
Blue Collar Roots and Future Aspirations
BabyJake’s view of music is deeply influenced by his blue-collar upbringing. He explained, “I look at music kind of blue-collar-like. I’m like, ‘Okay, I gotta sit down and lock in this week.’” He values the art of hard work and is content with earning a living from his passion, rather than chasing stardom for its own sake. “If I ever only got big enough to do Brooklyn Bowl-sized venues in every city, I’d be happy knowing that I make an honest living,” he mentions thoughtfully.
Looking Ahead
With a live performance scheduled at Exit/In on November 16, fans can expect an unforgettable night complete with a special surprise — a one-show-only horns section! East Nashville is in for a treat, and so is everyone who loves real music. For more about BabyJake and his latest work, be sure to check his website.
In the realm of indie and alternative music, BabyJake is rising as a force to reckon with. His new venture marks not just a chapter in his career, but a journey back to his roots, filled with heartfelt, soulful music. Nashville is certainly the right place for this exciting new phase, and we can’t wait to see where it takes him!
