In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jake Aldridge about the latest release, adapting during a pandemic, technology and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Where are you from and how do you describe your style of music?

I am based in Norfolk, which is on the east coast of the UK. My new music is very much in the Pop-Country bracket, but of course, I like to think it’s a little unique as well!

How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?

My Father passed away when I was 11 years old. His death left me feeling angry, upset and frustrated. I was very much looking for a way to express my emotions and I found that writing lyrics helped me with that very much. It wasn’t long before I was writing songs and releasing them online.

How does your latest single ‘Down’ compare with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?

I started my career in music as a Rapper. I was about 17 years old and was hugely inspired by Hip-Hop artists like Tupac Shakur and Dr Dre. For many years, I would release Rap songs which would feature various singers on the chorus of each song. In recent times however, I have very much fallen in love with Pop-Country music and I have been inspired to leave the rapping behind and sing the songs myself! It’s crazy because a Rap song Is obviously completely different to a Pop-Country track, but I have really been enjoying the challenge. I feel that it’s important to release music which is similar to that which I am currently listening to and am most excited/inspired by. My new single ‘Down’ is one for the underdogs. I wanted to write a song with a message that I truly stand for.

Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?

My transition from Rapping to Singing, basically means that I need more help than I ever have done before. I’ve found it super helpful to be in the same room as the recording engineer or producer, so during the peak of the Corona Virus, It was very frustrating not being able to get into the studio and to get the help that I needed to move things forward. I guess I’ve just had to be patient and have spent lots of time pushing my current catalog online.

What was the last song you listened to?

‘Chasin’ You’ by Morgan Wallen. I absolutely love it!

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?

Controversially, I kind of like the streaming platforms. I use Spotify myself and find it incredible from a consumer’s standpoint. I know a lot of artists are not happy with the lack of royalties that they get through Spotify, but I do like how there is everything chance you could land on a big playlist and get huge amounts of exposure for your song!

Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?

I would say my website, which is www.jakealdridge.com. I also run a a monthly merchandise giveaway competition, which fans can enter for free every month. That’s all on the website of course.

I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?

I would just like to say a huge thank you to some of the key individuals who I am working with right now. They include Simon Reid, Sam Holmes and Ben Haynes. My new music simply would not get off the ground without you guys!