Jeiris Cook

If you're looking for some easy listening to start off your weekend, "Date Night" by Jeiris Cook is a sweet song with some stellarly smooth vocals. As Cook sings himself, "it's been a long week" -- and this song is the perfect remedy to help melt away that stress.

Jeiris Cook has crafted a wonderfully versatile song that could fit well in a sultry romantic situation as well as a cozy coffee shop. "Date Night" thrives in simplicity, pleasantly layering delightful finger-picked guitar over a catchy R&B beat. The consistent percussion brings out a natural groove in the song, making it difficult not to sway along. Tying everything together, the vocals create a blend that feels effortless and soothing. Lyrically, the song also sounds like the ideal date with a little wine, records, a fireplace, followed by a fancy reservation and time to unwind. Overall, Jeiris Cook's sleek yet grounded style makes "Date Night" an approachable and easily enjoyable listen.

If you happen to have a date this weekend, maybe throw "Date Night" onto your playlist! Or plan a date based on the song -- I know I would love to wear sweatpants and listen to records any day. You can listen to "Date Night" on Spotify, BandCamp, YouTube, and SoundCloud.

Keep up with Jeiris Cook:
Instagram: @jeiriscookmusic
Twitter: @JeirisCook
Facebook: Jeiris Cook Music
Tiktok: @jeiriscookmusic
His website: https://jeiriscook.weebly.com - Waxing Nostalgic

What’s your musical background Jeiris?

I come from a family of musicians. My grandfather and uncle sang and played guitar in church. I used to sing along with my mom in the car during long road trips and thought I was pretty good at “mimicking” the singers on the radio. As I went through school, I spent most of my time joining any chorus, choir, play or quartet that required singing in whatever form. I surrounded myself with people who were equally as passionate about it and that hasn’t changed. Now I get to do it all the time and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

How would you describe your style of music for a new audience?

I like to say that I create soul music for the grown and sophisticated. I think most folks who listen to my music have experimented musically with many genres throughout their lives and have come to learn the hallmarks of quality music. I’d like to think that’s why they listen but I’ve been wrong before haha. But I think it’s best to let folks decide for themselves.

Was it ever overwhelming practicing as you were building your skill?

YES! The most recent example I can point to is when I was learning to play guitar 5 years ago. At first, I couldn’t understand how people could get their fingers to do two different things at once. Fretting and strumming/fingerpicking was way out of my skill set or so I thought. When I was learning the basic chord shapes, the “D” chord was the most difficult of all for me and it took 2 to 3 weeks to get it. On top of that, I’d practice after a long day of work and it was the last thing I wanted to do. It was during these times, that I would have preferred a hot shower and my bed, but I forced myself to keep going, knowing I’d feel cheated if I gave in to that inner voice. Glad I didn’t.

What advice would you give an artist if they hit a challenge like this?

I’d say set a goal to work on whatever skill you want to improve on. For me, I made a commitment to practice everyday for at least 10 minutes. Oftentimes, I’d go way over, but if I didn’t feel like it on some nights, then I knew I’d only have to suffer through for 10 minutes and still feel good that I practiced. Tackling big goals in smaller chunks works for me and I’d definitely recommend it for any artist trying to achieve any goal.

What was your first single?

My first single was a song entitled “Show Me Your Socks” which was written as sort of a gag song. I livestream often and unfortunately you have people who don’t play nice in these chatrooms. So a friend asked if I would take her horrible experience and turn it into a song, hence the title. I guess this “troll” thought it was a dating site and his requests weren’t welcome so the song is written as a parody from the viewpoint of this chat room troll. Pretty hilarious song. Especially being that it was my formal introduction into the music industry haha.

What is your latest single out?

The latest single “Date Night” was released at the end of June earlier this year. I’m really proud of that song because I played every instrument you hear. This is a huge feat for me considering I could not play any instruments as of 5 years ago. I love the vibe of this song because it jives with the whole “grown and sophisticated” vision I’m going for. And the feedback I’ve gotten is much the same so I’m really excited about that.

What is the difference between the two?

The first single “Show Me Your Socks” was entirely self-produced AND it was my first time using music production software to create and release a song. Whenever I listen to it, there are lots of production flaws I hear that I didn’t know how to correct. But I kept them all because I knew I’d be billing it as a parody song. With that in mind, I felt I could get away with some of the production issues figuring it would add to the charm of it all. I think it did. “Date Night” is the culmination of 4 years of tinkering, and the production of 5 releases since then. My playing is better, my production chops are way better and you can hear a clear difference. I’ve still got so much more to learn, but I’m glad I’ve got the experience. You can hear both songs on Spotify or all major digital platforms.

