Jak Lizard
Jak Lizard takes an old school sound and makes it his own. With blues notes and his serenading vocals reminiscent of musical tradition, it’s the addition of a lofi beat and the occasional rap that sets Jak apart from other artists. His songs range in their combination of the two: “Patty and Lucy,” Lizard’s most popular, relies heavily on an older style, while “Cool Whip,” his most recent release, is much more modern. Regardless of the ratio of old to new in his songs, Jak Lizard’s talent is sure to shine through. Based in New York, he’s released 7 singles and an EP, 2018’s Shine to Rise, all by 25. His jazz-like orchestrations and impeccable lyricism and resulting rhythm have garnered the artist over 1.8 million Spotify streams alone. We recently spoke with the up and coming Jak Lizard about the meaning behind his newest single, “Cool Whip,” all things songwriting, and more!
How did you get started making music?
Well major thanks has to go to my family. My dad and mom are very creative people and always encouraged that in and out of the house. I also have three older brothers who were basically listening to and making the coolest music at any moment. I’ve been crazy lucky to have that inspiration bubble around me my whole life. I think I got serious and about developing my career as Jak Lizard in college at SUNY Purchase with my collective 99SUBLIME. A bunch of amazing artists who influence and encourage me to this day. It’s safe to say I’ve been on that sort of NYC independent artist hustle since like 2014.
Who are you partnering up within a dream collaboration?
This question always destroys me haha. it’s a true challenge to think of just one. But to honor the question today I’ll say Stevie Wonder.
Where is your go-to location when it's time to song-write?
The piano is my families home is number one in my heart. But honestly wherever the energy is right. That usually means in a makeshift studio with a few close collaborators.
Let’s talk about the new release. What was the inspiration for “Cool Whip”?
The first thing to mention about this song is how the goal with Producer Sean Smith was to have fun. Make a song that feels light, danceable, and fun. The story with “Cool Whip” is that it’s a song actually talking about heavy matters. It’s talking about recreational drug use, white privilege, and excessive buying of flashy toys which we don’t need. Whether it’s a wild night at the club, a new car, or some instagrammable sandwich when you’ve already eaten lunch; the the hook of “Cool Whip,” is asking folks to chill a bit, take a step back from all the flashiness and humble yourself a bit. By the time Brasstracks finished production on it, I felt we had a certified bopper. Sean and Ivan, love you guys!!
Where have been some of your favorite venues to play at?
A throwback venue that deserves a serious shout out was Palisades in Brooklyn. It’ll truly go down in music history, a place where you were essentially opening for some huge artist but in a fun DIY space. It was totally the scene for a minute haha. Present day shout out goes to playing The Troubadour in LA. The history of it alone had be like shaking from excitement the whole time. I was like, damn, look at this dressing room where so many singer/songwriters were reckless.
How do you get over writer's block?
Exercise, meditate, drink water. As much as possible.
How did quarantine affect your ability to make music, if at all?
I would say the major way the pandemic has changed things is the lack of hanging with your people who you create with. It’s honestly been rough. But we evolve and grow with the times. I have a writing camp for my next project set up with my close friend and collaborator Itamar Gov-Ari, where we are getting tested for Covid and isolating before we link up. The will and the want to write songs in the same room again is just too strong to be stopped.
Any future projects for fans to get excited about?
Yes! So “Cool Whip” is the first single off of my next EP, but that’s all I’m gonna say for now :)
