Interview: Jaco Jaco Discusses Insights and Life Lessons from ‘Gremlin,’ His Funk-Infused Second Album - Atwood Magazine

      Jaco Jaco’s Jacob Theriot delves into his funk-inspired sophomore album ‘Gremlin,’ discussing personal growth, creative autonomy, and achieving clarity amid life’s constant changes.

      Listen: ‘Gremlin’ – Jaco Jaco

      Jacob Theriot, known as Jaco Jaco, is entering a new chapter in his life.

      As a young but already experienced musician—having played bass with his brother in the well-loved indie rock band Sports since his teenage years—Theriot is adapting to the evolving phases of his career. Just days away from the release of his second solo album, Gremlin, the Oklahoma-born singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist has recently settled into a new home in Philadelphia. “It’s a relief,” he shares, reflecting on both the move and the album's release. “I’m relieved and pleased with the responses I’ve received about this album, and I’m happy to be in this new environment.”

      Gremlin – Jaco Jaco

      Jacob Theriot takes on multiple roles as an instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, and his album Gremlin captures each aspect beautifully. According to his press announcement, Theriot merges genres: a touch of funk, a hint of psychedelia, and a dash of dreamy ’70s AM rock.

      As the follow-up to Jaco Jaco’s 2024 debut, Splat, Gremlin presents a playful yet sophisticated collection that, while not directly inspired by the film Gremlins, nods to its use of kitsch and camp to explore an overarching theme of irreverence and reflection. Visually, it draws influences from the early ‘90s sitcom “Dinosaurs,” Les Blank documentaries, and the realm of alternative comic books.

      More than anything, Gremlin is a mature offering from an artist who has dedicated his life to honing his skills. “It’s written in the third person,” Theriot explains, “but truly it’s in the first person. It serves as a form of therapy. It’s like journaling.”

      Amidst the transition into his new home, Theriot took the time to chat with Atwood Magazine about Gremlin and his future aspirations as a solo artist.

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      :: stream/purchase Gremlin here ::

      :: connect with Jaco Jaco here ::

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      Jaco Jaco © Silken Weinberg

      A CONVERSATION WITH JACO JACO

      Atwood Magazine: First off, congratulations on such a beautiful record! How does it feel to finally have it out? How has this release week been for you?

      Jaco Jaco: It’s been great. The feedback has been really positive. It feels nice to have it out there. Releasing music is always a unique experience, and I’ve been doing it for a long time, though not under my own name. So navigating that has been interesting. But the more I do it, the easier it becomes.

      What has your solo experience been like? How does it compare to being part of a band?

      Jaco Jaco: I started playing when I was 12, always with my brother. Eventually, I began performing with him and another member of Sports. For most of my life, I’ve played with them. The main difference is that you don’t have someone to celebrate with. I have Rasheed in my management to share achievements with, but you learn to find excitement in things on your own. There’s also more pressure, which is intriguing. You can’t really blame anyone else; it all falls on you. That’s probably the biggest distinction—it's just you. It feels more personal, in a way.

      There is indeed more pressure, and you need to learn to value your own perspective. Being in a band often means relying on your bandmates' opinions since you're creating music together. However, solo work requires you to find confidence in prioritizing your own voice.

      Jaco Jaco: Exactly, you have to rely on your instincts instead of asking others, “What do you think?” I do miss that aspect in a sense. But I enjoy having control. So this setup works for me. I’m comfortable with it.

      Jaco Jaco © Silken Weinberg

      Who collaborated with you on this album?

      Jaco Jaco: My long-time collaborator, Chad Copeland, mixed the album, and we recorded the drums at his studio in Oklahoma. I also met a fantastic drummer named Jim Seidel here in Philadelphia. We became good friends, and he's now part of my live band. I bought plane tickets for both of us, and I had pre-programmed the drum ideas. We flew to Oklahoma last summer to record the drums together. So it was just the three of us, really.

      That sounds like an intimate recording experience.

      Jaco Jaco: Yes, Chad and I have