Infused with modern and cultural influences, Jeremy Roske’s sound is a unique mix of healing world fusion, soul music, and socially aware melodic messages doused in heartfelt folk. A founding member of the Earth Guardians, he’s spent his career writing and performing music to uplift and inspire the masses.
Since 1995, he’s toured both nationally and internationally, released a critically acclaimed debut solo album “People Rise,” and continues to use his music to heal and inspire hope. Throughout the 11 tracks on his newest album, Heartstorm, he takes listeners on a journey that explores the profoundly transformational journey of redemption, shadow work, and choosing love in the face of fear.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jeremy about Heartstorm, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
Wow, it’s hard to say exactly where I am from. I grew up in Hawaii and have lived all over the world since in places like India, Italy, Bali, Hong Kong, and Australia. I would say I’m a global citizen and feel at home in many places. My music has the same kind of genre-blending quality. I started writing rhymes in my teens and shifted into live hip-hop/reggae. In my twenties. Sending years living in other counties I’ve been inspired by all kinds of music. At the core, I would describe my music as folk-rock & world fusion.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I’ve always felt drawn to music. I started playing the violin when I was ten, then got my first guitar at eleven. I wrote my first rap song when I was twelve and the ball just kept rolling. I was touring the U.S. by the time I was fifteen and the experience of being on stage and connecting with people through music really set into my bones. I got to tour internationally in my mid-twenties and music became a way for me to relate and find common ground with people from all over the world. Studying Carnatic music in India opened me up to the power of sound as a spiritual practice and my attention shifted inwards to explore vibration and frequency at a whole other level. Now it is a part of my daily practice and I need music like food and water.
How is your new album different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
There was a big gap of time between releasing my first album and this new one. Years of songs brewing from all kinds of experiences. That is how the title was born. A storm brewing in my heart. So much to be expressed and shared but waiting for the right time, the right team, and support. All that finally lined up and I was able to bring these songs to life. My approach to this album was way different as well. I kept asking how can I get out of the way and really serve the music. I poured my heart and soul into these songs and I feel they reflect the essence, truth, and quality of what I wanted to share with the world.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this over saturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
I would say the main challenge I face is the constant demand that social media requires. So much energy moving outward, sharing posts, stories, new music expected all the time. As a creative person, a lot of the magic happens in the silence and that is hard to find in this noisy world. On the flip side, I have been able to connect with people all over the world from the comfort of my home. This is a big difference. The whole touring reality has shifted as well and I’m curious how it’s gonna pan out over the coming years. With technology, I have to constantly remind myself that it is a tool that can serve my mission and not get bogged down by its insistent nature.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’ve got the Mumford & Sons, Johannesburg EP on repeat at the moment!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I love Vinyl! I have a huge collection in storage at my parent’s house in New Mexico. Haven’t been able to travel with that and I miss it tremendously. I miss the physical connection with a CD or Vinyl that I don’t get with all digital music.
Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Awe, this is a hard one… Spotify is like this necessary evil. As an artist, we can’t really make money selling music anymore. Everyone expects you to be on Spotify so I like that for the convenience of my fans. Bandcamp is great for people who still want to support me by buying music, but it’s few and far between.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
www.jeremyroske.com is a great place to start.
Anything else before we sign off?
I appreciate this opportunity to share more about my journey. I hope this helps to build more community and connections through our shared love and passion for music.
