Today we’d like to introduce you to Pi Jacobs.
Hi Pi, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today.
I was raised in Northern California. My single mom was a free spirit, and we did a lot of eclectic things that most “normal people” don’t do: living in a commune, growing our own food, moving around a lot, attending sweat lodges, etc. There was always a lot of music and art around, and I started singing at my preschool when I was 3 years old. I started playing guitar and bass in high school, and even though I had a lot of struggles growing up, music was a true constant for me.
In 2001 I recorded my first album, which got picked up by a French label, and I got my first manager, so I decided to move to NYC to be nearer to both of them. Like most people “leaving home” for the first time had its challenges, and I had a hard time adjusting to the pace. After two years, I followed a man (my husband) to LA and have been here since 2004.
I’ve recorded nine albums in that time, been signed 3 more times, and had a lot of songs in TV and Film. I love living in LA, and I especially love being part of the Americana scene here. It’s a small community, and we all know each other. Almost everyone is supportive, which is a beautiful thing in a big competitive city like LA.
My latest album, Live From Memphis, was recorded at a live TV taping for DittyTV (If you’re not familiar, it’s ‘MTV’ for Americana Music). They kindly offered us the audio to put out, and the band and I were really thrilled with it, so we agreed to release it. As an addition, I included 8 tracks that are the “story behind the song”, in pretty fine detail. These tales are true, and actually a pretty detailed biography of my early life.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Being raised a “hippie kid” made for a lot of struggles in my early life. We were very poor at times, and I grew up fast. I got into substance abuse and eating disorders in high school and ended up dropping out. Eventually I got my act together, and worked my way through college and got a music degree. All of these stories are chronicled on Live From Memphis. Most people who have listened to that album, can’t necessarily relate to being a “hippie kid”, but I think that most people have felt “outside the norm” at some point in their lives. I’ve had some really touching and heartfelt feedback from folks. My goal with Live From Memphis was to simply reach out and be unafraid to talk about my “stuff” in hopes that others would find it comforting.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Well, I am working on new material that I’m PSYCHED about – so look for a new album some time next year. We just released the first single, Weed and Wine REMIX. It’s a remix of one of my older songs that started out as a ballad. Our new version is a 4-on-the-floor party song, and it’s a lot of fun. It’s out on all platforms, and I hope you love it!
I’ve also just started a monthly Songwriter Showcase at Urban Press Winery in Burbank. It features great singer-songwriters from around the world on the last Thursday of every month (except in November is 11/17 due to Thanksgiving). It’s been so much fun, please come join us for the next one on 11/17! It’s a free show, but we recommend you make a reservation for a good seat.
As far as past accomplishments, it’s still really hard for me to toot my own horn. Here’s a few quotes describing my work:
“Pi Jacobs has a voice that lets you in. The oft-used adjective is “sultry,” and that’s accurate, but it’s more than that…. Jacobs pulls together one of the most difficult moves in music — she makes her own noise” – Mick Rhodes -Claremont Courier
“To say it’s all mesmerizing is an understatement… a songwriting gift like few other young artists have now.” – Bill Bentley, Americana Highways
“The burst of creativity unleashed when Jacobs lets loose her pipes is one of an explosive strength. Think a mix of Melissa Etheridge, Beth Hart, and Wynonna Judd. A blend of roots-rock swagger and storytelling soul.” Glide Magazine
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
I try to never get too high, or too low. I’ve learned that popularity in the public eye will go up and down, but your soul and talent remain, so stay humble and keep growing. I try to remember that I play music, and it’s not a life-or-death situation. Most of all, I try to ALWAYS have fun.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/PiJacobs
- Instagram: http://instagram.com/PiJacobs
- Facebook: http://Facebook.com/PiJacobsMusic
- Twitter: http://twitter.com/PiJacobs
- Youtube: http://YouTube.com/PiJacobsMusic
- SoundCloud: http://Soundcloud.com/PiJacobs
Image Credits
Morrisson Melissa
Payne Karman
Jeanne Kruschke
Sean Rosenthal
