Episode 99: SOJA’s Jacob Hemphill

The guitarist/vocalist discusses the band’s new album, ‘Beauty In The Silence,’ and much more.

By Team JamBase Oct 7, 2021 • 11:29 am PDT

Episode 99 of The JamBase Podcast, a partner of the Osiris Media Network, features an interview with guitarist SOJA‘s Jacob Hemphill. JamBase’s Andy Kahn spoke with the frontman about the reggae band’s new album, Beauty In The Silence, which came out recently on ATO Records.

Beauty In The Silence is SOJA’s first studio album of original material in four years. Like many other bands, they were forced to record the album remotely due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hemphill discussed his writing process and the approach he takes to creating new songs. He walked through composing the lyrics and melody to the song “Press Rewind,” which opens the album and features special guests Collie Buddz and J. Boog.

Hemphill talked about that collaboration and how other guests were brought in to contribute to the album. Among those who joined SOJA on the record besides Collie Buddz and J. Boog, was Jacob’s musical hero Ali Campbell of UB40. Additional guests include Twiddle’s Mihali, Rebelution, Slightly Stoopid, Dirty Heads, Common Kings and more. Hemphill was asked to share his thoughts on why collaboration is such an essential component of reggae music.

Hemphill explained the reasoning behind again turning to Max Ehrmann’s poem “Desiderata” as the inspiration for the Beauty In The Silence title. The 1927 work was also the source of SOJA’s 2014 album Amid the Noise and Haste. Jacob’s father, who was a major musical influence, would often recite the opening lines of the poem to his son before heading out on tour with the band.

The interview wrapped by touching on SOJA’s cautious approach to getting back on the road to tour in support of the new album.

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