Your music is really thoughtful. How long do you contemplate what the subject matter will be?
Thank you so much! It really depends on what I’m thinking the mood of the song should be and the subject matter. If it’s meant to be a fun upbeat or mid-tempo song I try to keep the lyrics light but give just enough weight to them to provide substance. My latest release “Date Night“, is set up that way where I wanted to keep it light and singable. “Dreams” which I released in December of 2020 was the opposite. I really wanted to convey a sense of hopefulness without being too cliche. That song took a few days of steady writing and rewriting despite it being an upbeat tune. The newest song “Drunk” which will be out in January, is in storyline form and took some time to write as well. I wanted to put the audience in my shoes and I think I achieved that.
Context is everything, do you make sure you are clear with your messaging? How do you do that?
Most of the time, yes! Again, it really depends on the subject matter and the vibe I’m going after. “Dreams” was written where the audience has the freedom to freely interpret the messaging. Where I am clear is when there’s a linear storyline. In those instances, you have to be clear to hold the attention of people. If there is no storyline and it’s more conceptualized, then I try to stick to a uniform theme throughout the song. For instance, if the song is about toxic relationships, then I might talk about noticing subtle signs that progressively get worse throughout the song. Being linear that way in my approach keeps me honest I suppose.
What music has been worth the wait for as long as you’ve been working on it?
The album I’m currently working on definitely falls under this category. It’s basically the culmination of 4 years worth of songwriting and procrastination. Sometimes, the music flows and sometimes not. It’s really a patchwork of experiences and inspiration that has moved me over the years. I’m really excited for people to hear about this project. There will be something for everyone.
Will your fans be surprised with what you have coming up next?
I think they will. Some of the songs I’ve written are a little out of my ‘wheelhouse’ for lack of a better term. There will be a collection of ballads, pop-ish sounding songs but all flavored with soul. Really excited to see what the reactions will be.
Who have you been in the mix with on your music?
I’ve recently started working with Hybrid Studios (out in Nazareth, PA) on my next upcoming release “Drunk”. The producer there (Kevin) has been awesome in helping me bring this song to life. When we first started, I described the vibe I wanted and also requested a horn section. He brought in an amazing bass player, Tyrone Fredericks Jr. blessed the track with horns, BD Lenz did some awesome leads and licks and Lelica drizzled some amazing harmonies around my lead vocals. I’ve got a really great team of folks around me to help and I am grateful for them all.
What are you daring yourself to do as you get further along in your music?
I’m always pushing myself to experiment with different instruments and sounds. I really love the sound of a brass section in a song when done right. I think it’s easy to overdue and then it sounds obnoxious. I love the big band sound paired with soulful vocals and that’s the goal as far as what kind of sound I’m looking to produce. Not on every song, but where it’s appropriate. I’d also love to work on my lead guitar chops and feature them in a song or two, but it’s a work in progress.
What are you daring yourself to do as you get further in your career?
Play with bands more. Up until this point, I’ve done mostly solo projects and performances. I really love the atmosphere and vibe that comes from playing with others. The energy is indescribable. For my solo performances, I’ve been flirting with the idea of bringing in guitar pedals and trying alternate tunings. I know a lot of fellow musicians on my circuit are already doing these things, but I really love the stripped down sound of guitar and vocals. It works for me so I’ve been hesitant to move away from it. But I also think experimenting is the key to growth so I’ll ease into and see what happens.
How do you feel like your work is shaping your fans who are listening?
I am always saying that music is therapy and it has the ability to make people whole in a way medication can’t. I want my fans to believe it and incorporate that mantra into their everyday lives. Finding an outlet is important, especially when we are going through life changing events, whether they are joyful or not. Music has definitely been a companion to me in those moments, and I hope my music can do the same for others.
Give us all your music!
Social Media Links:
URL: www.jeiriscook.weebly.com
INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/jeiriscookmusic
TWITTER: www.twitter.com/jeiriscook
FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/jeiriscookmusic
Thank you for having me! Was a pleasure.
For Press Inquiries: bsquaredmgmt@gmail.com
End of Interview