We had the good fortune of connecting with Jake Cook and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jake, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
I’m inspired by people. I’m inspired and fascinated by human behaviors and actions. I love the fact that we are all so complex and we all have different perspectives, dreams, and experiences. I’d like to think I’m somewhat of an optimist because i see the beauty and individuality in the human race, but I’m inspired by watching us try to figure it out!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
The Backseaters started as a result of me wanting to write and record songs to listen to them on my ipod… And to this day, that is still my mentality. I write the songs that I don’t have in my record collection. I try to write the most soul baring music, while also wrapping it up in stories and metaphors. The songs all contain a part of me, but I don’t believe that I deserve 100% of the credit for them; not because I stole any lyrics or melodies, but because I think they came to me somehow. The roadmap starts with the universe (or whatever spiritual entity you believe in), it gets translated through me, and is released into the world to insight some sort of connection. I’m always excited about the future music, shows (eventually), and anything that may come as a result of the art, and the hard work behind it! I got to where I’m at today because I didn’t give up! Failure has never been an option for me, and it definitely hasn’t been easy. I’ve been doing The Backseaters for 9 years, and participating in the pursuit of a career in music for 16 years. I think I’m still here and kicking today because I’ve never sacrificed my authenticity! I know the music I love to make, and I know it would be 10x easier to conform to some sort of popular genre, but I think that’s how you turn your band, brand, or endeavor into a ticking time bomb. When all you chase is easy Likes and Follows, you put a time limit on your career. The one thing that I want people to know about my band and my music is that connection, and the potential for connection, lives within the music. I will always strive to write better songs and bring as much value to everyone who listens to and supports my music. The love and support is never lost on me, and I want to do everything I can to return that love!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Marquis Pizza. Whether someone is a native, new resident, or visitor, I ALWAYS suggest Marquis Pizza! I would also love to take them up to the mountains! Whether they want to go camping, or just drive up for the day, that connection to nature is unparalleled. Obviously, I would have to take this person to Red Rocks! Show, no show, Red Rocks is a sight and experience that makes your head spin. The fact that it’s a natural amphitheater with some of the best acoustics in the world is amazing!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The biggest shoutout would have to go to my mom. She’s supported me and my dream. She was cool me not going to college, she was cool with me getting tattooed and avoiding the “professional” world, and most importantly, always told me that she never doubted that I would be successful. Everybody uses the phrase “believe in yourself” but when my mom reminds me to believe in myself, it just clicks! I also want to give another shoutout to my favorite teacher from high school, Mrs. Jessie Comp. On graduation day she looked me in the eye and told me ” I expect to see big things from you”; and that is something that sits in the back of my mind and pushes me to work my ass off every single day!

Website: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3n5H0FZZnKtL1JZustqZrJ

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebackseaters/?hl=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheBackseaters/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FsuX0hBFvH0&list=PLSuRVlw0B6iSi9gnOINmbGlSFKhlCl3Lo&index=2

Image Credits
Image 1: Meg Langley Photography Image 2: Colton Zeiler ( @czeilerphotography )

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutColorado is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.