Jacob Acosta

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.

Photos courtesy of Phoenix Pride.

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.

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