The Other Side of Waiting is really an ode for leaping into something new, which is personally akin to me releasing music now and establishing myself as an artist. The song was written in a 3 hour span with co-writer, Jim McGorman, and I feel the song has a real immediacy and energy that just poured out in the room that day. – Jake Fields

In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jake Fields about his latest project, motivations, challenges and more.

Full Q&A along with links and music below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into Jake Fields, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre?

I think of a few of the tunes I’m releasing as in different scopes of genres, I would say they are all under the “pop umbrella”, and that’s due to listening to the radio growing up and having a love for a good pop song and a big hook.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

I would say I’ve been creating music since I first took music seriously around 3-4 years ago. Sharing my music with the public is a very new thing in the last year essentially.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

My playing is influenced by any guitar players I have listened to endlessly, but right now, I have been listening and learning from a local Nashville musician named Jim Oblon.

Just like the very first songs I wrote when I first picked up a guitar, I have a very intense joy when I write a new song (the ones that are good) and I’m driven by the opportunity to share them with people.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on your new single, “The Other Side of Waiting”? Creatively or otherwise?

The only specificity was rhythm. I try and pay attention to music that I loved before ever picking up a guitar, and I have a love for bands like Two Door Cinema Club and Phoenix.

The song came together very quickly with co-writer Jim McGorman, who is an amazing person and musician that I’ve learned so, so much from.

What was the last song you listened to?

I was listening to the new release of The Beatles White Album. They are pretty good. I think they have a shot at this music thing.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

Love all of it, but I’m starting to get into Vinyl. Mostly to listen to full records, paying attention to how records sound as a whole.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

I have to say, I only use Apple Music. It’s very straightforward and seems to work best for me. But it’s all great.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

I’m honestly only concerned with my own music. That’s all that’s in my control, and I just want to give that everything with all of my heart.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

I have been performing around Nashville for a few months and will have a proper full band show on December 6 which I’ll announce on my social media. And the LA fans should look out for a show in January.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

My Instagram and Facebook will be the best places to connect with me.

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

I started writing a daily blog recently that was very gratifying, but I stopped for a couple reasons. I’ll mention one, which was the fact that I should be putting all my focus into my music right now. There are tons of beautiful souls on YouTube who are spreading the positive words you need to hear right now.

Would love to connect with anyone who wants to reach out, who is enjoying my new single or any of my music. I want to hear from you!