Local indie artist, JAKE WAS HERE, dropping new rock-inspired song

October 27, 2025

By Mia Verdi

NASSAU COUNTY, N.Y. – Grounded in authenticity and friendship, JAKE WAS HERE is releasing his new song “Van Halen” early this November. In an interview, Jake spoke about the importance of taking “creative risks” and to not “keep your art in a vault.”

On his creative process, he spoke about his understanding of how we all live separate, individual lives that are connected by universal experiences. Jake said, “I didn't create falling in love, and I didn't create being heartbroken, and I'm not the first and the last person that will have that life experience,” so the challenge in songwriting comes down to “the question of ‘how can I create something that says this very universal feeling in a very specific way to me?’”

In this process, Jake said, “it’s not so rigid,” and that he allows his music to move beyond the confines of genre. UJAM, a company that creates virtual tools for musicians, says that one of the top trends in music for 2025 is the blending of genres. Specifically, they say “the lines between musical genres have almost disappeared.” Though his music is of the pop genre, his new song features this genre blending. He shared a preview of his new song, and said “in the last chorus, there was just a big switch up, and all the drums changed” with “this huge cathartic explosion of… rock elements.”

On the inspiration for the song, Jake told a personal story about the time his best friend shared a Van Halen song with him. He said that moment took him back to being a kid, when he was “so excited by music and new art that I hadn’t discovered before.” He believes in the power of sharing music, and said “it is the most romantic and beautiful, deep, emotionally connected thing ever.” When his best friend shared the song, Jake felt that connection. He said that “Van Halen” is all about “loving the ways that other people change you.”

As an indie artist, Jake defines himself as a “bedroom popstar,” meaning he produces and promotes his own music, from his bedroom. He spoke about being “an unsigned, independently funded artist” as his biggest challenge, and one of his greatest strengths. On one hand, he said that it “feels like you are cutting the art short for its greatest potential by keeping it boxed in.” On the other, he said “if you got millions of dollars’ worth of equipment and producers and label heads telling you what to do and who to be and how to dress, it doesn't really force you to meet your inner artist.” So, as hard as it may be to be independent, it can also be artistically freeing.

To promote his music, Jake mainly posts on his TikTok account. He spoke about how “daunting” social media promotion can be without being a “marketing major first, or really into sales.” Although, he said that “there is such a freedom in being able to promote it yourself.” TikTok trend expert for Envato, Hannah Copeland, says that “in 2025, we can expect artists and their teams to implement a TikTok-first marketing strategy.” Jake already uses this strategy as the platform grows around music sharing.

He wanted young artists to know “art is important no matter how many people are listening to it” and that “the world needs artists. The world needs art. Without it, there's nothing to look forward to.” Jake trusts that “good art will find people, truly.”

Listen to JAKE WAS HERE anywhere music is streaming, and follow his Instagram @jakeschauder for updates on his newest releases.