Interview w/ Top Texas Country Artist - Jake Ward
- Jimmy Willden
- Feb 25, 2016
- 4 min read
I had the pleasure of interviewing one of my favorite original songwriters in South Texas - Jake Ward. Last year, he released his debut album "Love Don't Live Here" - with the lead single "Take My Hand" currently #3 on the Texas Charts.
Here is the unedited interview:
Hey Jake,
Thanks for participating!
Here's a few questions to start with:
1. Introduce yourself. When and where were you born - who are your parents, describe your family (any siblings) etc...
My name is Jake Ward. I was born on May 15th, 1992 in Corpus Christi Texas. My parents are Gene Ward and Cheri Roman. I have one brother named Gene Ward.
2. Describe growing up in the Ward family.
It was very musical. My grandparents on my mom’s side were missionaries and music teachers overseas, and my grandparents on my dad’s side are very involved in music. So needless to say the love for music has been passed on through my family for a while.
3. When did you first get into music? Who were some of the groups / artists you listened to?
I first started writing music and being in bands while I was in high school. Growing up I loved a variety of music. Some of my favorites were: George Strait, Elvis and The Beach Boys.
4. What instrument did you learn first? When did you start playing?
The first instrument I ever learned to play was the violin when I was 7. I played that until I was around 11 and (very regretfully) gave it up for guitar. I don't regret learning guitar, but I wish I had kept up with both!
5. When did you begin performing live? And to continue this mindset, do you remember your first show? Tell us the story of your first show?
I started playing acoustic shows and open mics around the city while I was a junior in high school. My first full band show was the king high school talent show. It went about as poorly as could go. Guitars went out of tune, strings broke, mics didn't work… I like to think it was a learning experience.
6. Over the past couple of years, your success has been (gradually at first, and then now the momentum is hot!) growing and picking up speed. What is it like having a hit single in Texas?
It's very surreal to think that I have a “hit song.” When we released our first single I never could have imagined where we would be just a year and a half later. It is a truly humbling experience to hear my song on the radio and I am incredibly blessed.
7. What do you hope to accomplish with all of the momentum? What is your ultimate goal for 2016 - and then beyond?
My goal is to keep on putting out good music, touring and having fun. As long as people want to hear more, I'll keep making music.
8. Tell us about the new album, tell us some of the stories behind some of the songs?
The new album is kind of a summary of my life the past five years. When I started writing the album I was a freshman in college and now I am a graduate and playing on the road and on the radio. My favorite song off of the album is our current single “Take My Hand” because it's one of the first songs I ever wrote.
9. What's next for Jake Ward?
Hopefully big things! I like to think that hard work pays off and I have been working hard the past year to take the band to the next level. I like to think it will happen!
10. You've hosted Corpus Christi Songwriters - do you think it's important to spotlight original music in Corpus Christi? What do you think can be accomplished from this?
It is incredibly important to spotlight original music from Corpus Christi. I always hear how great the scenes up in Lubbock, Austin and New Braunfels is. I think Corpus has just as much talent as those areas, we just need to get the word out!
11. Tell us about your favorite show that you've played (locally - and also, your favorite show you've played on the road)?
My favorite show we have played locally was when we played zeigfest a couple of years back. It showed me that music is what i needed to be doing. My favorite show we have played on the road is when we played Gruene Hall. That was an incredibly experience to play at such a famous venue.
12. What have you learned about the music business over the past couple of years?
I've learned that the music business is not always glamorous and it can be very challenging, but it is incredibly rewarding.
13. If you could play anywhere, where would that be?
I would love to play anywhere in Europe or Asia.
14. Is there anything else you would like to add - or share with our readers?
Go out and support local music! Going to shows is the only way we survive!
15. And finally - Who is your musical hero - and if you could ask them for advice, what would you ask?
My musical hero is Brian Wilson. I would love to just sit with him for a couple of hours and just talk.
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