music & CULTURE
STYLING
DUSTIN CONNOR ELLIS
PHOTOGRAPHY
COLE CAMERON
Floridian singer-songwriter, BabyJake, has fully embraced his creativity in the new album, The Sun Wakes Up Earlier Now. His new 11 track album is a culmination of BabyJake’s journey of experimentation in rock, funk, and hip-hop. The result is an album reflecting his profoundly unrestrained freedom of self. BabyJakes is an inspiringly authentic artist who strives to reach his audience at their core through his music.
"BE YOURSELF, TRUST YOUR GUT, AND TELL EVERYONE WHO IS NOT SUPPORTING YOU TO POLITELY FUCK OFF!!!!"
Coat KENZO, sunglasses AKILA, hat and shoes TALENTS OWN.
Vestal __ You were born in Florida, and now based in Los Angeles; tell me about your upbringing and how you got into music.
BabyJake __ I originally got into music by playing the guitar at eight years old and producing/playing piano and songwriting at thirteen years old. Eventually, I released an EP in Florida that gained a little traction and somehow, I ended up in LA. I’m blessed.
Vestal __ Being 6 foot 6 inches tall with a name as BabyJake, most would find it ironic. Tell our viewers why you resonate with the name BabyJake?
BabyJake __ It was honestly just a joke. The name ended up sticking and we said fuck it & ran with it. It’s funny because I’m a grown-ass man and when you speak to me, you realize I’m pretty mature.
Vestal __ Your first debut album, The Sun Wakes Up Earlier Now, dropped; you must be very excited about the release. What was the process like for you?
BabyJake __ I am super excited about the release. It is my first full-length album, and I am very passionate about all the records on it. The process was long and scattered, but overall we poured our heart into this one, and I hope it resonates with people on a deeper level.
Vestal __ Who are some of the people you’ve collaborated with on this album?
BabyJake __ There were two artist features on this album: Bipolar Sunshine & Lizzy McAlpine. Both are great friends of mine, and they did a terrific job; I’m very excited about both of their careers. As far as other collaborators, I pretty much did the whole album with my partner, Danny Shyman; other notable collaborators on the production/songwriting front were Linda Perry, Matt Rad, and Adrian Cota. All very talented musicians and amazing people.
Vestal __ What makes your vibe and your music unique?
BabyJake __ Come on! [Laughs] I mean, give it a listen. You can answer this question yourself.
Vestal __ Your quote, “ I’m still a kid at heart, and I don’t ever want to lose this feeling. That’s what my music is all about,” is beautiful. Would you please tell me about a moment from your past that you found inspiring?
Coat KENZO, sunglasses AKILAOpposite: Jacket and pants SCHEPERS BOSMAN, hat GLADYS TAMEZ MILLINERY, rings PARTS OF FOUR and GERMAN KABIRSKI.
Baby Jake __ It’s an old quote that still resonates with my inner self. I am a “glass half full” type of guy. I look at everything as an opportunity to better myself, even though I know life gets the strict majority of the time. Anyone who tells you that you ain’t going to get knocked down is a goddamn liar. More than half of life is falling, and it’s your responsibility to be open-minded and patient enough to work through those things. My whole life has been inspiring; I can’t pinpoint enough things to answer this question truthfully.
Vestal __ Your fashion style looks so natural on you. It’s like you were born in a different era. What artists or eras, past or present, do you identify with?
BabyJake __ God Bless Rock & Roll. Jimi Hendrix, Joni Mitchell, Steven Tyler, Rolling Stones, and I can't forget the late Prince. Pretty much any 60s-00s rockstar. It fell off for me in the 2000-2010s style-wise. I still pick and pull from that era, but the 60’s ’70s 80’s brought me to life.
Vestal __ Aside from your musical skills, your 70’s vintage approach is very much in line with Gucci’s current sensibility. Is there a designer you would like to collaborate with in the future?
BabyJake __ My doors are always open; I would tell them all just to walk right in. I want to break boundaries in fashion and style. I believe in doing that you need to be open to all possibilities within the space. Truthfully, I don’t give a fuck who you are if I like the piece; I am open-minded, but I’m not falling for no cliche shit.
Vestal __ Where can we catch your next performance?
BabyJake __ I just performed at Bottlerock Festival in Napa Valley, CA. My next show is at Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn, NY, Thursday, September 9th. Super excited to be back in the Big Apple.
Vestal __ What is one message you would like to give to your fans reading this interview?
BabyJake __ Be yourself, trust your gut, and tell everyone who is not supporting you to politely Fuck Off!!!! One more thing, this for everybody who's involved, if you know what I'm saying, and if ya don't ya don't!!
Total look ACNE STUDIOS.
Coat KENZO, sunglasses AKILA, hat and shoes TALENTS OWN.
The 11-track, genre-blurring album features BabyJake’s new single, “My Anxiety,” which is accompanied by the official video out now
Photography Cole Cameron @franciscolecameron Styling Dustin Connor Ellis Talent Duchi Da Vinchi