Jake Morelli
Pickboy Artist
Published on
October 10, 2024 at 3:29:16 PM PDT October 10, 2024 at 3:29:16 PM PDTth, October 10, 2024 at 3:29:16 PM PDT
Jake Morelli
"Picks arrived and are AMAZING! Used them on 2 shows already and they felt incredible! Thanks SO much."-Jake Morelli
BIO
Jake Morelli, a 3rd generation producer/guitarist originally from NY, has worked with some of today's top artists: Bruno Mars, Jonas Brothers, Ed Sheeran & Roberta Flack to name a few. Recently back from Dubai working for Quincy Jones, he is now preparing to release his forthcoming debut single, "Memory." Additionally, he produces music for various artists and companies out of Philly's Questlove's studio which he co-manages with his brother-in-law.While not on the road, Jake is busy around the clock in his studio JMoTone Studios, producing music for TV/Film, various artists, as well as being a part of the worship team at Yesha Ministries in South Philadelphia.
Welcome aboard, Jake!
Follow Jake on Instagram at @JMotone
Exclusive Interview: Jake Morelli
1) What are you working on now?
I'm getting ready to release my debut single, "Memory" featuring Nahla Bee. It is mixed and mastered, and we're currently taking it through the distribution process.2) What is your musical background and influences?
My 1st influence has to be my family, who introduced me to the music world at a very early age (4 years old). Beyond that, I'm self taught. I spent years learning to play guitar by studying records from artists including Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, ZZ Top, John Lee Hooker, Weather Report, Stevie Wonder, Earth, Wind & Fire, Steely Dan, Monk, Mingus, Coltrane, and Miles. The musicians who influenced me changed the atmosphere around them. Together they inform my unique style and support the versatility, depth and range I strive to develop over time.3) What is the role of education in music?
Education is key. Music is such a vast language with a never ending ocean of information exists to be acquired. You should always be learning. I’ve taken a “Zen Guitar” approach, one where you begin wearing a white belt, as experience gets it dirty, and becomes black belt, you rinse and repeat the process. Additionally, I believe in being held accountable for progress. Meaning if at any point someone asks, “What are you working on?”, you have a clear answer, “Chord voicing, building motifs etc.”Jake's Gear
4) How do you feel about the current ‘state of the music industry’?
We are in a place currently which I never could have seen coming. I went from almost always touring to now being home from Dubai on my last tour with Quincy Jones, and mostly studio bound.Perhaps we were in need of a reset as an industry. What's challenging is the question, "Will music venues be able to hold on?" It will be interesting to observe the process of rebuilding. One thing I know, I will remain creating throughout.
4a) What opportunities do you see for musicians in the current situation?
Artists are being forced to look in other non traditional directions in order to make ends meet these days. Online teaching and recording sessions are both great ways to bring in income during this time. I believe new boxes need to be created and our roles may need to shift in order to adapt to these current times. For instance, I recently started working with Loopmasters, creating a guitar loop pack for them. We need to seek out opportunities which may not have even existed in the past, and not be afraid to break new ground.I also created the Good News Giveaway (a weekly gear giveaway) just as a respite to all the bad news we are subjected to daily. Free gear. It's been a lot of fun seeing the joy it brings. It’s also been good promo for the companies involved.