Renowned Label Exec, Producer & Songwriter Jake Allen speaks out on what makes a hit record, how to break into the industry, and what it takes to be behind 22,000,000 streams and downloads.
Where are you from?
London
How long have you been making music?
I’ve been making music and playing music as long as i can remember! I got my first guitar age 7 and went from there! I was always writing songs, experimenting with sound and recording different ideas.
How many songs /albums have you released to date?
To date i’ve written over 200 records for myself and artists all over the world. I’ve also been blessed with my music and the projects i’ve been involved in gaining over 22millions streams and downloads around the world.
Can you tell us about your latest release and the background and inspirations behind it?
Sure, my latest project is called ‘WE R’ and is a record featuring 3 tracks. It’s something i’ve been wanting to work on for quite a while but just haven’t had the chance to. I wanted this project to make people stop and question what it was, how it was made and most importantly, want to know what it was about. It scares me when I look at how messed up the world around us has become, and i wanted to try and portray this through the record. It’s a give back record at the end of the day, I wanted to be able to create a record that people can relate to, get strength from and relate to, that’s really important to me.
https://soundcloud.com/jakeallenofficial/jake-allen-start-to-roll-official-audio
How have you ended up in the music industry?
Through long hours, non stop work, sleepless nights, and never taking no for an answer! I started off as an independent songwriter and producer and worked my own way up building up a list of contacts and strong relationships with people in all different sectors of the industry. From there i went on to co-launch InOrbit and JamMccann publishing. I’m determined and ruthless when it comes to my work. I think you’ve got to be in this kinda job! All the time you’re sleeping or slacking someone else is working, and I don’t like that so I’m at my desk or in the studio most of the time! It’s important for me to work with people who I can see have that rawness and drive to succeed. If you’ve got a killer track or voice but you haven’t got that attitude, you’re not going to get anywhere!
What do you think of the music industry in 2015?
I think its been an up and down year. We’ve seen some great tracks and records released but we’ve also seen a load of changes which i think are quite sad to be honest. The age of ‘Desktop Musicians’ has come along and don’t get me wrong, it’s great that so many people can record their music and idea at home with a very simple set up, but at the same time, I feel this almost takes away from the craft of being a musician! To me, it’s all about the killer live show that takes every ounce of your energy to be able to perform, the record that you’ve played the live instruments on, and the vision you had in your head, not what your computer made after a few clicks! I’ve always been one to keep it real, without the live, raw music, you tend to lose the artist which is a shame, but technology is unavoidable, we have to just adapt to work around and with it. Sadly times change and things evolve, I just feel that real music is something that is slowly dieing out
Who do you think the most influential artist?
There’s been so many! For me at the top spot HAS to be the incredibly talented Kehlani, this girl has KILLED it this year. She has that rawness, dedication and incredible presence on and off the stage. She’s calling the shots with her music and doing it herself, she’s not depending on the label to get in the writers and producers, she’s getting her ass up early in the morning and hitting the studio to write, record and perform, i dig it! Another great break through artist this year has to be Lianne La Havas. I know she was killing it last year but damn she’s gone to another planet this year! Finally, my boy Bruno Mars! In My opinion one of the most talented guys in the industry anywhere in the world. He’s a real artist
Who have you collaborated with so far in your career?
Who haven’t I collaborated with ! Loads of different artists, labels and producers. I like to switch things up every now and again and challenge myself to go and work across a new genre or work on a project in a new way, in my opinion, that’s how you create something great, never stay still to long, keep moving till you’re out of your depth again!
How do you think you differ from other artists?
That’s a tricky one. I’d say all artists differ as being original is what makes you a true artist. For me, it’s doing things my own way, I like to record write and producer records in a different way to the conventional style, but that’s just me, i don’t wanna follow the crowd, i’m gonna keep messing around in my own way, that’s how you make something special!
Dead or alive, who would be your dream collaboration?
Prince. No doubt at all! The man is a genius.
What was the first album you bought?
Vinyl wise? I Think it was James Browns’ LP – Papas’ got a brand new bag
What’s your favorite song at the moment?
loads of tracks to be honest, theres a few tracks from Kehlani, Lianne La Havas, Doja Cat and M.O i’m digging!
If you had to sell your music collection tomorrow, what album would you leave in your draw?
My first ever EP
What is your favorite saying?
If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door!
What other hobbies or interests do you have?
Music, Music & Music!
Do you have any tattoos or piercings?
nope, i’ll probably get some ink though!
Tell us more about your upcoming project or this new project?
all will be revealed soon on my site, it’s gonna be good though so don’t miss it!
What’s in the pipeline after this project?
I’m not sure, I never like to look to far ahead. I don’t wanna focus on the next project until i’ve finished this one, otherwise i’m not going to end up with the best result. That’s just me. I always give my all to any project I work on.
Thank you for your time and may you carry on making great, fresh music.
Thank you and I will do! You can keep up to date with everything on my site or www.InOrbitRecords.com
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