Interviews News

Jaco Jaco Unleashes New Sound: From Sports to Solo, Brazilian Grooves, and What’s Coming in 2025!

  • October 29, 2024
  • 4 min read
  • 77 Views
Jaco Jaco Unleashes New Sound: From Sports to Solo, Brazilian Grooves, and What’s Coming in 2025!
Jaco Jaco, sports, indie rock, alternative rock, psychedelic rock, favorite kind of people

Exploring New Horizons: An Interview with Jaco Jaco

After making waves as a member of the indie-pop band Sports, Jaco Jaco (formerly known simply as Jaco) has stepped into the spotlight as a solo artist, forging a path that blends introspection, groove, and creative freedom. In this exclusive interview, we delve into how his move from Tulsa to Philadelphia has shaped not only his outlook on life but also his music. With a penchant for Brazilian jazz-funk, Jaco’s latest single, “Favorite Kind of People,” highlights his evolving sound—a lush and rhythmically vibrant exploration that feels both playful and personal.

Jaco’s creative journey extends beyond music, incorporating visual artistry that reflects the themes of his work. As he prepares to release a new project in Spring 2025, we catch up with him to talk about his transition from Sports to solo work, the challenges and rewards of relocating, and his approach to staying present in the creative process. Join us as Jaco gives a candid glimpse into his evolving artistry and what fans can expect from his upcoming releases.

1. How did the transition from being part of Sports to pursuing your solo career as Jaco influence your approach to music and creativity?

It really just allowed me a little more freedom to explore ideas without worrying about whether something would work for the band. It also forced me to hunker down and get better at writing and recording.

2. How has relocating from Tulsa to Philadelphia shaped your sound and artistic direction compared to your time with Sports?

Philly is beautiful. You get what you give here. It’s rough at times and will challenge you in a lot of ways mentally, but it’s unapologetically human, and the real ones here are the realest. It’s humbling—very few are putting on a front. Hard to say if it’s shaped my sound, but it’s definitely influenced me lyrically. The people here, especially the native Philadelphians, have won me over for sure.

3. “Favorite Kind of People” draws inspiration from Brazilian jazz-funk. Can you elaborate on how this phase influenced the song’s structure and lyrical themes?

I’m always scrounging around for inspiration, and I got into Quarteto Em Cy, which sent me down a rabbit hole. I translated one of their songs just out of curiosity and loved the straightforward, easygoing feel of the lyrics, even if the translation may have been a little off. That era of Brazilian jazz-funk—or whatever you’d call it—is so melodically lush and more rhythmically rich than what I usually lean toward when recording. Gotta love it.

4. You mentioned wanting to write something simple and real in “Favorite Kind of People.” How do you balance staying present and avoiding overthinking during your creative process?

I try and give every idea a chance. I’ll take breaks and come back with a fresh perspective. If I’m not feeling it, I’m not afraid to toss it on the back burner. For every good song, there are at least ten bad ones in its wake. Sometimes the bad ones turn into funny ones, and I’ll just ride that out and have a good time.

5. How do your experiences as both a musician and visual artist influence each other, and do you plan to incorporate more visual elements into your upcoming releases?

It’s nice to have other creative outlets to express myself. Once a project feels finished, I enjoy exploring the lyrical themes and sounds to create visuals and build a world around it. For ‘Favorite Kind of People’ and the upcoming singles, it felt fun to make something tangible, so I sculpted little gremlins and took their photos. I always say I want to work with an artist or designer on creative direction, but that day has yet to come. At the very least, it saves me some cash.

6. What can fans expect from your new project coming in Spring 2025, and how does it differ from your previous work, both with Sports and your recent releases?

I feel like I’ve matured as a songwriter and producer with this project. It’s funkier at times. Maybe more sentimental. I dunno, we’ll just have to see!

Check out “Favorite Kind Of People” below:

Share Button
About Author

Chris Ryan

Chris Ryan is an accomplished promoter, event planner, producer, activist, counselor, poet and blogger. Within the course of two and a half years Chris Ryan has worked with some of NYC's most established promoters/event planners, been named 2007′s GaySocialite of the year, granted a promoter of the year award from NYC's most famous gay establishment, Splash. He's worked in some of NYC's top venues including; Avalon, Capitale, Cipriani, Cielo, Pacha, Element, Le Poisson Rouge, XL, G Lounge, Plumm, Hilton Hotel, Indigo Hotel, Spirit, Myst/Quo, Splash, The Ritz, Vlada, Roseland Ballroom, Heaven, etc. In 2008, Chris Ryan has begun to unveil some of the most innovative & unique parties New York City has ever seen. The Fusion events "fuse" together all disciplines of art into an event that remains diverse yet cohesive at the same time. ChrisRyanNYC.com won best gay promotions website from NYC Event Patrons in 2008 & he was granted an award from the Jim Owles Liberal Democratic Club, Gov. Patterson & Michelle Clunie (QAF) saluting him for his hard work in nightlife. Chris Ryan has also begun working with many renown companies, including; doctors, lawyers, physicians, modeling agencies & more. Chris Ryan has been responsible for wide-scale promotions for all these companies & generating tremendous business. Chris Ryan has even started to become National with events taking place in LA & Miami this year. In May of 2009 Chris Ryan received the very prestigious honor of being named a "40 Under 40″ Gays in America by the Advocate Magazine. He also created three successful parties that generated over 1,500 patrons each. In January of 2010 Chris Ryan was featured as one of the top promoters to look out for in Noize Magazine Chris Ryan joined forces with legendary promoter/event producer, Lee Chappell and created one of the most talked about events of all 2010, Desire @ Capitale. Chris Ryan and Lee featured one of the most outstanding artists NYC has ever seen, "Oh Land." Her performance coupled with an exquisite and unforgettable set design added to this extravagant event that held over 1,000 patrons in one of NYC's most successful PRIDE events! Chris Ryan then joined forces with legendary Pacha promoter, Rob Fernandez in addition to Jake Resnicow and Tommy Marinelli to bring one of the largest and most successful parties worldwide to NYC, MATINEE. The event on Governor's Island saw over 2,000+ attendees and one of the most ambitious productions ever. In 2011 Chris Ryan started Emerge Music Promotions with business partner Darren Melchiorre. Emerge Music promotions began signing artists with plans to develop and market the artists to the community at large. Emerge Music promotions has big events planned for 2012 and 2013. Chris Ryan debuted the IMAGE events which took place on top of two of NYC's most beautiful rooftop venues, Rare View and Indigo Hotel. The events were blogged everywhere and featured the fashion designs of several clothing designers, artists and photographers. Chris Ryan felt that fashion and art should be displayed at every event and attracted the likes of Malan Breton, Calvin Klein and even Katy Perry. Chris Ryan began an extremely successful event which incorporated the concept of a house party into a nightclub atmosphere. The event Twist'D at G Lounge has been one of the most talked about events in NYC and allows it's audience to play nearly-naked Twister, beer pong, flip cup & more with other attendees. Chris Ryan was granted an excellence in volunteering award from AVP (Anti-Violence Project) for all his efforts in supporting the organization. 2013 has a very promising landscape on the horizon and Chris Ryan is complacent in saying "you haven't seen anything yet!"

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.