What are you looking forward to with an upcoming release?

The next release “Drunk” will give me a chance to talk about a side of my personality that I don’t mention much. I was at a different point in my life, but I felt the song was necessary to put out there to demonstrate the transformations that are possible. And to also release something that might draw out fond memories. Being drunk wasn’t fun, but I went through that experience with people who I’m still friends with today.

How would you describe your style of getting music out? A bootcamp or go with the flow?

I would say my release style is more going with the flow than bootcamp. That being said, I am working toward a more bootcamp style of release with deadlines and structure. Looking at other artists, I’ve found that the most successful releases are the ones with a structured strategy behind it. But it definitely takes practice, especially if you’re completely independent and wearing many hats. The largest learning curve for me is creating content around my releases. And the only way to get better is to just do it, see what works and what doesn’t. Then pivot if you have to. It’s a work in progress for me, but I keep chugging along. I’ll get it one of these days.

Leave us with any additional thoughts you’d like to share!

Just want to thank everyone who has been so encouraging about this journey I’m on. Lots of folks have helped along the way whether directly or indirectly. I appreciate all of it. And thank you guys for giving an awesome platform to indie musicians like myself. Thanks for having me!

Social media links below:

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/jeiriscookmusic

FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/jeiriscookmusic

TWITTER: www.twitter.com/jeiriscook

SPOTIY: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2m3bZRwHheQuSppyxyUOtI?si=i7mvqb8VT46w6uE-DBpvTQ

End of Interview - Ballyhoo

2020 International Songwriting Competition (Semi-Finalist)

2021 Unsigned Only Music Competition (Semi-Finalist)

Jeiris Cook, father of 3 boys, husband, producer & RnB artist, hails from the deep south and has musical roots there. Coming from a long generation of both musicians and vocalists, Jeiris’ talent captures and harnesses those skills through his songwriting and vocal delivery.

Singing since the age of 5, he started in choirs, particularly the church his grandparents attended every Sunday. From there, he became influenced by the musical vibes of Michael Jackson, 90s RnB and later soul music of the 60s and 70s.

Who are you taking a page from when it comes to achieving your music goals?

Good question! Actually I look at the trajectory of other indie artists who are further along in their careers. I pay attention to what kind of content they post, how often they release music, production quality, engagement with fans and all the other metrics I have to keep track of. We all have our strengths and weaknesses so I draw on what others are doing well and try applying to my craft. It’s always a work in progress but worth it.

What do you have your heart set on for your music career?

I just want to be able to give people something they can sink their teeth into. And I think to some degree, I am doing it already at a local level. Everytime I play a pub, restaurant, bar or venue, I am always appreciative of the folks who say that my music helped them through something. Or that I made their night. If I can make music that draws out those emotions, it’s a win in my book.

When are you finishing up your next project?

“Drunk” , which will be a single release, is scheduled for January 2022. It’s about one of the few times I overindulged on alcohol, but apparently had the wherewithal to remember certain moments. It’s a mid-tempo soulful tune with a storyline that I think folks will be able to relate to. There will be a full-length album release sometime in the spring so stay tuned.

How do you respond to obstacles in the music making process?

My go to strategy here is to just plow through until I come out the other side lol. That might sound like a horrible way to go about it, but I am more afraid of the paralysis that sometimes comes with challenges. I don’t ever want to stop moving forward so I keep going and worry about the edits later. At the very least, I’d still have a body of work to mold if that makes sense. This is especially true when it comes to songwriting. It’s way too easy sometimes to hit a wall and stop writing. Just plow through and make the fixes later.

What does it take to apply all your focus in making a project come to fruition?

For me it takes planning, follow up and follow through. That means writing down what I want to get done and when. If I’m planning on working with others, I make it a point to reach out and follow up if the project requires more than one meeting. It means sitting down at weird hours or in-between parenting moments and laying down a vocal in my home studio. It’s a balancing act, but well worth it in the end.

What are you gaining from spending your time on ultimately doing what you love?

