Album Notes

Hailed as a breath of fresh air in the folk genre by Lonesome Music's Americana/Folk blog, New England native Jake Roche reminds listeners of the folk and experimental rock traditions of the 1960's transported by new influences and production to be completely contemporary and relevant in our time. His command of lyrical poeticism, vocal harmony, and instrumental arranging ensure his place among the upper echelon of singer/songwriters. His distinct voice is at once artful and slightly dissonant while passionate and painfully vulnerable.

Jake Roche was a member of the Universal Republic recording act Jeremiah Freed. Signed right out of high school, Jeremiah Freed toured the country opening for Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Allman Brothers, Nickelback, The Strokes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, and countless others. Jeremiah Freed's single "Again" reached #36 on Billboard Mainstream Rock charts. Their self-titled release met widespread critical acclaim.

Jake parted ways with Jeremiah Freed in the spring of 2004 to pursue a solo venture. He re-discovered the folk music he grew up admiring, in part inspired by the musical sharing of his grandmother, a teacher of piano for nearly twenty-five years. His debut solo effort Just Survivin' is an eclectic showcase of Roche's dynamic songwriting abilities, fueled by clever and introspective tales. Roche enlisted drummer and keyboardist Tony McNaboe (Ray Lamontagne, Rustic Overtones) and bassist Hutch Heelan (Pete Kilpatrick Band). Just Survivin' was recorded at The Halo outside of Portland, Maine with Jonathan Wyman (As fast As, Rustic Overtones, Ray Lamontagne, Jeremiah Freed, Pete Kilpatrick, and Paranoid
Social Club) at the helm.

New England radio stations WCYY, WUNH, and WCLZ spun Jake's singles including "Sleep", "Can't Keep My Money", "The Shady Tree Waltz", and the title cut.

Jake Roche started the band Lit on the Flash in 2009