Jared McCloud on his New album: “VACANCY”

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Jared McCloud’s natural, earthy tone and thought-provoking lyrics showcase his talent and ability to draw audiences into his story. Starting his musical career in “Hard Rock/Metal” bands, Jared honed his notable guitar ability, quickly setting himself apart from other acts.

Eventually, he decided to focus more on the substance rather than flash and went solo. He released a self-produced record while playing wherever he could to promote it. Honing his craft in small venues and coffee houses alike, McCloud grew his fanbase the old-fashioned way and eventually wowed large music halls with his live performances.

This dedication led to national success in the form of indie record deals and artist endorsements, as well as higher profile shows and tours, with such artists as Soul Asylum, Zach Myers of Shinedown, Candlebox, Ingram Hill, Vertical Horizon, and many others. McCloud’s last effort, TO LIVE AND DIE IN YOUR ARMS, saw chart success, debuting on the iTunes Top 200 Singer/Songwriter chart at #192 and eventually climbing to #46.

Following the success of TO LIVE AND DIE IN YOUR ARMS, Jared became a father and dedicated himself to his family. Still touring sporadically, McCloud even created his own festival in his adopted hometown of Portland, ME. Jared McCloud’s “Three Sheeats to the Wind” saw national acts handpicked by Jared for intimate performances and exclusive fan interactions that ran for two successful and sold-out years.

Recently, Jared completed a brand new record after taking an extended hiatus from recording. VACANCY, produced by Kevin Bowe (The Replacements, Etta James), finds McCloud older, wiser, and at the top of his songwriting game.

VACANCY RELEASE DATE: Friday, September 6, 2024

Jared McCloud on New album: “VACANCY” [INTERVIEW]

Tell us a bit about yourself and how you first got into music?

Well, I’m Jer. I’m a dad and I play guitar and write songs and currently live in Minneapolis. I first started playing guitar at 5. My older brother got stuck watching me a lot while my mother worked to keep us going. So one day he decided he was going to teach five-year-old me “Breaking The Law” by Judas Priest so I could play it for his friends when they came over. For whatever reason that changed me. I knew I wanted to be a guitar player. From there I started bands as I got older and just went from there.

Who inspired you to make music? Anyone you admire and why?

When I was originally learning guitar I was obsessed with Stevie Ray Vaughn, Prince, Slash, Kirk Hammet… I just wanted to be a great player. Sometime in my teens I was really getting into songwriting and fell in love with most everything early nineties. Kurt Cobain, Tom Waits, Jane’s Addiction, Eels, Tori Amos… basically there were all of the songwriters with just amazing records and I couldn’t care less about being a guitar hero any more. I started to focus on writing more and who my favorite bands came up on. Springsteen, Dylan- it was all like church for me.

What is your creative process like? For example: what was your process/concept when writing your album Vacancy?

I’m usually a pretty introverted person so I’m always thinking of lines or humming a melody to myself. My voice memos on my iPhone are full of things I’ve come up with just driving around. So a lot of times I’ll think of something and then later flesh it out on a guitar and make a tune. For instance “Landscape” was written in my head during a Portland Sea Dogs game while I was looking at the city lights. I had the music all set but the words came to me right there.

Other times it’ll be completely different and I will think of a topic or a phrase and write a song around that. I wrote “Oneirophobia” when I was having an awful bout of insomnia and anxiety. It kind of summed that one up for me and the tune came out pretty quick.

What did you learn about yourself when writing and creating your new album?

Hmm.. that’s a tough question. This record is 10 years since my last one- how much does anyone change in 10 years (laughs)?

I guess it’s about who I am as a person. I think I’m definitely a bit wiser now, and have early more perspective and patience. My kids have taught me a lot about stuff like that. The me from 2014 was really career focused and driven whereas now I’m trying to be a good dad and a good husband as well as trying to be a singer/songwriter. Priorities, right? I guess that’s the easiest way to put it.

What single is your favorite off your new album and why?

Oof. That’s like picking your favorite kid, right (laughs)? There’s definitely been a day or two where each and every song was my favorite on the record. Each has things I love about them. But gun to my head I think “Landscape” is my favorite. It has this really pretty “echo canyon” vibe to it, but it also reminds me of this cinematic feel to it.

Another pick would be “To See Tomorrow”. Anyone who knows me will tell you I can be a bit mischievous and there were nights during this 10 year stretch where I wasn’t really too concerned about the future. I think the tune gets that point across pretty well. Sometimes you just need a good bar fight song, ya know?

What would you like fans to take away after seeing you perform live and or listening to your music?

I guess I’d hope that people like what I do- like the songs I put out and coming to shows. I’d hope they would appreciate the honesty and vulnerability that I’m trying to convey. I love songwriters and enjoy looking at their whole catalog so hopefully they might want to do the same. I genuinely am just grateful they took the time at all.

What is next for Jared McCloud? Any big plans?

Well the next big plan is the release show. September 7th at 331 Club here in Minneapolis with the very cool HebbaJebba! There’s also some new videos coming out for the next singles so keep an eye out for that. But right now I think I have to go make my kids some mashed potato’s.

Thank YOU,
~ J. McCloud

Website and Socials:
jaredmccloud.com
instagram.com/jmccloud
facebook.com/jaredmccloudmusic
twitter.com/jaredmccloud