Written by Sam Cohen
There are friendly musicians, and there’s Jake Thistle. A Jersey boy through and through, Jake’s easy-going way made meeting on Zoom feel like a talk between old friends. Before we each ran off to class on opposite sides of campus, we discussed the Rutgers music scene, Asbury Park, and his dream 21st birthday party coming to fruition soon.
Jake, like any true New Jerseyian, attends Rutgers and is nearing the end of his junior year. “Rutgers has been a crucial part of growing my career. I spend most of my weekends on the road, and the students clearly have a significant passion for music.” It’s hard not to feel that way; any student knows you can’t walk around the campus without seeing multiple basement show flyers.
Commchella, a Rutgers music festival, is the cornerstone of Jake’s commitment to his community. On April 2nd, Jake took the stage for the third straight year. “At this point, playing in front of a Rutgers crowd isn’t nerve-racking. In Asbury [Park], there’s a sense of security to perform for strangers, but I love playing for friends. It’s a young crowd, so I play some fun covers to get the crowd moving.”
Crafting the perfect setlist is necessary for Jake, and the crowd and venue have a lot to do with what makes the cut, “At all my shows, I like to do a mix of originals and covers, but the crowd always determines the type of cover I choose.”
Jake’s vault of covers on his YouTube is a peek into what might be played. He’s got a cover of Wilco’s “Jesus Etc.” that feels like a missed collaboration between Billy Bragg and Jeff Tweedy. Outside of Wilco, you’ll find a whole lot of Asbury’s own, Bruce Springsteen.
For most NJ artists, the NYC-Philly //where does Philly come into this sandwich would be the draw; however, Jake’s not a city guy; he’s a beach bum. Asbury Park is the unofficial home of his career, and he’s about to play the iconic Wonder Bar.
“I’ve played the Wonder Bar a handful of times; however, it’s a strict 21+ venue for the crowd and artists, so it’s always been a point of contention when playing there. I’ve even had to sneak through the back door a few times to get on stage.”
On April 12th, Jake’s 21st birthday, he will finally enter through the front door – a full circle moment for his career.
“I’ve never been the guy to make a big deal out of my birthday, but this seemed like the right year to celebrate!” A birthday party is not the only treat that night. It’s been two years since Jake’s EP, The Half Left Out, and he is officially in album mode.
His new single,“Carpool Lane,” drops on streaming platforms the same day as the show, and Jake’s setlist will include a handful of new tracks.
Inspired by Sam Fender and Jack Antonoff, Thistle is ready for something new while staying in a similar lane to his early work. “Last year, I released a live album that was a mix of tracks, old and new; since then, I’ve been writing all new stuff, and I’m getting ready to start releasing new singles throughout the rest of the year.”
There are no set dates yet, but look out for Jake’s new album in the fall. Based on his recent releases and 2024 live album Jake Thistle Live at The Transparent Clinch Gallery, it’s set to be his most mature work yet.
In the digital age, when new artists rely on autotune, Jake is a reminder that true singer-songwriters still exist. As long as he keeps playing, the spirits and lyrical approaches of Tom Petty and Springsteen live on.
If you’re reminiscing on the days of being 21 and having your first legal drink, make sure to come to Jake’s show at the Wonder Bar on April 12th. Can’t make the show? No worries, Jake is going on a two-week East Coast tour with Fantastic Cat in early May. Get tickets to the Wonder Bar show and his tour now!
