Review Fix Exclusive: Jeremy Roske Talks ‘Heartstorm’ And More

Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Jeremy Roske, who discusses his new album, Heartstorm” and more.

About Jeremy Roske:

Jeremy Roske debuts his transformational new album, “HEARTSTORM,” out on October 30, 2020. Infused with modern and cultural influences, Roske’s sound is a unique mix of healing world fusion, soul music, and socially aware melodic messages doused in heartfelt folk. A founding member of the Earth Guardians, he’s spent his career writing and performing music to uplift and inspire the masses. Since 1995, he’s toured both nationally and internationally, released a critically acclaimed debut solo album “People Rise,” and continues to use his music to heal and inspire hope. Throughout the 11 tracks on his newest album, he takes listeners on a journey that explores the profoundly transformational journey of redemption, shadow work, and choosing love in the face of fear.

The journey starts with the opening track, “Seed,” he brings to life the image of a lotus growing from the muddy waters through soulful mantras and vivid melody. Inspired by Roske’s meeting with His Holiness the Dalai Lama, it was a track planted at just fourteen that captures a profound transmission of love and compassion. Followed shortly by the intensely powerful, “Remind Me”, inspired by a poem written by Roske’s older brother, which reminds us all to shine a light on what’s important rather than focus on the little, passing things. The start of the transformational experience begins to expand further on the illuminating world-fusion track, “Surrender.”

Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?

Jeremy Roske: I wrote my first rap song when I was twelve as a part of an assignment from school. My teacher asked us to create a piece of art that reflected something we cared about. The song dealt with the impact of pollution, recycling, and working together to make a difference. I got the chance to perform for hundreds of people, and at that moment, I realized my passion and love for music.

Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?

Roske: My creative process is like riding a wild beast. The moment I think I’ve got it figured out, everything shifts, and I’m back at square one. Sometimes songs flow out of me and are written within a few hours; other times, I feel like I’m pulling teeth to get an idea to manifest. I have found that the more I grasp for a song, the more it slips through my fingers. This can be really frustrating. It is a constant process of getting out of the way and letting go of what I “think” is going on. These days I’ve been doing a lot of songwriting at the piano. I sit and close my eyes and let my hands hover over the keys, kind of like picking a tarot card from a deck. When I feel called, I put my finger on a key, which will be my starting point. From then on, I just keep asking what’s next, where does this song want to go, what feeling is it describing. This process has been very freeing and has led me into exciting new territory for my musical ideas and melodies.

Review Fix: What inspires you?

Roske: I draw inspiration from a multitude of sources. Spending time in nature is a place where a lot of song ideas emerge. As the busy, noisy world falls away, I can quiet my mind and listen to what wants to be created through me. I will start singing a melody, a few lyrics will come through, and then I am off on a wild creative ride. Everything I see and experience inspires me and eventually finds it’s way into my music. Traveling and spending time in different cultures and around other languages is also a source of inspiration. I strive to step out of my own little box and see life from many different perspectives, like walking a mile in someone else shoes.

Review Fix: What does music mean to you?

Roske: Music boils down to vibration, and the whole Universe is made up of vibration. So for me, music is life. Through sound, I can explore inner and outer landscapes that help me feel connected and a part of something bigger than myself. Music moves energy, brings people together, cracks open the heart, and becomes the soundtrack of our unfolding life. When I am singing and playing music, I feel my life has purpose and meaning.

Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?

Roske: My sound could be described as a fusion of folk, rock, and world music. Soulful vocals and acoustic guitar are the backbones of my singer/songwriter style. Each song takes people on a journey through the ever-changing landscape of the human experience. Years spent living in India, Bali, and other parts of the world shape my music into something different and unexpected.

Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?

Roske: I have been touring as a solo artist for the past few years, so I would say my live show is a stripped down version of my studio recordings. My live shows have an intimate and unplugged feel while utilizing live-looping to expand my sound and enrich the musical dynamics.

Review Fix: What inspired your latest single “A Little Love”?

Roske: I wrote “A Little Love” as a response to the intensity we are facing. I believe that little acts of kindness can create a tidal wave of positive change. This song is a reminder to start small and watch how a little flame can grow into a fire of healing and transformation.

Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2020?

Roske: 2020 is a big year for me. My wife and I expect our first child around the 22nd of Oct, and I am releasing my new album Heart Storm on the 30th. I know my whole world is about to change, and I feel so blessed and grateful to become a father. It is so exciting. This year has been filled with mystery and unexpected twists and turns. I have learned that I have no idea how it’s all going to go, so I am taking it one day at a time.

Review Fix: What’s next?

Roske: To keep showing up and giving it all that I got. That is my mantra. I hope to reach a lot of people with my music and build a strong community moving forward. We need each other now more than ever. As the African proverb beautifully says, “If you want to go fast, go alone if you want to go far, go together.”

Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?

Roske: Thank you for taking a little time to understand what inspires my music and makes me tick. I look forward to connecting more and learning from each other. I am grateful for this opportunity to share a bit of my story. Many blessings on the journey!