Piece of mind and the satisfaction of doing what I love full-time. I’ve done so much legwork and hustling just to get to this point in my career. And along the way, I try to celebrate the little victories because they culminate into larger ones. But it’s really a satisfying thought to know that I’ve managed to put together a thriving career in music in just five short years.

Are there any other passions aside from your music that’s getting your attention?

I’m a huge movie buff and Marvel fan. More recently, I’ve started running regularly since July and it’s changed my life. I’d love to do a 5k race in the next few months but we will see. I’m not a fast runner, but it does feel like freedom when I do. Mainly because I don’t think about stopping all the time like I did when I first started!

Thank you so much for having me.

Spotify

BandCamp

YouTube

Social Media Links:

www.jeiriscook.weebly.com

www.instagram.com/jeiriscookmusic

www.twitter.com/jeiriscook

www.facebook.com/jeiriscookmusic - Famous & Made

What was a childhood dream of yours?

I had a few childhood dreams lol. I wanted to be a pro football player and then as I got older, I decided I wanted to sing. I'm still singing so I suppose you could say I'm living the dream. I come from a musical family and my earliest memories are of my mom and I singing together on long road trips. She really instilled in me a love of song that I found a way to nurture as I grew older. I am fortunate enough to be able to say I'm doing what I've always wanted to.

Who do you turn to when you need someone most?

My immediate family are my go to in times of need. My wife, father-in-law and sister-in-law help out a lot. This is especially true when it comes to family life, like helping with my boys. As a musician, I typically work nights and weekends and without that support system, it would definitely be a difficult journey. I am grateful for them all.

What was the first song you remember playing on repeat that made you want to get into music?

Good question. There were so many songs in my youth that I listened to on repeat. But the one song that really got me into music was Michael Jackon's "Thriller". I can't count how many times I played that record. When I was younger, every year at Halloween, my brothers and I would put on our costumes, and dance around the living room table to "Thriller". Michael Jackson had a huge influence on me musically.

Tell us a story that you laugh about with your friends to this day?

The best man at my wedding is really like a brother to me and we laugh all the time at the stupid things we used to do. I remember once we were walking through the mall (I was next to him) and I stopped to look at something. He kept walking, not realizing I'd stopped and a stranger had taken my place. He leaned in thinking it was me and whispered a few expletives into this woman's ear who he thought was me. And because he thought it was me, he held nothing back. The woman was mortified, so was he and I witnessed the whole thing a few feet away. The embarrassment on his face was priceless and I belly laughed for 15 minutes after! Definitely one of the top 3 funniest moments of my life! I was just talking with him about this just today actually.

What is your favorite part of the music industry?

My favorite part of the industry is the camaraderie I see among lots of indie artists. In most cases, we all lift each other up and support one another. I love how accessible music is now and how easily it can be distributed and heard by anyone globally. Technology makes it easy for anyone to record a song on the cheap and recording costs continue to fall. And social media makes it easier for indie artists to connect with influential people in a way that was never available before.

What's your least?

A career path in music is really like the wild west. It's littered with bad actors and as an indie artist you have to learn to find a way. It's who you know and while most industries are like this to a degree, it's more prevalent in music. I'd also like to see a more diverse menu of musical options on mainstream radio. They say 10 percent of artists sell 90 percent of the music we hear and the result ends up being a homogenous soup of sameness (for lack of a better term). I'd love to see that change.

What is a project you're working on right now? \

Right now I'm working on a new song entitled "Drunk" which should be released by next month. I'm also working on an album that is long overdue which will be released in the spring of next year. There will be something for everyone on this project, so stay tuned!

Where can fans find your music?

Spotify
Bandcamp
Soundcloud

How do fans keep up with you?

https://www.instagram.com/jeiriscookmusic/
https://www.facebook.com/JeirisCookMusic
http://www.twitter.com/jeiriscook - SpitMad

You are touring right now! What’s it been like to get in front of an audience?

It’s been amazing so far! The whole pandemic really gave me a greater appreciation for performing live in front of actual people. Like many artists, I leaned heavily on livestreaming to fill that void so to speak but it was never the same. The energy you get back from folks who are really into what you’re doing gets lost virtually. So yes, definitely glad to be out and about and making those connections again.

Does performing feel any different this time around?

Absolutely! Just to piggyback on the last question, I’ve learned to appreciate to a greater degree the interaction with live audiences. The one thing that comes to mind is when folks sing-a-long with you. That experience and all the feels that come with it can only be captured live. When folks come up to you after the show and tell you to “keep going” is really gratifying and appreciated. None of which can be experienced virtually. It feels much different this time around.

