New York City, singer, songwriter, Jake Lancer encapsulates the art of storytelling, the nostalgia of pop music, and the vitality of the New York City club kid scene in his debut EP as a solo artist.
His forthcoming project Take Off!, explores the defiance of his own fears, love, trauma, and joy, using his life’s stories as a canvas to create a compilation of tracks that serve as one singular function. Jake Lancer’s first single, Feel Your Love, is an exploration of sexuality, the timeless nature of pop music, and Lancer’s longing for affection. Lancer’s cry for help becomes a celebration for the universal desire for love and intimacy. Another notable track on TAKE OFF!, is Paris a 90’s inspired dance ballad that tells a story of having to say goodbye to a lover who is moving to Paris. Lyrically the song explores Jake’s internal monologue, not wanting to be selfish in keeping his lover in New York City while the track sonically pays references to some of the greats, like Whitney Houston to other artists like Big Wild and Years and Years.The last track on Take Off!, is Tomorrowland being the epic finale to what was an intense love affair, yet another reason to dance!
Jake Lancer’s influences range from artists like Lady Gaga, Abba, David Bowie, to Troye Sivan. Growing up closeted yet a part of the LGBTQIA community, Jake dreamed of creating pop music that not only inspired but could give a voice to anyone on their own healing journey. Now a proud out gay man, Jake Lancer is also a mental health professional as a working therapist in New York City. Having studied mental health, musical theater at various esteemed institutions, and worked as a part of the music industry at Universal Music Group, the multi-talented artist has translated his training and life experience into his music.
Tell us about your story as an artist.
I grew up a musical theatre kid. I was obsessed with Disney, Gaga, performance art, and the theatre. I knew it was what the universe put me on earth to do; to perform, create, and also inspire. From a young age, I was that kid. The son that was always putting on plays in the basement, singing at every school event, and of course family function, and was constantly creating. As a child I began my artistic career as a part of the Philadelphia Boys Choir community, and took my passions into my schooling with being that theatre and choir kid. As a child I went through a lot of trauma, I was bullied at school, dealt with abuse and come from a divorced family so that truly ignited the escapism that my music now provides for me today. I have the most wonderful parents but hey we’re all humans trying to figure it out, and I feel so blessed to see that now because my parents are the best and continue to inspire me daily.
As I reached college, I trained professionally in many esteemed musical theatre and acting programs, including NYU Tisch, Boston Universities college of the Fine Arts, and with my team out of LA and SLC. I also had the ability to work internally at Universal Music Group as both a College Rep and Intern, kickstarting their socials. I also finally found the confidence to come out as a gay man, which was truly weighing me down as I felt like so much of my artistry is derived and inspired by my community. In that time, I was always writing, recording, and preforming, but nothing felt authentic as I was also trying to figure myself it out as this gay boy living in NYC and entering adulthood. Right around covid, my life shattered and was hit with chronic illness. I couldn’t do anything for almost a year and half. Silence and healing, does a lot for the brain, you can become fearless. So that’s where Jake Lancer manifested, I became fearless, I began to dream clearly again, and I realized some pain I was carrying was not creating. I remember sitting in my apartment in the West Village, and looking out the window and thinking, “What am I doing with my life?” I reached out to a producer that a friend of mine had been working (Jackson Hoffman) with, SHE IS A QUEEN, MEL4Evr and thinking her work is insane and I want her confidence to feel as free and as artistic as her. So, I did it. We wrote this EP that’s coming out, Take Off!, and haven’t looked back since. Sometimes we have to take a break from our needs and passions, so see how badly we actually need them to survive.
What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?
The most important aspect in my life right now is truth. How can Jake Lancer be as truthful as possible in everything he does. Hey, I did this project for me and in creating Feel Your Love and TAKE OFF!, I sat in my truths, my pain, my struggles with mental health, my joys, and curated a truthful body of work. Something I feel so proud of. I am also a working therapist during the day so I found that the greatest mechanism in my healing and in my healing as well is helping them find their truths and so we can live authentic lives. This is something a mentor shared with me and I know it to be true, if i’m not living truthfully, fully, how important is my life going to feel for me? How will my music translate to those listening?
What makes this song special in your opinion?
Feel Your Love is special because it speaks a truthful story and we need the truth these days. Feel Your Love is my story but also the story of many of my friends who are a part of the LGBTQIA+ community as well. I remember getting into the studio and recording the track. Feeling so sad when singing it but feeling so hopeful after I listened to it. It’s raw, my vocals are raw, and so are our emotions, not to mention Jackson’s sick production 🙂
What inspired this track?
I was inspired by hookup culture and the lack of fulfillment many gay humans fell after a hookup (this isn’t just a gay thing though). The fantasizing (which is the verses) on the apps and the hooks which is my longing as a human being for love! It’s like a cry for help after inflicting pain. I know Grindr and Hinge don’t serve me but I am on the apps anyway for the rush, the excitement but truly the core need for love is something that many aren’t taught to accept or where to look to find.
What are some of the core messages here?
Some core messages in feeling your love is your own truth. We all make mistakes, we all seek outward validation, it’s truly how we handle it, The second and most important message for me is we all need to feel seen and heard! We all want love!
How do you think tik tok and social media are contributing to change an artist’s career?
Well recently I started tiktoking and it’s been interesting, My mission has always been to help others heal while creating! So I created a tik Tok (jakemlancer) which speaks on what its like being gay and the informed advice I wish I would have received as young boy. My dream is to be voice for every LGBTQIA+ kid in the world. Be that person because we all need one (at least I did). Someone to say, “hey its super cool and amazing being gay and here’s why from both a heartfelt truthful place and from a place of actual training! Which translates into my music as well 🙂
What excites you about your life?
I am so excited about life, as scary as it can be. I am excited to continue creating. To start performing again. Providing hope for many in this scary time, this pandemic, to say the least. I am excited to start spending more time with family and friends, and finally get the time to live authentically as the person and artist i’ve always dreamed of being.
What are some of your core values as a human being?
As a Disney princess once said, to be brave, strong, and true. If I can live in these words everyday and spread this message through my artistry, I’ve done my job!
What are your projects for this year?
Well, my EP! Take off comes out later this spring. The ep is my story of finding love, losing love, and then having to find it within myself. Corny I know, but a story that is timeless and I know many can relate too. Take Off!, explores the defiance of my own fears, love, trauma, and joy, using my life’s stories as a canvas to create a compilation of tracks that serve as one singular function – a beautiful love story Take Off! To landing. I am also working on another project, one full of summer bops and the joys of pride, this one may be for the gays! I am really excited!
