Welcome to Dave's On Tour!

Dave: Thanks for phoning Jacob. I can’t wait to see you perform with your band at Debonair Music Hall in Teaneck, New Jersey, on December 7, 2017. How did your journey down the rock and roll highway get started?

Jacob: I was always into music and the entertainment scene. I saw Michael Jackson doing “Billy Jean” on MTV, and I knew then that I wanted to be an entertainer. When I played Guitar Hero in my friend’s basement, I was more fascinated with the animation and the music than what the player did in the game. When I heard Jimmy Page playing Led Zeppelin’s “The Song Remains the Same,” I knew right then that I wanted to play guitar! It was a calling that started my musical journey. Since then I’ve been working my craft playing guitar, trying to teach myself other instruments, trying to get better singing, and learning how to write music. I’ve been lucky enough to make some awesome connections. It’s a very exciting time for me with a tour getting started, and a record coming out in 2018.

Dave: I’m going to go out on a limb and call some of your “awesome connections” musical mentors. Tell me about producer Michael Wagener, Skid Row’s bass guitarist Rachel Bolan, and Slash’s drummer Brent Fitz.

Jacob: Michael taught me so much while we worked on my record that he is producing. Not just the sound but also the business. He launched me into another level of musicianship. He challenged me with things I never thought of. Michael was hard on me at times, but in a good way. He had the best intentions for me in his mind. He hooked me up with some awesome co-writes.
Rachel Bolan and I co-wrote the single out now called “What’s Your Problem”? He taught me a lot. I picked his brain; he picked mine. Everything was perfectly timed, and it just flowed. We were on the same page quickly. Rachel’s such a cool guy to hang with and to talk to. I caught on to the punk edge he brings to his songs with my guitar parts. I tried to zero in on that.
Brent Fitz was definitely a huge mentor for me during the recording of my record. When we weren’t working on the record, he showed me videos and told stories of his experience in the business. We were always talking like that. Brent is one of my favorite drummers on the planet. Making music with him and becoming friends was surreal. He taught me how to act like a musician.

Dave: You could have gone in many different musical directions. You chose what you’ve called “energetic rock and roll with a modern twist.” Why?

Jacob: I had a vision for my record. I wanted to have a modern “poppy” thing that people could rock to, sing to, and dance to. How could it not come out with a rock edge given my producer and the people who played on the record? We had some time constraints, but I was able to add some experimental things. With players like Brent Fitz and Paul Taylor, co-writers like Rachel Bolan and both Lizzy Hale and Joe Hottinger from Halestorm, and Michael’s production, it’s going to rock with that arsenal. The six-song EP will come out in January or February of 2018.

Dave: What’s your game plan as far as connecting with new audiences as you tour the Northeast in December?

Jacob: I’m going to try to create a cool and fun show. The Jacob Cade Project will give it all we’ve got. Joining me are bass guitarist Corey Tramontelli and drummer Jonah Nimoy. I’m hoping the crowds will be into rock ‘n’ roll and ready to have a good time. It’ll be super energetic. I’m putting together the type of show that I’d want to watch. I want to blow people’s minds and melt their faces! People are going to walk away remembering my guitar playing. That will be the shining factor. I want the crowds to see how much we love the music and that we’re passionate for what we do.

Dave: Getting a record made presents one set of challenges. Now your next challenge is getting your music heard.

Jacob: I’m building an awesome team. There are many avenues I have for the record. A buzz is building around it and that’s surreal. Things are happening and that’s really cool. Touring before the record comes out gives us exposure and a chance to build a fan base. I’m always on social media to interact with music fans. All of the Jacob Cade Project’s tour dates are direct support for Bobaflex. I thing we will fit in well.

Dave: Please comment on the life and legacy of Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell.

Jacob: There was a point in my guitar-playing career when Dimebag was the dude I was trying to emulate. He was so unique. With his solid state amps and his Dean guitars, Dimebag would wail. His death was one of the saddest things that happened in music. A rock concert should be the most fun thing to do. We can’t let the craziness stop us. Music is a universal language. Music is not the culprit in all the crazy things going on. The human mind is more intelligent than that.