Jaco Jaco Talks New Album, Single And More
Words by Glenn Sargeant
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Landline PR
Jaco Jaco—the project of Philadelphia-based musician, visual artist, and former member of beloved indie-rock trio Sports, Jacob Theriot—announces his new album, ‘On the Levee’, out 10th July 2026. Therefore, it seemed like the perfect time for a chat:
What is your earliest musical memory?
In kindergarten, we’d often start the day by sitting on the floor and singing songs. “This Little Light Of Mine,” “You Are My Sunshine,” stuff like that. Around Christmastime, we sang “Jolly Old St. Nicholas” and other classics. For some reason the Jolly Nicholas melody gave me the chills. I think that was the first time a melody hit me at my tiny core. I’ve been chasing that feeling ever since!
When did you begin songwriting?
I started recording instrumentals on our home computer when I was 12 or 13. My brother pirated the software Reason and I’d make little tracks just using the desktop keyboard as my MIDI controller. Didn’t start writing lyrics and singing until I was out of high school, mostly in secrecy. Finally started sharing my songs with lyrics and vocals when I was in my early 20s.
You have released your new single ‘Charade’. What was the story/inspiration behind the track?
I had most of the record finished but I felt the album needed a song like “Charade” on it. It came very naturally once I nailed down the chord progression and vocal melodies. I heard a quote from someone I can’t remember, something about the older they get the more they realize that life is really a test of one’s endurance. It resonated with me so I wrote a song about it.
Where did you record the track and who produced it?
I wrote and recorded most of it in my home studio in Philadelphia. Once the record was as far as I could take it, I flew to Oklahoma and finished the songs with drummer Nathan Price and my co-producer/mixer Chad Copelin.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?
I wish! It’s a very serious process. No funny business.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, or recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
I used my Jaguar and Prophet 6 a lot on this one. All vocals were recorded with an RE20. When it comes to mixing, Chad’s ears are worth 1 billion dollars and deserve a lot of credit for how my music sounds. We ran a lot of stems through his gear at Blackwatch. He’s a master mixer wizard type.
Which of your tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
There’s all that on the new record coming out this year. Out of the tracks I have out now I’d have to say:
Happiest – Favorite Kind of People
Angriest – I’m not really an angry guy but I guess “Woman”
Reflective – Gremlin World
Who were the musicians who were on the song with you?
I played everything on “Charade” except for a few synth moments thanks to Chad. Drums are all Nathan Price from the band Broncho.
Was it a difficult song to write?
The demo came fast but there’s almost always a moment of trudge once you get into the production phase.
You have also recently released the new single ‘Levee’. Could you tell us about that song?
‘Levee’ is about the weight of staying put and being okay with it while the people and the world around you change. That short moment of mental clarity and peace, knowing the pendulum can’t help but swing.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
Tulsa, Oklahoma. A nice place Garth Brooks
What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice musician?
Dig deep, write and record a lot. Don’t hesitate to release the good stuff to the world. Sulk and cry. Then repeat that over and over and learn to live with and love the pain and isolation it brings. It is a beautiful thing. Also, it’s just music and it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of it all but if it matters to you then it might matter to someone and that is very important.
Or just play music with your friends and forget about all the other stuff. Making it a career can take the fun out of it so just remember to have a good time. Also, learn to play an instrument that isn’t your computer, any instrument will do.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2026?
No, but I’m down.
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
Like when I die? I dunno, I guess I just want to be remembered as being a real one. That’s the ultimate goal.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
My go to guitar is my Jaguar with the mute bridge. Not really married to any effects or mics at the moment but the search continues!
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
Oooh give me Metamorphosis by Kafka. I’d love to write introspective insect inspired music.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
It’s ever changing and it depends on what for. For songwriting and lyrics, I like folk but I don’t necessarily write like that. Townes Van Zandt, Mississippi John Hurt, John Prine, Joni Mitchell(specifically Hejira). For production and songwriting: D’Angelo, Beach Boys, Sly & The Family Stone and so much more.
For a more recent album recommendation, I really loved “Sky Record” by Dan English. Old recommendation: *Whatevershebringwesing* by Kevin Ayers.
Do you have any further new music releases planned for this year?
More singles on the way and the record comes out this July. You heard it here first maybe!
What makes Jaco Jaco happy and what makes you unhappy?
Happy: the first 100 episodes of SpongeBob. Unhappy: every episode of SpongeBob after episode 100.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Landline PR
Jaco Jaco’s latest single ‘Levee’ is out now.
Stream Here: https://awal.ffm.to/levee
His new album ‘On The Levee’ is released on Friday 10th July 2026.
Follow Jaco Jaco –
Instagram / Spotify / Apple Music / YouTube / TikTok / Website
