Yokai Jem took some time away from making music to focus on his work and his faith. He’s back now with a new song that reminds us that it’s always a good idea to live life facing forward.
Jeremy Frank recently spoke with WYEP's Joey Spehar.
What’s your musical history up to this point?
I've been writing songs about spirituality and my journey with life for a few years. My last release was an orchestral bossa nova record that had kind of a Pokemon theme to it. I gave the main character some depth with the things I was experiencing at the time. Life as a spiritual journey and all that. In the past few years though I took a break from music to give my attention to my work and my faith. This song is kind of a representation of where I am, as a Catholic, a Christian, and as a man who isn't perfect but is trying his best.
How do you describe your sound?
My sound up until now has been very bossa nova influenced. Nylon string guitars, soft voicing. I decided with this record to feel out some of music I've been listening to a lot. Something like modern bluegrass or indie folk. I've been really inspired by Bella White for the past year or so. Don't know if I'd say my song is exactly like hers, but in the ballpark of bluegrass meets Irish pub song.
Tell us more about the song "A Storm's A-Comin'." What inspired you to write it and what does it mean to you?
This is a record that has been bouncing around my head for a minute. I always catch myself wishing I could go back in time to be the person I am now with the people I knew then. I think that's common, maybe. But I try to remind myself that all the time traveling in the world will never make someone love you if they don't. And whenever I get in a mood like that, stuck wishing, it's a good reminder. And good reason to keep living life facing forward. Only the devil would make you think that life would be better if you were someone else in your past.
What was the first album that really changed your life?
I'll tell you what that answer changes every year, I think. But if you asked me today, I'd say João Gilberto (1973) by João Gilberto. The one with the white cover and the square portrait in the center. I remember when I first really felt like I understood that album it. I don't speak Portuguese well enough to say I can understand it literally, but just something so delicate awash with intimacy, complexity.
Who are some other Pittsburgh artists you think more people should listen to?
Dream The Heavy is a cool band man. I met TK at an open mic a few years ago and I just loved his style and his sound. We really hit it off from what I remember I wish them the best.
