Meet Jason Irving | Musical Artist & Financial Advisor

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

Hi Jason, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
I think that I decided some years ago that when doors of possible opportunity were opened for me, I would try to walk through them. I don’t always know where they will lead, but if I don’t at least give myself the opportunity to find out, I may be limiting myself in unknown ways. Things may not always work out the way I’d like them to, or think they will, but if I don’t at least give it a shot I will never know.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Sure! I’m the creator of a solo electronic/synth-pop project called The Co$t of Life. Asking what sets me apart is always a difficult question for me because I’m just a product of a host of influences, as I guess we all are. The music I’m currently making is a combination of everything from 80’s pop and rock, 90’s techno, my love of movie scores and newer influences like synthwave. It’s not uncommon to bend genres, but I hope maybe I’m doing some new things. I guess what I’m most excited about is getting to make different kinds of music than I ever have before, and I’ve definitely been growing and learning a lot in the process.

My involvement in the music scene began back when I was in High School in the late 1990’s when I was a guitarist and back-up vocalist in a pop-punk band called Suburbia’s Finest. We worked hard at writing songs and self-promotion, which led to us being noticed by a local Denver promoter at the time, after a big show we put on at Clement Park. He took us in and gave us opportunities to share the stage with many popular national acts in the scene at the time, and it was pretty amazing time for us as a group of teenagers.

I parted ways with the band after I started attending college, and that was really tough, as the band felt like my whole world. I remember it feeling like breaking up with that first girlfriend you fell for. I started a couple other bands after that, but nothing much came of them. I actually ended up joining the army with the lead singer of SF after graduating from CU Denver, and my musical ambitions took a good 20 year year pause. I served in the army for 4 years, then spent some time teaching English in Tokyo for a bit, then came back to Colorado and began a career in finance, met my wife Allison and started a family.

It wasn’t until 2022 that I discovered technologies that allowed my creative side to come to light again, and this led to the creation of The Co$t of Life. 80’s pop and electronic music have always been loves of mine, and I discovered that I could record and create at home. A lot of music that had been bottled up for all those years kind of started pouring out. It’s taken a while to find what direction my music was going to take and to learn what I am doing, but I think I’m finally finding my groove. I’ve got a lot of new songs and content in the works that I’m excited to be sharing in the near future.

It’s definitely been challenging navigating the current musical landscape, as things have changed so much in the last 20 years. You used to be able to get traction by handing out flyers at the mall and throwing out demo CD’s, but it’s a bit different nowadays. I had stopped using social media for 5 or 6 years (and enjoyed that) until recently, but now you kind of have to be doing that to get your music out there. I’m still trying to figure out what that looks like. The marketing universe seems to be constantly changing, so trying to figure out what works week by week takes a good bit of work.

Along the way, I’ve learned the importance of being flexible and open to opportunities. It’s strange how old passions can resurface, and I had no clue that I would be back making music again if you’d have asked me a few years ago. It’s so cool to see what new adventures can still be ahead, even when you aren’t expecting them at all.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
In all honesty, having a family and a couple of young kids, I don’t really get out like I used. Most of my time is spent hanging out in the southern suburbs of Denver, and I don’t go downtown much anymore unless it’s for a date night or special occasion. I will freely admit that I’m not sure what is trendy or fashionable at the moment. I still enjoy Boettcher Hall and going to see the symphony or a play at the Performing Arts Center. You can’t go wrong with a concert at Red Rocks. I’m a die hard Bronco’s fan, so will always take an opportunity to see them.

Outside of Denver, I would tell people coming to Colorado to check out Ouray for the beauty. Golden is a fun little mountain town before getting into the mountains. I always enjoy Frisco, Breckenridge, Durango and Glenwood Springs. We recently spent a couple of days in downtown Fort Collins and really enjoyed that.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I think the U.S. Army taught me that I am capable of doing tough things that I never thought I was. I would also recognize a long-time friend, Jason Baer, who has always encouraged me, believed in me, and helped me out throughout my life.

Website: https://www.thecostoflifemusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecostoflife2/

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

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@the-cost-of-life

Image Credits
Jason Irving