We were stationed in Florida for the weekend but now we are back in the freezing northeast. But it is all good as the music & the bourbon keep us warm. Today we are joined by Jake Simmons and the Little Ghosts. Jake Simmons & the Little Ghosts have spent the last eight years traveling across the country, performing in dive bars, on festival stages, and everything in between. Now they just released 3rd full-length album, “Shake So Easy”. The record is a celebration of their first chapter as a band and the sounds that formed their style, a decidedly midwestern take on Rock & Roll influenced by artists like The Clash, Black Sabbath, Otis Redding and Tom Petty. If this sounds like something your ears would enjoy then by all means join us.
@skopemag: Where are we talking from today?
My couch in Kalamazoo, MI. We just got back from a midwest tour and I’ll probably just be sitting here for the next several weeks with my cats.
@skopemag: What is the most current project that you are working on at the moment?
We (Jake Simmons & the Little Ghosts) just finished our 3rd full length album!
So, we’re working on booking a spring tour to support that while we write tunes for the next album.
@skopemag: Got any music posted that we can stream and check out?
We sure do. jakesimmons.bandcamp.com and streaming on Spotify and just about everywhere else.
@skopemag: When you began your journey in music were your family/friends supportive?
They absolutely were and still are. I’m very lucky to have such a great support system.
@skopemag: What do you think makes some artist/bands resonate with the masses when others do not?
Good music. Relatable lyrics. I hope, anyway.
@skopemag: What other bands/artists do you respect & inspire you?
I’ve always been a big fan of Ted Leo & the Pharmacists. That kind of rock and roll/punk rock has always been inspiring to me. Currently, I’m really into bands like John Moreland, and Sarah Shook & The Disarmers.
@skopemag: When you are not doing music what else do you enjoy?
I LOOOVE WRESTLING. Watching it, anyway. I’m way too out of shape to attempt that kind of physical activity.
@skopemag: How do you test whether your new song is a keeper or not?
I think the best way to tell is to completely flesh it out with the band and then see how it feels. If it feels boring after all the drums and razzle dazzle and such, we probably won’t do much with it.
@skopemag: How much time per week do you devote to music & social media marketing?
At least a few hours every day but it never feels like enough.
@skopemag: Should I feel guilt as an industry insider for paying $10 a month for Amazon Music Unlimited and having access to all music as I please?
Probably? I should probably feel guilty for my Spotify subscription too. But, people haven’t wanted to buy music for a long time, anyway. I suppose its better than folks just downloading music.
@skopemag: When are you most inspired to create music?
Somewhere between 2 and 4am
@skopemag: What is coming up for you & where you @ online?
We’re going to hit the road hard in 2019 in support of our new record. We’re on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and all that good stuff @jakesimmonslg. Our music is on Bandcamp, Spotify and everywhere else you can stream music.