Jake Meadows
Pushes Sonic Boundaries with New Single ‘Archetypes’
Jake Meadows is redefining the boundaries of modern music with the release of his latest single, ‘Archetypes,’ the title track from his highly anticipated upcoming album. Known for his mastery of custom-built electronic harps, Jake seamlessly fuses traditional harp melodies with experimental sonic landscapes, resulting in a sound that is as innovative as it is immersive. With past collaborations alongside artists like Daniel Johns and Deep Faith, his unique approach—enhanced by guitar pedals and multi-harp setups—continues to push the instrument into uncharted territory. Fans can look forward to experiencing this groundbreaking sound live at his upcoming show on November 7th at Ravesis Lounge Bar in Bondi, where Jake’s expansive soundscapes will take center stage.
Your live performances, especially with your custom-built electronic harps, are known for being immersive. How does performing on stage with these unique instruments influence your creative process?
the multi harp set up expands sonic palette, allowing for such creativity beyond traditional harp tones. Blending that with the natural sound of the other harps creates some unique textures—! Its a great way to push musical boundaries.
Having performed with artists like Daniel Johns and Deep Faith, how does your experience as a live performer contribute to your music in the studio, especially with tracks like ‘Archetypes’ & 'Given Time'
I like to push the boundaries of what a harp can do within a band setting, which is exciting. By exploring different techniques and blending them my own discoveries, I end shaping a unique sound that stands out from the traditional harp role. That approach has been apart of me as an artist, bringing fresh energy to collaborations while deepening your own musical style.
You've been pushing boundaries with how the harp is used in modern music. What inspired you to experiment with its sound, and how do you see the harp's role evolving in contemporary music?
As a young musician It was a great experience discovering how the harp could be transformed using guitar pedals, especially in a band setting! That shift from a classical context to something more experimental and guitar-like really highlighted my creativity. There’s something powerful about breaking tradition and showing the harp’s versatility in a fresh, modern way & I’m still in love with the sounds the harp can create
As a multi-instrumentalist and producer, what challenges and rewards do you find in balancing the various roles you play in your music, both on 'Archetypes' and in your live performances?
Each mindset requires a different set of skills and emotional engagement, Balancing technical production work with the more instinctual and expressive side of playing live has now become much more linked for me. Each performance gives me insights that can enhance the next phase of creation.
A Project like Archetypes was a hands-on approach. Those happy accidents that happen in a live setting often sparks creativity in unexpected ways.
Looking ahead, are there any new directions or projects you're particularly excited about exploring after the release of 'Archetypes'? What can fans expect from your upcoming performances and future music?
Archetypes is not just a project but a launchpad for a new creative direction.
By considering what I would love to hear, I like to think I’m creating an experience that resonates not just with me but with an audience as well. Creating "bookmark moments" in a world where everything is moving so fast, for a little moment in time I might be able to take you somewhere new, outside of the usual.
Embracing the flow state allows for a more organic and spontaneous performance, which often leads to those unexpected, delightful moments.
UPCOMING SHOWS
Nov 7th - Ravesis Lounge Bar - Level 1 - Bondi