JACOB CHACKO Interview for Museboat Live channel

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09/15/2024 / TEXT CREDITS: JACOB CHACKO, Museboat; PHOTO CREDITS: JACOB CHACKO

With AI and machines taking over, I still think there is a space for live and original musical composition and performances for artists.

JACOB CHACKO interview for Museboat Live Channel on Sunday, September 15th, 2024 with TaunJua aka TJ.

Jacob Chacko a Singer-Songwriter based out of New Milford, New Jersey, a quiet suburb not too far from New York City. A multi instrumentalist that primarily focuses on songs from the Pop and Modern Rock genre. After taking a significant break from music for over fifteen years, he decided to take another swing at it. Since Jacob’s debut album “Better Now or Never” back in early 2022, he has embarked on a new musical journey with his second album “Much Sublime”released on August 16th, 2024.

From his home studio, this effort introduces eleven uplifting singles that can hopefully delight an eclectic music palate. The album is an invitation on a journey of self-discovery and connection. With the help of his music team Tom Monaco (Co Vocal Producer) and Les Lovell (Sound Engineer - The Music Factory), brought strength and integrity to the music production. Jacob strongly believes that we should make everyday count and not take anything for granted. His motivation for doing this project is to bring a little joy and comfort, especially during these challenging times. Also it is never too late to pursue your passion and to go for it without reservation.

Chacko's guitar driven pop rock sound also has elements of blues and folk layered in it. Lyrically the songs are upbeat and deal with celebrating life and in the end leaving those around you and the world in a better place. Through the power of music, we can bridge the gaps that separate us and remind each other of our common thread that binds us all together.

Be good to people and your environment.
Jacob Chacko

Jacob´s music was and is played by many Radio Stations including Museboat Live and is mentioned by many Magazines and Websites worldwide. We are happy to have the privilege to ask him a few questions.

LISTEN TO THE INTERVIEW

Taunjua: Hi Jacob and welcome to Museboat!

JACOB CHACKO: Hi Tj, Andy, and the Museboat Radio listeners, thank you for having me for this interview. My name is Jacob Chacko, I am from New Milford, New Jersey in the United States, a quiet little suburb in New Jersey not too far from New York City. Thank you for having me.

Taunjua: If you agree, we will start a little unconventionally. Your roots go back to Malaysia. Do you still visit this country? What kind of music do people like to listen to there?

JACOB CHACKO: That is correct, my roots are from the country Malaysia and SouthEast Asia. I was actually born in Brunei, which is not far from Malaysia and for the first two years I was there but most of my schooling, teenage years were in Malaysia. I do visit Malaysia every so often, but I haven't been there since prior to the pandemic, a trip is due for sure.

The music scene when I was growing up was pretty current; they do follow the US and the UK charts and the Australian charts and so forth. I am sure they are even more on top of things today. They do have their own local music and fashion scene, it is a combination of both.

Taunjua: We know you're a multi-instrumentalist, but still. What instrument is closest to your heart?

JACOB CHACKO: That is correct, I do play a few instruments. My favorite is definitely playing the guitar. I am more of a rhythm lead guitar player, I am not a pure shredder. I love the touches when playing the guitar. My roots in music are more pop rock, blues, country, gospel, cross genre of influences and music styles that I do adopt.

Taunjua: Now let's get to the music. How would you describe your music composition process?

JACOB CHACKO: My music composition process kind of varies. There is not one set formula that I use. I tend to start the process by coming out with a theme or story line or a message or trying to get a vibe. First I will start normally with a guitar and a notepad. Usually from the chorus and then back to the versus. Sometimes it is the other way around, sometimes it is from a beat, from the drum beat I feel like there is a vibe going on. So there is no one set formula. I try to make it as organic as possible.

Taunjua: Your songs, which we have the honor to play at Museboat, are full of optimism. Do you also have songs that are inherently sad?

JACOB CHACKO: That is correct, most of my compositions are a duality of challenges, full of optimism or hope. Any composition that I did that was inherently sad was my song called Tribute from the first album. The song is dedicated to the passing of my godparents so that would be one that was special but tilting more to a sad theme.

It is never too late to pursue your passion and to go for it without reservation.
Jacob Chacko

Also my first single, probably my most popular one, was “City With Lights On”. The song is about coming out of the pandemic, the challenges and the sadness that came out of the pandemic but there was hope. So most my songs are of the duality of challenges and hope

Taunjua: What song that you have written, have you found the hardest to write?

JACOB CHACKO: The song that I had some challenge with coming out with the lyrics was the song “Make It”. The theme was about mental health. And I was trying to find a way to present the song in the light where it affects the struggle and the agony of one going through mental sickness or challenge, so coming out with the lyrics and the vibe took me a little bit longer than usual in my composition process . I would say “Make It” is one of the songs I did have some challenge writing the song to what it is.

