Music Q&A with Jake Ciccotelli of Overgrow
Photo courtesy of Overgrow
Today, emo rockers, Overgrow, released their new single, “Three Years”, which shares a story of loss. In this Q&A, Overgrow’s Jake Ciccotelli, talks about the single, his favorite album of all time, who he’d like to see in concert, and more!
“Three Years” is a personal song and perhaps one that many people can relate to. When you started working on this song, did it turn out the way you thought it would?
It’s funny you ask that about this song. I think this is the only song on our new record that didn’t turn out the way I initially had in mind. Honestly though, I love when that happens. It’s almost like you’re experiencing the whole thing all over again when you’re recording it. I think “Three Years” definitely benefitted from the changes that we made.
The band is working on releasing an album next year. What can you share about it with readers that are just learning about you?
The new record has pieces of each of the EPs that came before it, but is very much its own thing. It’s quite a bit darker than our 2020 EP Hear Your Voice Again, but it’s also probably the most similar to that EP. If you liked Hear Your Voice Again, you’ll love this one.
When did you realize you wanted to create music?
It’s all I’ve ever really wanted to do. I don’t think there was ever a point in my life where making music wasn’t my main focus. I was definitely the weird kid who sang on the playground in elementary school.
Who is your favorite artist/band that is outside of your genre?
This is definitely one of the most common opinions, but Kendrick Lamar is the best lyricist of our time and one of the most creative and consistent artists I’ve ever heard. The way he builds records is endlessly inspiring.
What is your favorite album of all time?
“Futures” by Jimmy Eat World. I don’t think I would like the music I like today without that album, and I think it’s timeless and one of those rare truly perfect albums. “23” is the best album closer ever.
What is one artist or band that you haven’t seen in concert, that you hope to see someday?
I’ve never seen Death Cab for Cutie, which feels like a crime. They’re the only one of my lifelong favorite bands that I haven’t seen. I think I’ve been on tour pretty much every time they’ve been in town for the last five years.
We all have our days where it may not be going as well as we’d like. People deal with their worst days in different ways. What helps you get through the bad days?
Honestly, it depends. Music is the easy answer, creating has always been a cathartic thing for me. For me, I think it’s either enjoying music or hanging out with my fiancé and my dog, sometimes at the same time. I guess just going to my real life happy place.
How do you stay positive?
Honestly the big thing for me is to try to only take on what I can handle right now, or what I can control right now. Letting go of control of thing I can’t change has always been the most powerful thing for me.
Thank you for taking the time for this Q&A. Any last words or final message for the readers?
Thanks for having me! We have our first headliner since relocating to Chicago on 12/19 at Beat Kitchen. Our new record is in mixing and should be out early next year, but we’ll have more new stuff before then. Just keep your eyes locked on our socials, and thank you if you like what we do! Can’t wait to get this new album out to you all!