You’ve seen him in the jungle, you’ve seen him sing for survival in front of millions on The X Factor but this is Jake Quickenden as you’ve never seen before: in his element, writing and performing acoustic pop songs from the heart. There’s no doubt Jake has reignited his passion for music and a star is reborn.
The charming Northerner is releasing his second EP “New Chapter” without the backing of a label and supporting it with a UK tour in September.
The lead single ‘Blindfold’ made #1 on iTunes’ Singer-Songwriter Chart and made Spotify UK’s Viral Top 10 chart. ‘Blindfold’ earned Jake a place on Spotify UK’s Mellow Pop playlist muscling in with major label acts like Adele, James Bay and Lukas Graham.
Jake said he has finally hit his stride with “New Chapter”, describing this as the best work he has done yet.
“This is 100% me. They’re songs I’ve written myself that are inspired by what I’ve gone through personally and my view of the world around me,” he said.
The six original songs radiate with honesty and sheer soul, establishing the Scunthorpe artist as a modern guitar-pop storyteller.
Jake gets up close and personal with ‘Blindfold’, which was inspired by the death of his brother Oliver, who lost his battle with cancer in 2012 – the year Jake first auditioned for The X Factor.
Jake, who has worked tirelessly with cancer research charities over the past few years, said he wrote this song for his 19-year old brother’s widow, Olivia.
“I was struggling with the loss of Oliver and came up with the idea of writing a song as if he was writing it to his wife. He loved her for her. He wanted her to be happy and for her to know he’ll always be with her,” Jake said.
Jake was recently announced as an ambassador for Teenage Cancer Trust’s Shunburn campaign, following in the footsteps of superstars like Nicholas Hoult and Leona Lewis.
Elsewhere, the radio-ready ‘Can’t Stand The Rain’ brings warmth to the record and while ‘I Met Her On The Train’ channels a certain Sheeran-esquestripped back beauty.
Jake’s headstrong pursuit to carve his path in the music industry is a true testament to his fighting spirit and refusal to give up on his dreams. The 27- year old released his debut EP I Want You last August and supported it with a successful national tour, all without the backing of a major label.
“New Chapter” EP tracklisting
1. Blindfold
2. Loved Me Before
3. Can’t Stand The Rain
4. Come Back To Me
6. I Met Her On The Train
7. Blindfold (OPTIXX Remix) [Radio Edit]
5. Touch Me Girl
8. Can’t Stand The Rain (OPTIXX Remix) [Radio Edit]
