Through years of experience in the music industry (both in the US and abroad), Bob Jeter has gained much insight into what makes a song work. In the 3 areas of writing, production, and performing, he has worked with well-known composers and producers, as well as lesser-known independent artists.
Although he is socially aware and doesn’t shy away from current trends, he brings a blend of old school and alternative music into the Postmodern Age. You can experience this blend of old with the new by listening to his album, “Along For The Ride.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Bob about the latest music, technology, adapting during the pandemic and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I was born in Richmond, Virginia but have lived in various places including Atlanta, GA, London, England, Paris, France and currently I reside in New York City. My music has been influenced by a variety of sources from the music of the 70s to more contemporary Pop, though roots music keeps me grounded. Because of the various influences many of my tunes may be classified as Americana though there are definite elements of Blues, R&B as well as Country. I have recently collaborated within other genres as rap and electronic music and am open to experimentation. Along For The Ride EP, I will say, was much influenced by the 70s sound.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
I believe you are born with the music in you. Once you bite the apple of music the curse or blessing doesn’t leave you. Though I have done many things besides music in life, music is the one constant that remains prevalent and to which I always go back. Its both a constant challenge to produce quality sounds and a pure joy to raise ones soul to reach other spiritual realms available only through music.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
Along For the Ride EP came about by my desire to develop a polished, high-quality sound to display my talent as a singer and songwriter – though 3 of the tunes of the EP were from other songwriters who have had success in the business. My gratitude goes to Kenny Kirby as Producer/Keyboards and the other A-List players he brought to the sessions. They laid down some classic sounding tracks. We were definitely trying to recapture some of that same magic heard on so many great tunes of the 70s and I believe we succeeded!
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented times? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
If we are talking about the Covid Pandemic, it was indeed a game changer. I moved to New York because of it. My wife’s previous job in Atlanta down sized and she found another on Wall Street, so I came with her. My music contacts have been mainly in Atlanta but I am reaching out now for possibilities in New York City. Though I had an offer to go to Nashville to record, and would like to do that in the future, I am current looking to create a live EP in New York.
What was the last song you listened to?
Band of Gypsys – Jimi Hendrix and before that The Chainsmokers
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I like Vinyl though most of my revenue, other than performing, comes from streaming and social media.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
Here are some of my links:
SOCIAL MEDIA
SONG LINKS
iTunes /Apple Music
SoundCloud
Spotify
YouTube
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
Thanks for the opportunity to share a little about myself and my music. I hope to have new music out soon which should be a little different from Along For The Ride as well as my earlier recordings recently re-released under Jeter N The Jets (The Complete Garage Recordings).
