Jesse Cobb of Victoria BC on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We recently had the chance to connect with Jesse Cobb and have shared our conversation below.

Jesse, we’re thrilled to have you with us today. Before we jump into your intro and the heart of the interview, let’s start with a bit of an ice breaker: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
Wake up, look outside for a few moments and size up the day. Make coffee, fed the dog, play some guitar, put a record on. Then start dabbling with emails and work.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Described as “BC’s most exciting Newgrass band,” The Unfaithful Servants have carved a name for themselves as one of Western Canada’s most acclaimed acoustic acts. With explosive instrumentals, compelling story-telling, and high-powered vocals, they deliver a fresh and dynamic take on folk, bluegrass, and Americana.
“The Unfaithful Servants are one of the most exciting bands from Vancouver Island in some time…gorgeous harmonies and fine song writing, beautiful instrumental interplay and some seriously rippin’ solos.”
— Kelly Nakatsuka, CBC/Islands Folk Festival
Their resume includes acclaimed festival appearances (Vancouver Island MusicFest, Salmon Arm Roots & Blues, Islands Folk Fest) and a Canadian Folk Music Award nomination (New Group of the Year). Now, with the release of their new album Fallen Angel, the band is poised to take another bold artistic step forward.
Anchored by the virtuosic mandolin playing of Jesse Cobb—who has performed with Béla Fleck, David Grisman, and held residency at the Grand Ole Opry—and the prolific songwriting of Dylan Stone, the group has evolved into a powerhouse quartet. They’re joined by young fiddling prodigy Quin Etheridge-Pedden and bassist Mark Johnson, whose background in jazz and American roots music brings depth and groove to the group’s sound.
“What a great time we had at Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival 2024! Of particular note was the Unfaithful Servants who took Bluegrass to a whole new level with stellar performances and unique innovations! Such a pleasure to have them entertain us! We want a revisit real soon!”
— Bill Jackson, Shady Grove Bluegrass Festival
“The Unfaithful Servants bring a fresh, invigorating energy to bluegrass, blending tight harmonies and masterful instrumentation into a sound that’s daringly original. BC’s most exciting newgrass band!”
— Oliver Swain, Seaside Music Festival
“Explosive instrumental prowess.”
— Bob Remington, Cowichan Bluegrass Festival

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Seems to me anytime ego, dishonesty, self serving intentions or greed gain traction relationships suffer. While it’s important to be true to yourself and not be taken advantage of in life, sometimes negativity takes hold and those emotions lead to actions that could be avoided. The restoration of relationships that have gone awry seem to be restored through time, honest dialogue, and forgiveness. This is how it has worked for me in my life.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
As an artist the fear of rejection has held me back more than once in my life for sure. It’s very scary, and takes a lot of courage to be yourself in the world in general. Add to that the act of performing art in front of strangers and being vulnerable/sharing personal stories, not knowing what reaction you might get and it’s easy to let fear get the upper hand. For myself, the letting go of expectations, or a certain reaction have been hard to rise above at times.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What do you believe is true but cannot prove?
The existence of something greater than myself and the idea that humanity in general is caught up in a material world that is imaginary. I worked for many years with a man who is evidence that all we experience can either be deemed reality or, with a shift in perception, can be viewed for what it really is….. a story we tell ourselves. What parts of the story we believe is entirely up to us and can be modified/negated through inner work.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes, this is a way of thinking that I’ve tried to pass on to my children. It stems from teachings that my dad instilled in me. “If you’re gonna sweep the floor, be the best floor sweeper around”, I have carried this forward in my life and no matter the task, answering these questions, cooking, driving, performing as an artist, etc. I try my best to be entirely present and give a task my undivided attention. I don’t do this for praise or ego, I have conditioned myself to do this because things turn out better when I do.

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Image Credits
Syd Woodward

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