Are you performing Date Night? It’s our FAVE!

Thank you so much! Yes, I am performing “Date Night” during every livestream and at every show! I especially love playing that song for the dinner crowd. It’s so fitting and sets the mood. There MAY be an acoustic version coming soon.

How has the fans’ reception been to the single?

It’s all been positive and I’ve had people tell me it’s a “grown and sexy” vibe, which is what I was going for. Marvin Gaye was one of the inspirations for this tune. I wanted it to come off as a chill feel good tune. And so far, that’s how everyone has received it so mission accomplished.

How can fans see if you’ll be in a city near them?

My website is updated with dates, times and places I’m playing. You can also find a monthly schedule on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Is there any preparation before you go perform LIVE?

Warming up the vocals is definitely part of the pre-live performance prep. I’ve found it makes a world of difference in my confidence onstage. I also like to listen to music as well as a way to prime my creative side. It helps with the onstage banter in between songs and sometimes during. I also take every opportunity to just appreciate the fact that I’m onstage doing what I love to do. There’s really no other feeling like it. It sounds cliche but true nonetheless.

We love your music and enjoy YOU! How can fans support it ALL?

Thank you so much. You can find my music on.

SPOTIFY: Spotify

YOU TUBE: Youtube

And you can follow me on

INSTAGRAM: Instagram

FACEBOOK: Facebook

TWITTER: Twitter

My website as well

Thanks again for having me. - Melody Maker

What new fire music are you working on right now?

I just released a brand new song on June 26th entitled “Date Night” that I’m really proud of. It’s a song about making connections in a casual and fun way. I always tell people it’s meant to be paired with a bottle of wine and good company. I’m also working on a new song entitled “Drunk” that will be out sometime later this year.

What is your favorite verse on it?

My favorite verse on “Date Night” would have to be the first one, particularly the first few lines which go “Let’s play some records, and drink some wine, you’ve donned your favorite sweats, and I’ve got mine”. Those lines capture the mood of the entire song. I really wanted the song to go down easy like a fine wine would.

Which song are you most meticulous about?

Good question. I’d say all of them in terms of how I perform them. I rarely change the lyrics once written, but I’m always changing how I deliver them to audiences. I believe songs are living, breathing creations that are always changing. And sometimes I can be meticulous about a certain vocal riff or guitar riff if I’m feeling it at the moment. I think live versions of a song should always be at least slightly different than the studio production b/c people connect better when it’s delivered raw.

Any collabs happening soon?

Yes, I am working on a few that I don’t want to go into much detail about. Some are in earlier stages than others but I did wrap up recently in the last few months a collaboration with Mindy Davey. She’s a phenomenal singer/songwriter out of Buffalo, NY and we worked on a song together entitled “Enough Is Enough”. It carries a powerful message of unity, and we both use and create music in a way to heal. So it was a very natural and easy process with her.

Dream collab?

Right now, I’d love to do a song with H.E.R. or Anthony Hamilton. Yebba is pretty cool too and I’d love to meet her. Her voice is sick!

Is there a critique you’ve gotten on your music that you worked through and it’s made the overall work better?

Through the years, I’ve had mentors critique my vocal performances and it was always about letting go. I would always hold back and never go for it. I used to call it ‘singing safe’ and I worked on this for years. It’s still a work in progress, but I’ve improved a lot since then. And it shows whether I’m performing original music or covers. It’s also helped my confidence tremendously and people can hear between confident singers and those who aren’t.

What are you most excited about for fans to hear?

Most of my efforts right now are concentrated on getting as many people as possible to hear “Date Night”. I think it’s a song that lots of people can relate to, especially after coming out of this pandemic. The upcoming song I’m working on “Drunk” I’m also pretty excited for people to hear. It will be a different sound, while still keeping the RnB overtones.

Give us anything else you want to know about what you’re up to?

I’m working on visual projects for both “Date Night” & “Dreams”, so look for those in the coming months. I’ve made it a goal to include more visual representations of my work going forward. Artwork of course is great, but sometimes you can communicate ideas better with video. Stay tuned.

How do we continue to follow you?

I am pretty much on all digital platforms including:

Spotify

Instagram

Facebook

Website - New Fire Music