A gentle giant who group up on Swetzer Road in a small town sings his heart out in the big city.
Swetzer is a project fronted by Jake Joyner from Salt Lake City, Utah. He’s been collecting broken-hearted songs and catchy melodies through the years, and Swetzer does its best to get those hooks stuck in your head with strong vocals and quick guitars.
First off, tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I grew up playing guitar and singing in ska/punk bands in Sacramento, CA. We rarely ever had a horn section, so I tried my best to write melodic guitar riffs and poppy vocal hooks. I went on and played around in venues, bars, car shows, and casinos. Not a lot of focus, just playing music where I could.
What’s the deal with the band name?
Ha. I absolutely hate coming up with band names for projects. Swetzer is a road in my hometown, Penryn, CA.
How would you describe your sound?
Punky, poppy, songs about girls and life. My attention span is too short, so most tunes are upbeat.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
I learned how to play guitar by playing along to Blink 182, Green Day, and Reel Big Fish. But my mom always played oldies and pop music, so I really appreciate old rock n roll and doo-wop. For the most part, as long as a tune was catchy, it got stuck in my head, and I learned it.
What’s the last song you listened to?
“Numb” by Bayside. I have loved that group for years, and I can’t get enough of their new album, Interrobang.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Shows, friends, and Spotify. Gotta love a fresh opener at a gig. Every now and then I’ll press my friends for who they’re listening to. But most often, I’ll try to see what the algorithms on the internet can guess. It’s not often, but occasionally I find a gold nugget.
Who is your dream producer?
It wasn’t that long ago that I learned Jerry Finn worked on dozens of albums I loved and had passed away years ago.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Frank Turner is one of my all-time favorite Scream-singers. I think we could scream some ripping tunes together.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
I can’t explain it. It’s pretty much been what I loved since I was a kid. Guitars were always cool in my book. Singing always came easy to me. Once I had friends to play music with, it was a no brainer. I keep making music because I don’t know what I’d do without it.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Usually, the melody and lyrics come at the same time. Occasionally I’ll decide to pick the type of groove I want, a happy or a sad song. It’s pretty hit or miss on if it’ll take me five minutes or five months to finish.
How do you connect with your audience?
I do my best to be authentic and honest in most everything I do, including what I sing about. But I’m a people person by nature.
What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
Social media, of course. It’s the best way for communication to happen while everyone is wearing pajamas.
Connect with Swetzer via his Instagram! Give him a follow! Pants optional!
You’re working on a new album. Are you willing to tell us what the name of the album will be?
It’s untitled still. But like most things, I’m dying to get it out, and patience is a lesson I’m learning.
Want to tell us about what genre this album will be?
I say Pop Punk. I don’t dive too deep into dissecting my songs. I trust my listeners and friends to decide which category I fall in.
How many tracks can we expect from this one?
It’s still being decided. Around the neighborhood of ten.
What was your main inspiration for this album? Did any life experiences or bands influence this album?
Oh yeah. I got divorced, moved away from California. Really just sharing my perspective on life. High points and low points.
Are you willing to tell us what some of the songs will be about?
Yeah. “For Once” was a tune I wrote driving away from my home with all my stuff bagged up in black garbage bags. “Outside” and “I Lie Awake” are kinda sibling songs, all to do with where I was during that part of my life, loads of personal growth. Some of these songs are pretty much journal entries. Maybe I’ll call the record Therapy, ha.
Where are you recording this album?
Archive Recordings in Salt Lake City.
Have you been performing your new songs live? Where could people see you perform them?
I’ll be doing some smaller shows around the greater Salt Lake area, testing things out, as it were.
Want to tell us about the recording experience?
Swetzer has been different for me. I’ve been a player in bands for the last few years, but this is totally fronted by me. Singing lead, which I haven’t done in years, writing and arranging the tunes. Loads of work on my plate compared to the usual “do your part” in a full band.
When should we be expecting your album release?
Early 2020
What’s next for you?
More recording. After this acoustic collection, we’ll be throwing a full band record together.
Anything else you’d like to add or let us know about?
I love you all.
Review:
Swetzer’s debut single, “Sophie,” is an acoustic pop-punk masterpiece. The song would comfortably share the stage of the now-defunct Vans Warped tour and coffee shops alike. The vocals almost tell the story themselves, without the words. You could feel the pain in Jake’s raspy, but sweet voice. The lyrics are of heartbreak and loss, fans of Bayside would instantly have an affinity for this tune. Is your heart broken? Do you like acoustic punk? How about pop-punk? Are you a fan of Bayside? Get this tune on your playlist ASAP!
