Jake Thistle Has Passion, Talent, and an Unstoppable Commitment in Music
“If people listen, I really appreciate it but if they don’t, I’m doing it anyway.”
Jake Thistle is only a junior in high school but has already won the hearts of many fans.
His love for music started with one Super Bowl halftime show. Jake was only three years old at the time but he still remembers that one magical performance in 2008: “[Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers] opened with ‘American Girl’ so that's the first Heartbreaker song I ever heard but I’m not exactly sure what it was because other Super Bowls have had really amazing halftime shows too but for whatever reason that one just resonated with me and I'm so grateful for it.”
Jake Thistle featured on the Offstage Tunes Live show
Fast forward several years, thanks to a guitar he received from a family friend, Jake began learning the instrument, and started posting videos of his playing on YouTube. His channel was originally created to host a video his family shared in a Christmas card but over time, it has evolved to become something resembling a musical diary.
"I really like being able to put [videos] out there,” Jake says. “If people listen, I really appreciate it but if they don't, I'm doing it anyway.” Eight years later, Jake has already posted over a thousand videos on his channel, and continues to do so for his own enjoyment. “I just love doing it so the fact that people listen I really appreciate.”
A video montage of Jake Thistle’s YouTube videos, from age nine to 17.
“A lot of people ask how much I practiced and I never really understood the question,” says Jake. “ I never considered it practicing – even though I was practicing – because I always just loved doing it…I often lose track of time.”
Jake’s talent has gained him tens of thousands of loyal fans online as well as the praise from established musical acts. He has performed with musical legends such as John Hiatt and the Heartbreakers, among many others, and his cover of John Hiatt’s “Have a Little Faith in Me” is one incredibly moving performance.
It’s a beautiful thing to see an artist with talent pursue their passion in music. But to meet a talented and passionate musician such as Jake Thistle who is also humble, genuine, and exceedingly dedicated to honing his craft – that is an emotionally inspirational experience.
Interview conducted and written by Louise Lau. Connect with her on social media @offstagetunes
The interview was from episode #8 of the Offstage Tunes Live – The Brunch Series.