INTERVIEW:
PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok
Sherry Jacoby
______________________
I do love Canadian musicians so it is wonderful finding out...
PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok
about Sherry Jacoby. The Toronto musician's debut E.P., My Light, was released recently and showcases a stunning talent with an original voice. Jacoby tells stories and employs metaphors to assess and define human emotions - vivid soundscapes and musical paintings; lyrics we can all relate to. From ballad-driven songs to uptempo Rock numbers - an artist that has few boundaries and huge ambitions. Jacoby talks about that E.P. and what she has coming up; the music scene in Canada and how songwriting has been therapeutic to her.
_____________________
Hi Sherry. How are you? How has your week been?
Great! I’ve been spending time rehearsing for my next show, recording new songs and songwriting. I’m feeling very grateful that I have the opportunity to pursue this dream of mine.
For those new to your music: can you give us a little introduction, please?
I'm a Pop singer/songwriter from Toronto, Canada. I have a passion for telling personal stories through my songs. I’ve often heard (from people) that my voice sounds like Natalie Merchant from the band 10,000 Maniacs.
PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok
My Light is your debut E.P. (out now). What was the inspiration behind recording it? Have you always wanted to bring one out?
Recording my music was a dream of mine for a long time.
I’ve been songwriting since I was a teenager and I’ve always had a passion for singing. Gradually, as I gained more experience and more confidence, I wanted to take this next step of releasing my E.P.
In terms of the themes and subjects explored on the E.P.: what type of things influenced the songs?
All of the songs are based on my own experiences. The theme of love underlies the entire E.P. but each song addresses a different aspect of it. I wanted to capture the range of emotions that are felt before, during and after a romantic relationship.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289736736" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
Living in a Dream is my favourite song from the album. Can you tell me a bit about the story behind that?
I wrote Living in a Dream while I was in Cuba - sitting on the beach with my ukulele. The song was inspired by that surreal feeling you get in the beginning of a new relationship. I tried to capture what it's like in the honeymoon phase where everything feels like a dream.
You use metaphor and imagery to capture human emotions through your music. Was songwriting/E.P. writing quite cathartic and did it teach you anything about people around you and the wider world?
Yes.
Songwriting has always been like therapy for me. It’s an outlet for my deepest thoughts and feelings.
The biggest compliment is when someone comes up to me and tells me that they can connect to a song that I’ve written. Songwriting has taught me that we are never alone and that so many of our most personal thoughts and feelings are also felt by other people.
PHOTO CREDIT: Open Eye Studio
You are based out of Toronto. It is one of those areas that breed terrific music. Do you think a lot of non-Canadian press sources overlook the city and ignore it to an extent?
There’s so much great talent in Toronto and I think the world is definitely starting to take notice. There are so many bands and artists from Toronto that are well-known around the world.
[soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/289736732" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /]
There are so many different bands and artists coming out of Toronto. Are there any you recommend we check out at all?
There are so many talented artists and bands to choose from! Common Deer and July Talk are great local bands that I’ve seen live in the past year.
I can imagine Canada is a completely different way of life – compared to living in the U.S. or U.K. What are the communities and people like? What is it like for a musician growing up there?
Toronto is one of the most multicultural cities in the world which makes it a very interesting and exciting place to live.
The music community in Toronto is so welcoming. I've met many supportive and talented musicians through open mic nights and songwriting meetups. They make the big city feels like home.
In terms of all the gigs and memories you have experienced this year: which stand out in the mind?
My E.P. release show was an incredible experience. It was my first time playing my songs live with a full band.
I also used to host an open mic. at a place called Kensington Lodge. I have fond memories of the intimate setting and the welcoming atmosphere.
PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok
Talk to me about your heroes and heroines. Which singers and musicians did you grow up listening to?
I grew up listening to a variety of genres but my favourite was Pop/Rock. Some of my favourite bands included Paramore, Jack’s Mannequin and Panic! at the Disco. The music festival Warped Tour was my first concert experience. I was fourteen years old and I remember being blown away by the world of live music.
If you could select a few albums that have meant the most to you – which would they be and why?
Very tough choice!
It depends on the day and my mood but I have very fond memories of listening to these three albums:
Vance Joy’s Dream Your Life Away – In this album, Vance Joy beautifully captures the complexity of emotions that are present in love and relationships. Fire and the Flood and Georgia are heartfelt songs that I can never get tired of listening to.
Of Monsters and Men’s My Head Is an Animal – I love the imagery in this album. Whenever I listen to this album, I imagine a mystical forest - it’s very soothing. And there’s just something about duets with male and female vocals and beautiful harmonies!
Paramore’s self-titled album - I’ve always admired Hayley Williams’ vocal and songwriting abilities. In this album, Paramore weren’t afraid to experiment with new sounds and genres. I love that a choir joins in at the end of the song Ain’t It Fun - and that there’s three short ukulele interludes in the album.
PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok
What does the coming year hold in store? Any new material or plans to tour internationally?
I’ve been working on lots of new material.
I hope to release a new single in February as well as my first music video!
Christmas is fast-approaching. You staying in with the family or have any plans? What is top of your present list?
I’ll be staying in with my family to celebrate Hanukkah and I’m also looking forward to visiting the Christmas Market in Toronto. In terms of presents, anything music-related would make me happy. I would love to get a new ukulele.
Can you offer any advice to new singers/musicians coming through?
Try new things and don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back.
It’s cliché but I think it’s true that the magic happens outside of your comfort-zone.
Finally, and for being a good sport, you can select any song you like (other than your own as I’ll include that) and I’ll play it here.
First Date by Darelle London.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kaKRivtKBg&w=560&h=315]
_____________________
Follow Sherry Jacoby
PHOTO CREDIT: Derek Mok
Official:
http://www.sherryjacoby.com/home
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/sherryjacobymusic
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/sherryjacoby
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/sherryjacobymusic/
SoundCloud: