Off The Record with Jerms Best Day
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One of my favorite parts of running Off The Record is hearing how artists draw from personal experiences to craft their unique sound.
Midwestern emo artist Jerms Best Day took me on a journey when we discussed his latest EP, Just When I Found My Voice, I Lost It, sharing insights into his songwriting process, musical influences, and promotional strategies.
Jerms Best Day is a rising star in the Midwestern emo scene, known for his emotive lyrics and catchy melodies. With a unique sound that blends elements of rock and folk, his music resonates with listeners who appreciate heartfelt storytelling.
Jerms Best Day’s latest project, Just When I Found My Voice, I Lost It, showcases a natural progression from his previous work, This Yard Has Aged. “The title came from my personal experience of losing my voice after recording the EP, which was a proud moment for me. I finally found a sound that I loved, and then I lost my voice immediately after,” he explains.
Thematically, this EP leans more towards heartbreak and personal struggles, contrasting with the nostalgia present in his earlier work. “While both EPs touch on deep emotions, this one digs deeper into heartbreak,” he notes.
Growing up in a musical household, Jerms was influenced by a variety of genres. His father played the piano and drums, instilling a love for music from a young age. “My dad had a huge record collection, and my brother introduced me to pop punk and hardcore, which opened my world to different sounds,” he shares.
Interestingly, Jerms finds inspiration in rap music, despite his music not reflecting that genre. He recalls, “The first rap song I ever heard was by Lil Wayne, which my brother showed me. It’s funny how those early influences shape who we become as artists.”
When it comes to songwriting, Jerms describes his approach. “I often start with a simple idea on guitar and record it immediately. This allows my creativity to build on itself and influences how I write the rest of the song. I used to think a song should be fully written before recording, but I’ve found that laying down ideas right away leads to cooler outcomes.”
He differentiates his personal writing from his work for others by allowing his instinctive process to guide his creations. “When I write for others, we typically write the entire song acoustically first, but for my own music, I like to let the production shape the songwriting as I go.”
Jerms boasts a strong connection to his lyrics, stating, “I’m really proud of the lyrics in my songs. Each line means something special to me.” One of his favorite lines comes from the track “You Were Mine,” where he reflects on a past relationship: “Something so alive can’t just be left to rot.” He emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the love that remains, even after a breakup.
As for what he hopes listeners take away from his music, Jerms wants his melodies to stick in their heads and create a deeper connection with his world. “I aim to build a specific vibe that resonates with my audience and makes them feel closer to my discography,” he concludes.
One standout aspect of Jerms’ promotional strategy is the use of cassette tapes. “I love the vintage feel of cassettes and wanted to create something unique for fans. They are inexpensive to produce and have a cool factor that stands out. I thought it would resonate with listeners, especially since I haven’t seen many artists doing this,” he shares.
The creative use of cassettes highlights Jerms’ commitment to providing fans with memorable and tangible experiences, setting him apart in a digital world.
By understanding the heart of Jerms’ musical journey, it’s easy to see why his fans are drawn to the depth and authenticity that he brings to the Midwestern emo genre.