Taunjua: In your experiences, what works and what doesn´t when it comes to music production and where do you see the music industry in the upcoming years?

JACOB CHACKO: As for my production process, what works for me is I do a lot of layering in the music. Guitars, keyboards or synth and vocals, but what was more important was that I worked with a professional production team, I worked with a co vocal producer his name was Tom Monaco, and my sound engineer Les Lovelle from the Music Factory, two professionals, that team coordination in the final product seems to work for me. As far as the direction the music industry is going, with AI and machines taking over, I still think there is a space for live and original musical composition and performances for artists. VS the machine, I am optimistic

Taunjua: If it were possible, who would you most like to share the music stage with and why?

JACOB CHACKO: Who would I like to share on stage if I had a choice in an ideal world? I think I would like to share the stage with Bob Marley. What an influence I had when I was growing up, His songs, his songwriting, his message, his vibe , the way he carried himself. Just phenomenal, I loved the songs and I used to love playing them “Get Up Stand Up”,”Exodus”. “Jamming”. “Stir It Up”, “Three Little Birds”, “No Woman No Cry”, “I Shot the Sheriff”.The list can go on. I wish I had a chance to play with the Great Bob Marley, not forgetting The “Redemption” song which I did recently.

Taunjua: What are your plans for the future? Especially the short-term ones?

JACOB CHACKO: My plans for the future, the priority is promoting my eleven song current album “Much Sublime”, which was out on August 16th. Also to start recording on a new EP, hopefully to be released early next year. Meanwhile I would like to briefly go through the eleven songs of the new album “Much Sublime”. The first song is “City with LIghts On” It is about the big cities coming out of the Pandemic. It is a song of hope, one of my more popular songs, Next one is “Back For More”. It is about the youthful maturing to become an adult. “Much Sublime” are more than __________ collective songs about showing our fighting spirit. The we have “Make It” the song is about Mental Health Awareness, so it is a socially conscious topic. Then we have “My Heart and Soul” , a fun lively_____ response song. I definitely enjoy playing this song live. Next one is “Let It Slide” another song about finding one's peace of mind. Then we go to something a little more experimentative the song is called “Mission To the Universe”. This is my Sci-Fi song, which explores sounds and effects. I had fun doing it. “Be the Life” this one is a lively one. It is about finding your Mojo, especially in the later stages in life, when you are in a slump. The “Journeyman's Tale” a slower song,more reflective, a retrospective song, “Turn Around” a blues pop rock song, a fun song to play as well. I conclude with “Stay On” It is the finale of the album and more of a sing along song. So being thankful to everybody that has supported my musical journey. I hope you check out my new album, enjoy it, support it any way you can, whether it's streaming or downloads. I appreciate any support, Thank you.

Taunjua: OK, Andy´s question. What was the inspiration behind the song "Make it"?

JACOB CHACKO: Thank you Andy for this question. What inspired me to compose “Make It”, One of my favorite songs. It is an emotional song. The topic is about mental health and mental health awareness. Probably the topic is at the forefront in social discussions in today's society. I reflected and was also exposed within my family of those struggling with this issue and beyond. It is an observation,it's an emotional song,but also a hopeful song with the challenges that one goes through,they might be aware, It is challenges and hope.

Taunjua: What do you consider to be your greatest success in your music career?

JACOB CHACKO: My opinion, my greatest success is coming back from a hiatus for almost 15 years and resuming playing music and more importantly composing original music. That is my biggest success, I managed to set up a studio in my home, come up with two albums and working on my third one.

Through the power of music, we can bridge the gaps that separate us and remind each other of the common thread that binds us all together.
Jacob Chacko

I probably would not have believed I would have accomplished that when I first started but once I got it started things just fell into place and it was so natural to me. To play music and more importantly figure out new compositions. That would be my greatest success.

Taunjua: Is there anything you would like to say to Museboat listeners?

JACOB CHACKO: To the Museboat listeners: Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart,, Thank you for your support through my musical journey and through this interview. From the past, present, and hopefully into the future. If it wasn’t for your support, Indie artists like myself would not have a space to showcase our art and composition. It really means alot to indie artists. Much appreciated, thank you.

Taunjua: Thank you for taking the time to chat with us. It has been great! Goodbye Jacob.

JACOB CHACKO: Thank you TJ, Andy, the MuseBoat Radio artists family, and more importantly the Museboat Radio listeners. Thank you for joining this chat and having me for this interview , checking out my musical journey. I look forward to your continued support .Long live Independent music.

This interview was brought to you by
Taunjua aka TJ
host to the TJ´s Muse Bridge show