By Megan Wadding, April 2015 Web Exclusive.
Echo caught up with Tucson’s own Jacob Acosta to talk performing and projects ahead of his set at the 2015 Phoenix Pride festival.
Echo: What kind of music do you do? What is your music about?
Acosta: The music I make I've discovered is really for everyone. The styles range from folk, Americana, hip-hop, rock, alternative, pop [and] electronica. Many different types of people of all ages have told me they enjoy the sounds. I have songs that are stories, about love, about growth, passion, pain, and beauty. I guess I don't confine myself to only one genre. And no one should.
Echo: Where are you based?
Acosta: I am based in Tucson, but I move fairly often, and have written music from Oakland, California, South Orange, New Jersey and Phoenix.
Echo: What about your music are you most proud of?
Acosta: [If] people see and hear my voice I'll be proud it reached others. That's the whole point. We can share this art.
Echo: Will you be playing any instruments during your set? Will you have a band with you or will it be an acoustic set?
Acosta: Yes. I will play the mouth and guitar instrument. I hear no one plays them anymore. I will be performing this set solo. I've actually done my last three national tours solo.
Echo: Being from Tucson, I’m sure you’ve been to Phoenix before. Where are some of your favorite spots in the city?
Acosta: Some of my favorite places to go in Phoenix are Camelback Mountain, Yucca Tap Room, Crescent Ballroom and Pizza Bianco.
Echo: What is your connection to the LGBTQ community?
Acosta: I have played in four previous Pride festivals. I openly support equality for all humans regardless of race, gender or sexual derivation.
Echo: What about the performance are you most excited for?
Acosta: I got word there will be an interpreter. This is my first time having one. I sent them my lyrics and everything. I'm excited to have this opportunity to for the first time [having] my music expressed to those who sign.
Echo: What is the best part of performing at a Pride festival?
Acosta: I think the sound is generally great, and the crowd is usually very happy to have music at the event. I personally think music is just part of the soul. Having music at Pride is really a testament to the passion of the souls inside of all of us
Echo: Is performing for a mostly LGBTQ audience different than a typical audience at a typical event versus Pride?
Acosta: Not to me. I perform to people. I don't necessarily think about it in terms of LGBTQ. If my music connects to another person, I think it's a grand thing.
Echo: What projects are you currently working on that you'd like us to mention? Are you currently on tour? Do you have new music in the works?
Acosta: I just finished my newest record, Silver Lining. I also just toured supporting this record from February 19-28. However, I have recorded nine total records since 2008. [Also], I'm giving away a scholarship for a music student soon, since I love promoting music in young rising stars.
Echo: Will you be staying before or after your performance to check out the other events at Pride?
Acosta: I will most likely be going before [my performance] to check out a couple of the other attractions. There's always a myriad of other entertaining things going on there.
Acosta will perform on the Bistro Stage at 3 p.m. April 12. Follow him on Twitter at @JakeAcostaMusic.
