Meet Jacob Slade

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jacob Slade. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jacob below.

Jacob, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
From a very young age, I always gravitated toward music and the opportunity it provided to think freely and openly. School was often a struggle for me – I love learning & knowledge but always had a tough time learning at a set pace without much ability to be creative. Music always felt like a temporary escape from the rigidity of that world. Coupled with persistent mental health struggles, I often felt entirely consumed by negative thoughts and feelings. At certain times music felt like the only way out of some really dark places. I always felt an immense sense of purpose making music even before I was able to share it with others. As I got older and began to share my music more publicly, I started to see that my vulnerability and willingness to share my experiences was starting to resonate with others. Hearing people tell me that my songs helped them through similarly trying times in their lives, or that they can relate to what I’ve gone through has further developed my sense of purpose and motivated me to continue creating. To summarize, the purpose I’ve found is twofold; music is a necessary outlet for creativity and expression, and a way for me to make a positive impact on the lives of others in, what I feel, is the most profound way I’m able to.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I grew up in Milwaukee, WI and went to college and worked in Public Health before deciding to put everything I had into pursuing a career as a full-time independent musician. Being fully independent affords you the control over every aspect of your career and that forces you to be responsible for managing writing and recording, booking, keeping track of finances, etc. At times, this can be a little overwhelming, but I think that all of that is what makes it most exciting and special and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Seeing hard work pay off, and being in control of your life and career is something that feels very fulfilling. Since 2019, I’ve achieved over two million streams worldwide and placements on Spotify’s Juniper, Morning Acoustic, and Fresh Finds editorial playlists through almost entirely organic and unpaid marketing. I’ve released a few singles so far in 2024 and am working on my fourth full-length record with release plans for spring 2025. Additionally, I’m planning to continue playing shows in new cities and expanding the reach of my music.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
1.) Believing in yourself wholeheartedly and not being ashamed or apologizing for your passion.

2.) Honestly assessing failures and shortcomings and looking first to how you can improve instead of pushing the blame onto others.

3.) The desire to continue learning and improving your craft and avoiding becoming complacent when things are going well.

Advice: I think that these three things have been very impactful on my growth and success and are generally applicable whether you’re pursuing music or anything else. If you’re passionate about something, people around you are going to be much more likely to follow suit. It can be extremely difficult to be fully vulnerable and take criticism on something so intensely personal. With that said, it’s important to remember that you will never please everyone and criticism can feel less pointed when you see it as an opportunity for improvement as opposed to internalizing it as a personal failure.

Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
The open landscape and room for creativity is what I love most about music and other creative endeavors, but is also what can feel intensely overwhelming at times. It always helps me to take a step back when I’m feeling overwhelmed or frustrated with something as opposed to forcing myself to get through it. Sometimes simply living your life and immersing yourself in the present can do more for your creativity than you realize. With stuff that has strict deadlines, it really helps me to make lists and stay organized. Sometimes just the action of checking an item off a to-do list can help me better compartmentalize and get things done.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
1: Jack Braun 2: Ryan Pergola 3: Austin Wood 4: Olivia Grimm 5: Anna Grace

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