DANIEL BLAKE TALKS JAKARTA

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

How does it feel that ‘Jakarta’ is officially out there, making it’s way all the way to Sweden no less...

It’s exciting. I was making preparations to release this EP before the pandemic, which put everything on hold. It has been a long time coming and I'm thrilled that it is making its way around the world.

Have you been able to find new purpose in your artistry throughout these difficult times?

There’s been some difficult moments throughout the last year which has led me to question everything. We have been forced to change the way we live our lives. We’ve lost that human interaction which is essential for many of us. I find purpose in knowing that music can help to bridge the gaps of physical touch.

How long have these songs been with you?

'Jakarta', 'Freeway' and 'Heartbreaker' were all written in 2019, but 'Goin’ Home' has been with me the longest. In fact, it was one of the first songs I had ever written, which is why I’m so excited to finally share it with the world.

What made you name the EP after a sinking city?

When I think about all of the tracks as a group I feel that they are cohesive with the theme of Jakarta, the idea of moving on regardless of the inevitable hurt.

Were you always set on releasing them as an EP?

I am not really set on anything. I think EP’s are good because they allow me to put a lot more into each track. However, it’s difficult to determine the best approach for releasing music these days. I’m hoping to release a full-length album sometime in the near future.

Let’s go back to the time you wrote 'Goin’ Home'. So, that was one of your earliest songs you wrote?

I had written ‘Goin’ Home’ early on before I had released anything. At the time, my wife was encouraging me to pursue music. I sort of felt selfish with the idea of going after an “unrealistic” dream, knowing how it could negatively affect our future together. At the same time, I was angry at the irony of it all, how the discomfort we often try to avoid, such as being apart from the one you need most, is often what results in some of the best material. In a way, ‘Goin’ Home’ was my diary to the world.

Bill “Thunderdog” Lefler also produced your previous EP. How did your collaboration begin?

I was referred to Bill through a friend in early 2018. I enjoy working with Bill because I always feel that he understands where I want to go with the tracks. I usually come in with some rough demos to help get us in a direction. From there, I like to let Bill explore where he feels led to go. There’s usually a lot of bouncing ideas off of each other and trying them out.

Who else did you work on it with?

Caleb Conner was the sound engineer. Ashley Ng played cello on ‘Heartbreaker’. My good friend Paul Redel who performs with me live played electric guitar on ‘Jakarta’ and ‘Freeway’. All tracks were mixed by Tim Abraham. And mastered by Hans Dekline.

Tom Petty also albeit more indirectly played a part in inspiring 'Heartbreaker'?

When I had worked out the melody for some reason I knew I was going to write the song to Tom Petty. At the same time, I didn’t want to be too direct with the story. I had always been inspired by the Don McLean song ‘American Pie’ and the way in which he talked about the death of Richie Valens, Buddy Holly and “The Big Bopper” through symbolism. I tried to make up most of the lyrics for 'Heartbreaker' with references to Tom Petty lyrics and song titles.

What artists were you introduced to early on?

The first music I was ever able to recognize was The Beatles. I also really like Carole King, Van Morrison, Jim Croce and James Taylor. When I was in Junior High, I started taking guitar lessons at a small music shop where my teacher introduced me to Stevie Ray Vaughan. I remember fantasizing about being an amazing blues guitar player just like Stevie.

What was the local music-scene actually like, growing up in Phoenix, Arizona?

The music scene appeared to be small when I lived in Arizona, the most notable bands were The Gin Blossoms, The Refreshments, Jimmy Eat World and The Format. I was mostly into punk music in my teens. I had tried forming a couple of bands that never really went anywhere. I was shy and never took on the front man role. I pretty much just played drums and guitar, whichever was needed.

When is the last time you got to play a set live?

The last show I played was actually a Valentines-concert hosted by KCRW Radio DJ Valida, at The Standard in Hollywood. The theme was covers of duet love songs. My friend Jadea Kelly and I played a cover of Tom Petty and Stevie Nicks 'Stop Dragging My Heart Around'. It was a lot of fun.

If I’m not wrong it wasn’t until your thirties that you decided to perform more?

It was always on the back of my mind. I just never had the right inspiration to create anything I was proud of. There was a small window where my girlfriend, now wife, and I broke up. It was during that time that I really dug into music and started teaching myself how to write songs. Even then, I would convince myself that it wouldn’t be wise to go and pursue a career in music. As I said before it was really my wife who gave me the nudge that I needed.

The Hotel Café in LA became a catalyst for you?

My wife and I were having a lot of discussions about pursuing music. It seemed like I was the one with all the reasons not to go for it. However, I think my wife was afraid of living the rest of her life with a man who was filled with regret. On my thirty-second birthday, she arranged for us to see a show at the Hotel Café. Seeing all those artists doing what they love sort of lit a fire under me. And from there I made it my mission to one day be good enough to perform at The Hotel Café.

While each day brings us a bit closer to normal life again, we are still some time away from proper gigs, or a good old-fashioned bar scene. Will we perhaps find you play a few songs from home in a near future?

Most definitely. I will be setting up some home concerts in the very near future. Stay tuned.