The son of a Mexican father, the child of a Midwestern upbringing, and a longtime contributor to the local music community, Jacob Aranda is one of the best in Bay Area country music. On his last album, War Planes, he channels his gospel roots and flexes his songwriting ability in crooning of friends who’ve passed, familial alienation, and troubled childhoods.
Ahead of his set tomorrow (Wednesday, February 26) at Bender’s as part of the free Noise Pop Fest happy hour show curated by White Crate – along with Sadie Alan and Credit Electric – we heard from Jacob Aranda about his move from the Midwest to the Bay, a few of his favorite label-mates, and why he wants to see less cover bands on stage.
Where did you grow up, and when did you move to the Bay?
I grew up on the outskirts of Elgin, Illinois. I moved to the Bay Area about 12 years ago to make furniture.
Did the Bay Area art and music scene have anything to do with your move?
Yes, the vibrant art and music scene was a major attraction. I had already begun collaborating with several Bay Area artists from afar before I moved.
How does the Bay Area influence your music?
The connection to nature and the embrace of free expression in the Bay Area was extremely liberating to me. In the Midwest, I felt so much pressure to conform. Here, I never imagined being so celebrated for my own unique and personal expression. I find there to be so much support for artistic freedom here, free from judgement.
Which up-and-coming Bay Area artists are you most excited about?
I really love watching my label-mates flourish. Speakeasy Studios’ Noelle and the Deserters, Josiah Flores, Andres Miguel Cervantes, really so many great artists in this vibrant scene.
Are there any artist-centered communities in the Bay that you love?
I felt a special connection to the Outer Sunset where I had my workshop. Now I live in west Marin, and the music community up here is deeply intertwined with the landscape and it’s crafts people.
After several waves of gentrification, what keeps you in the Bay?
The high cost of living here has been very disheartening. I have watched a lot of amazing artists leave. But I still feel like this is such a unique and vibrant area, the vast beauty and the culture of social justice awareness, I don’t think I will find the same quality of life elsewhere. I am happy to be poor here, though I wish it all felt more balanced.
Do you have any new releases coming up?
I am about to finish an album with my partner, Sara Gallagher. It should be released in the next year.
Do you have any hopes or predictions for the local music scene?
I hope that organisations like White Crate keep promoting and supporting the local scene. I hope to see the city continue to find ways to help venues stay alive and subsidize artists. I hope to see less cover bands out there taking up space. Venues and audiences need to invest in original music, the true voice of the Bay.
