Jacob Reese Thornton is a 17 yr outdated guitarist, songwriter, and recording artist, who brings a depth and a ardour to his music that considerably exceeds his years. Rising up with music round him his whole life, Jacob was destined to turn into a musician from the begin. Working alongside and/or enjoying with the likes of Todd Kerns (Slash & The Conspirators), Tony Franklin, and Buddy Man, Jacob has already had a brief profession working with seasoned musicians who’ve impressed him and helped form his personal work.
We had the alternative to talk to Thornton about his influences, the first time he performed an Ernie Ball Music Man guitar, and rather more.
Q & A
EBMM: When did you first discover ways to play the guitar?
JRT: I turned obsessed with guitar at round 9-10 years outdated. My first instrument was drums, however I rapidly moved to guitar. It felt proper from the begin.
EBMM: What was the second you realized you needed to pursue music full-time?
JRT: I’m not certain if there was a particular second the place I had that realization. Music is simply one thing that has at all times been round me, and one thing that I needed to do so far as I can bear in mind. I come by it actually. My nice aunt was a Nashville primarily based singer and piano participant, and my nice grandmother owned and operated a recording studio and small label, Varsity Information, which was situated on Church Road in Nashville, in the late 60’s and early 70’s.
EBMM: You could have had the alternative to collaborate / play alongside some legendary musicians. How had been these experiences?
JRT: I’ve been fortunate to fulfill so many of my music heroes and influences. Working with Todd Kerns from Slash & The Conspirators was incredible. Todd is a large expertise. He supplied background vocals on my first file. Todd didn’t want to try this, he’s only a nice man and needed to help a younger musician. It was cool to additionally jam reside with Todd and his bandmate in The Conspirators, Brent Fitz, and the legendary Bruce Kulick from KISS and Grand Funk Railroad. They aren’t simply nice gamers but in addition tremendous nice folks. I used to be lucky to collaborate with Tony Franklin from The Agency on a canopy of, “I Can See For Miles” by The Who, which we launched. Tony – what a musician! He’s a gem and has additionally been so supportive. Getting up and jamming with blues legend Buddy Man at a Florida present was undoubtedly one thing I received’t ever overlook. He was actually encouraging and gave me some stage recommendation. I used to be so younger at the time, I want I might do this once more now!
EBMM: Are you able to bear in mind the first time you performed an Ernie Ball Music Man instrument?
JRT: I certain can. It was in Las Vegas at Vegas View Studios with rock photographer Robert M. Knight. I liked the high quality, the really feel of the neck, and the tone immediately. They’re incredible devices.
EBMM: Inform us slightly bit about your music model. How did you go about growing your distinctive sound?
JRT: It has developed. I began out with a blues fascination. I nonetheless love blues, however have steadily moved into a special route with my writing. I’m drawn to Brit rock and classic rock sounds and vibes.
EBMM: You’ve been releasing critically acclaimed singles left and proper. What’s your course of like when creating new music?
JRT: Thanks. Hopefully, that constructive suggestions will translate into one thing that pursuits a serious. It’s a bizarre time to be a younger musician who performs guitar and writes rock songs. In phrases of my writing course of, there’s no actual science or deliberate technique. I simply work arduous at it. I’m at all times trying to find melodies on the guitar and lyric phrases that match. Most of the time I come up empty, however sometimes I’ll hit on one thing that works. These artistic moments, when it seems like I’ve actually captured one thing, is what retains me impressed.
EBMM: What’s your favourite monitor that you simply’ve launched to play reside?
JRT: There are two tracks, one referred to as, “Time Out of Thoughts” and the different referred to as, “The Sky Is All I Must Get Excessive.” I really feel like each are absolute bangers reside. They are going to be included in my subsequent file.
EBMM: How has your Cutlass HSS guitar helped you develop as an artist?
The instrument is high shelf in phrases of high quality. I don’t should struggle the guitar to get it to do what I would like. The neck is ideal and it’s versatile with single coil pickups and a humbucker pickup in the bridge. I’ve used the Cutlass on almost all of my launched songs. It simply sounds nice reside and data splendidly. I’m actually grateful for my affiliation with Ernie Ball Music Man, which has supplied many networking and different alternatives in the enterprise. It was particularly an honor to carry out on the Ernie Ball stage at Eric Clapton’s 2019 Crossroads Guitar Pageant in Dallas.
EBMM: Are there any artists/bands who encourage you as a musician?
JRT: As a songwriter, Noel Gallagher has been my greatest affect. The Excessive Flying Birds data he launched post-Oasis modified my life. These days, I’ve been listening to lots of Sam Fender, Conor Oberst and Ryan Adams data. They’re all such nice songwriters. I’m additionally an enormous fan of Lindsey Buckingham and Johnny Marr’s songwriting and magnificence of guitar enjoying. What I respect most about them is that though they’re each unbelievable musicians, they solely play what serves the tune. I additionally love the straightforward fluid means they play and the melody of their enjoying. I really like crunch energy chords as a lot as anybody else, however Buckingham and Marr have these distinctive and iconic guitar kinds and sounds which might be so melodic and provides their songs a lot elevate.
EBMM: What can we count on from you in the close to future? Any thrilling initiatives we must always look out for?
JRT: I’m stoked to be heading to Nashville this summer season to chop some tracks with Invoice Reynolds (Band of Horses), one other one of my favourite bands. Invoice is a tremendous musician and an in-demand producer so I’m grateful for the probability to work with him. There are another issues cooking up as effectively, however I can’t give that away simply but! Thanks for the chat and thanks Ernie Ball Music Man for the help.
Gear
Jacob depends on his Ernie Ball Music Man Cutlass HSS guitar in the studio and on the stage.
Watch
Watch as Jacob Reese Thornton performs reside on the Ernie Ball stage at Eric Clapton’s 2019 Crossroads Guitar Pageant in Dallas, TX.
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