In this exclusive interview, we sit down with rising R&B artist Jake Exavier to explore the inspirations and creative process behind their latest single, “Voodoo.” Drawing deeply from their Louisiana roots, Jake Exavier seamlessly blends the cultural mystique of their home state with themes of love and connection, resulting in a sound that is both nostalgic and refreshingly modern. From winning over crowds at the Apollo Theater at just 16 years old to crafting heartfelt songs inspired by legends like Stevie Wonder and Usher, Jake Exavier has honed a style that resonates with listeners on a deeply personal level. Join us as we delve into their journey, influences, and what’s next on the horizon for this talented artist.
Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your latest single, “Voodoo”? How did the idea of combining love with Louisiana’s cultural mystique come about?
Well, Louisiana is my home so its culture is deeply rooted into who I am not just as an artist, but as a person. So, when my team and I were in the studio brainstorming, coming up with different concepts, added with the fact that I love to make love songs, it kind of came simultaneously and very natural. It felt good.
Growing up in Zachary, Louisiana, how did your roots shape your musical style and the stories you tell in your songs?
Louisiana has a lot of music in its culture, but at home, my parents and my sister always loved music! So, I grew up listening to their favorite artists and that helped me start to learn what kind of music I liked when I was younger. I began wanting to make the music that I heard on the radio, songs that I resonated with. As I got older, I learned how to make my music my own and learned how to tell the stories in love that I and many others can relate with.
You’ve mentioned influences like Chris Brown, Usher, and Stevie Wonder. How have these artists inspired your approach to creating music?
Stevie Wonder taught me about making classic music and writing timeless lyrics. Usher and Chris Brown taught me about showmanship while still maintaining the soulfulness to their voices and music. They all sing about love, which is what I love to sing about as well.
Winning first place at the Apollo Theater at just 16 years old must have been an incredible experience. How did that moment impact your career and confidence as an artist?
That was an amazing experience. I’ll never forget it. First off, I loved traveling back and forth to New York! I love to travel. It was my first time performing for a big crowd, and I was the youngest performer in the competition. I sang “Ordinary People” by John Legend, and getting their responses and cheers, hearing them sing the lyrics with me was a priceless feeling! It was another confirmation, of many, that music is the right path for me!
“Voodoo” has a unique blend of old-school R&B and contemporary urban vibes. How do you balance paying homage to classic sounds while keeping your music fresh and modern?
“Voodoo” was produced by my mentors Rochad Holiday and Curtis “Sauce” Wilson from 90s R&B group “Somethin’ for the People”. It samples their song “What in the World?”. I love old school R&B music, so I love to create classic R&B songs while still adding my generation’s additions to it! With my own cadences and catchy rhythms.
Can you walk us through your creative process? What was it like collaborating with your team to bring “Voodoo” to life?
Honestly, the process for me kind of varies. Sometimes I write at night while on the couch. A lot of times I’m thinking of lyrics in the car, and a lot of times I come up with lyrics while working out. There really are no limits for me when it comes to where I can write. For “Voodoo” in particular, it was different sitting with a team to create the concept first. We thought about what we wanted to say, what message we wanted to convey. It was a great experience. I feel like it helped me grow as a songwriter.
Your lyrics often feel deeply personal and relatable. How do you approach songwriting to connect with such a wide audience?
When I’m writing, whether I’m referencing a personal experience or a situation a friend has told me about, I always like to write the lyrics as if I’m singing directly to someone specific. I want you to feel like I’m singing to you when you listen to my music. Music is a personal experience a lot of times.
The R&B genre is constantly evolving. What do you think sets your music apart, and how do you see your sound evolving in the future?
I hope a personal connection is what stands out! I want people to feel personally connected to my music. I make love songs, and I know everyone has been in love at some point. If you’re not in love at the moment, maybe you’re in lust, maybe you like someone, miss someone, yearning for someone, or even confused by someone. All of those emotions can be felt in my music.
As an artist who draws from Louisiana culture, are there other aspects of your heritage that you’d like to explore in future projects?
Yes of course. I feel like, with me still being kind of early on in my career, Louisiana is what inspires me the most simply because it’s where I was born, raised, and have spent most of my life. I recently relocated to Los Angeles to be more involved in music, so as I begin to branch out, I’m sure I will find something else that inspires me just as much as Louisiana.
What’s next for you after “Voodoo”? Are there any upcoming projects, collaborations, or performances fans should look out for?
Well, my new single “Is it Real?” is out everywhere now! My next single “Come My Way” is coming on January 28, and there will be more new music to follow! I’m just really excited to be in a place of releasing music. I know people need to hear this!
