The message that Brooklyn singer/songwriter Jesse Ruben has been spreading through his music is simple and direct. I can. You can. We Can. When Jesse originally wrote his song “We Can“, he had just run the NYC Marathon and hoped to inspire people to start running. As it turns out, his message was meant to be much more universal.

A few months after he released the track, a Vancouver elementary school reached out, saying they had been playing it to inspire their students. They asked Jesse to fly in and perform the song for their school, and so began “The We Can Project”, which now spreads across North America. Jesse began touring the country, visiting schools and helping students come up with personal goals and ways to give back to their community. Amazing things began to happen. Playgrounds were built. Gardens planted. Cancer walks organized.

Just as things were taking off, life threw a curve ball. Jesse had just headlined and sold out his entire East Coast tour and was writing new music when he became incredibly ill. It took 9 months and more than a dozen doctors before he got his diagnosis: Lyme Disease.

Jesse was so sick, he didn’t think he would ever play music or lead a normal life again. Suddenly, the message he had been spreading to students over the past year rang truer than ever before. I can do this. It took two full years to rebuild his health. It’s an experience Jesse won’t easily forget.

In fact, it’s changed his perspective on life and writing. Jesse had always wanted to inspire people through his music, but now has a mission and an even bigger message: No matter what you are going through, you’re not alone, and it will get better. Now, he is healthy and more motivated than ever to build his career and pursue his dreams.

Jesse will be releasing his EP, A Reply to Violence, later on this year. The title is inspired by a Leonard Bernstein quote he stumbled upon on the side of a school while walking through the East Village:

“This will be our reply to violence, that we make music more intensely, more beautifully, and more devotedly than ever before.”

In this interview, we chat with Jesse about his influences, newest project, and more.

Full Q&A as well as links a stream of “First Day of Summer” below.

Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?

Growing up, my dad was a big time rock and roll guitarist. The idea was for me to start on acoustic guitar and then switch to the electric. The switch never happened. I’ve been an acoustic guy since day one. More recently, I’ve started to lean towards other genres, like pop and jazz, but I’ll always be a singer/songwriter at heart.

How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?

I started writing songs at 16, the same day I started playing acoustic guitar. I probably put my first song on myspace (oh man, I’m aging myself here) in 2005. So it’s been over ten years.

Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?

I think all creative people have a need to push themselves. That’s the great thing about art, you will never reach perfection. There are always new ways to grow and learn.

As far influences, I think everything from Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon, James Taylor, to the Sinatra and the Great American Songbook, all the way up to a lot of the great pop music that’s being made now. I think it’s important to pull from a bunch of different areas. I also think it’s important to learn the history of music, so you know what came before you, and can learn and build from it.

Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?

The EP is called “A Reply To Violence”. It’s sort of a concept record about dealing with difficult things, whether they are personal, or happening in the world. My most recent single, “First Day Of Summer”, is meant to balance out a lot of the more intense themes. It just feels good to play. I think those songs are important too.

What was the last song you listened to?

I’ve been really digging “The Men That Drive Me Places” by Ben Rector. Unbelievable song.

Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?

I mostly listen to vinyl now, but I think they all serve a purpose. MP3’s have made music so accessible, and mobile, and ways we couldn’t have imagined ten years ago.

How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?

Similar answer here, they’re all a little different. Bandcamp is great because it allows musicians to sell their products directly to consumers, while pretty much the rest of the industry has gotten away from selling music. Spotify and Apple Music are great ways for new fans to discover your work, but there is very little money involved. I actually wish the general public was more aware of this. Most people have no idea that the artists they love listening to are making fractions of pennies from streaming platforms.

Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?

I think that’s really the biggest one. How can you stand out when there is just so much music out there? On top of that, some people have a ton of money to spend on marketing and PR, which immediately puts them at a huge advantage. I just try to focus on making music I like, and getting people to hear it. You can’t focus on the other stuff, it’ll drive you crazy.

Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?

I’ve done a couple of online shows. The biggest thing to get used to is there’s no person to person interaction. People type *clap clap clap* into the text chat in between songs. Despite that, it’s pretty amazing that someone anywhere in the world can watch you perform. Technology is amazing.
I absolutely love performing and touring. I’m doing a run in the northeast and south at the end of August, those shows are going to be awesome.

Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?

You can get info on new music, shows, and everything else at jesseruben.com

Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?

Shout out to people who still buy music. Shout out to people who buy merch. Shout out to people who listen at concerts. Shout out to people who yell at people who are talking loudly or on their phones during concerts.