A Coffee with Jake Brimble – Project

A Coffee with Jake Brimble – Project

‘Project’ a.k.a Jake Brimble is a 25-year-old graduate of Atrium Cardiff’s three year music course. I had the pleasure of catching up with him for a chat over a coffee and got to find out a bit more about the man behind ‘Project’.

So where were you born Jake?

I was born and grew up in Cardiff and have lived there all my life.

Are you living in Cardiff at the moment?

Yeah I am at the moment. I travel between Cardiff and Pembrokeshire where my girlfriend and my job are based.

Have you always been interested in music?

Yes since childhood but it was not until my teens that I actually started to be involved personally and pursue my interest.

Did your music interest start at school?

No, I wouldn’t say that. I think there are not enough opportunities given to children at school to engage with their creative side. Well certainly that was my experience. It was through my own connections that I became actively involved in the music scene.

Did you attend private music lessons?

[Jake laughs] No, my friends formed a band, an indie style band, called The Bicycle Thieves. I was keen to be involved and got my friend to help me learn how to play the guitar, which led to me also playing bass for The Bicycle Thieves.

So Jake, you are largely self-taught?

Yeah I am. My musical knowledge didn’t come from school that is for sure.

How old were you when you started playing the guitar?

I started playing when I was about fifteen.

How would you explain the writing process behind your songs and creating your own, unique, lyrics?

Mainly my lyrics come from drawing on my personal experiences and my emotions. I like to draw on my life observations and, by doing so, I aim to produce real, honest and raw lyrics.

Where do you write your music?

If I can, I try to sit down in my room, just me and the laptop, be reclusive, and record all my thoughts and feelings which I am having at that particular time. I find writing my lyrics a very therapeutic and fulfilling process.

What influences and inspires your music style?

I particularly like music where the lyrics are evocative and original. I would say emotionally my music has been influenced by a group called Lucero, which are a Tennessee-based band. Their music can be described as Alternative Country. My Dad introduced me to their music when I was in my early teens.

Any other influences?

Yes, I would say that my music style is heavily influenced by Tech N9ne, a rapper from Kansas City. His lyrical content is always so strong and intense and his technical abilities are, in my opinion, unmatched by anyone I’ve seen. There’s a very long list of influences but I’d have to say he’s at the top.

What is the story behind 10-10-12?

Part of this song relates to bullying/discrimination. I believe that bullying can be split into categories – the victim, the perpetrator and the bystanders. I think that it is not as cut-and-dry as a victim and a bully. Often there is another party involved who do, to a certain extent, have a degree of responsibility to help the victim by making a stand.

So, for you Jake, the bystander also plays a role in bullying?

Yes, for me the people who watch and witness acts of bullying and do not stand up and try to help the victim in some way but instead, don’t get involved or distance themselves from victims, should be aware they too play a role in bullying continuing/developing.

Is that what you wanted to convey in 10-10-12?

Yes, I wanted to produce a song that people could identify with. Whether someone has been a victim, perpetrator or bystander or possibly, during their life, all three. I hope that people get the message in the song.

Do you have direct experience of bullying?

To some degree, I was bullied at school but it was not too serious. However, I was also a bystander and now, when I look back, I deeply regret being that person and wish I had done more for the victims. I want people to ‘stand up to bullying.’ If you see it, be strong and report it.

How long have you been performing at gigs?

I have been playing at gigs since I was 16 in my friend’s band.

Do you prefer performing on your own or in your friend’s band?

It is a completely different experience. Going from being a member of a band and standing on stage with your mates to facing crowds on your own is a shock to the system and takes a bit of getting used to.

How did you overcome this?

Well when the support of your fellow band mates is not there on the stage beside you it can be daunting and, the first time, was quite overwhelming. I think it is because I am quite shy and this was definitely one of the biggest hurdles I had to overcome. But sometimes you just have to throw yourself in the deep end and just get it done.

What was going through your head?

I think largely it was due to not wanting to disappoint the people who had come to see me perform. I wanted them to be pleased with the performance they came to see. So, it came to just taking a deep breath and drawing on my passion and drive to become a professional musician. I knew there were two choices – go out and deliver or walk away. Really, there was no decision – I performed and I delivered.

What kind of feedback did you get from the audience?

I was very pleased because everyone seemed to really enjoy it and I have received very positive feedback through social media sites as well.

You have covered two gigs at Monkey Bar in Swansea. In October you were there supporting Akala.

Yes, I was pleased to be asked to support his performance at the Monkey Bar. It was a great night.

What have you done so far to raise your profile?

I have sent my EP off to all corners of the industry, and taken every opportunity that I’ve been faced with to promote my music and my message.

Did you have any success?

Yes, I was delighted to feature on the BBC Introducing website which played some of my tracks. I received good feedback from my coverage so this was really encouraging.

Also, BBC Radio Wales have played my music and, again, I got positive feedback.

When is your next gig Jake?

Next gig is in Cardiff in January at the ‘Free for All Festival.’ It is an annual event in the Welsh capital which includes performances by artists from varied genres.

When is your next show?

My next show is on the 21st April 2017 with a band I have played with before, called Regime, they are a Pembrokeshire/Bristol-based band. I’m on support as it’s their new album launch.

What is your favourite movie?

My favourite movie of all time is Stand By Me.

Are you an animal lover?

Yes I am. I adore cats but, sadly, I lost my Bengalese cat last week which was tough.

Also, I will add that I am strongly against animal cruelty and have been a vegetarian for my whole life.

Where is your happy place?

Truly, my happy place is sitting in my room with my laptop putting everything I am feeling down on paper and producing lyrics.

Jake Brimble is a truly great guy and a genuine, home-grown, up-and-coming Welsh talent. I would recommend anyone, if you get the chance, to have a listen to ‘Project’ and/or attend the aforementioned events, trust me you really wont regret it.