About the Artist
"Songwriting is an art. Telling stories both singular and universal can be a tricky line to walk, for even the most esteemed of artists. But Jake Wesley Rogers’ bold music is queer storytelling refracted through a universal lens; it’s inspired by the authenticity and artistry of his heroes like Adele, Regina Spektor, and Florence + the Machine. His songs are for everyone, but they’re special treats for those who know and share his experiences. Signed to hit songwriter Justin Tranter’s imprint of Warner Records, Facet Records in 2020, Jake has turned his most formative years into some of the most stunning and evocative music you’ll hear this year. “I don't think my story has been fully told,” he says. “There are so many forms of art, but the reason I make music is that my soul is at its happiest place when it's singing and performing, and I resonate at the highest level in those moments.”
Beyond eclipsing millions of streams right out of the gate, his incendiary debut single “Middle of Love” immediately started a conversation among audiences, peers, and press. Zane Lowe personally premiered the track on Apple Music Beats 1, while acclaim followed from Billboard, American Songwriter, and PAPER who simply urged, “Give Jake Wesley Rogers a stadium.” Social media buzzed as Academy® Award winners Kate Hudson and Hilary Swank, Madonna, Ryan Reynolds, Zoë Kravitz, Blake Lively, Sam Smith, Olivia Wilde, Adam Lambert, and Zoe Saldana expressed fandom. Meanwhile, Elton John hosted him as a guest on the 300th episode of his Apple Music radio show Rocket Hour. During the conversation, the GRAMMY® Hall of Fame legend extended the highest of praise, “I love him because he reminds me of me when I was starting out” and “What I love as a songwriter is that [your] songs are so beautifully formed.” On the heels of the follow-up single “Momentary,” People touted him among “The Talented Emerging Artists Making Their Mark on the Musical Landscape This Summer,” and predicted he “is set to be one of the next queer artists to break into the mainstream.” However, it all paved the way for his debut EP Pluto led by the single “Weddings & Funerals.” At the same time, the buzz
translated on the road. He sold out bicoastal dates on his 2021 headline tour well in advance in addition to gracing the stages of Lollapalooza, Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, and more. Meanwhile, Tony®, EMMY®, and GRAMMY® Award winner Ben Platt handpicked Jake to open his 2022 arena tour.
And though it’s early in his journey, Jake’s vision is grandiose. “Few queer people right now are getting a platform to tell these kinds of stories,” he says. “I think it's time to have some of our own artists doing and saying the things that we want to say.”"