I’m excited to spotlight Boston indie artist Jake Swamp and the Pine again. Last year, I introduced the Sudbury native to you, here. He’s back with a new song that’ll take you to church with it’s soulful spirit.

No, it’s not church music. Actually closer to Eric Church than hymns or gospel, but the impassioned aura is not lost on any ears. “Go By Darkness” is the new release from the artist who started his band in Somerville. The debut album, Simpson and Banks, dropped late in 2022. It’s named after the cross streets where his band first united.

Jake Swamp and the Pine and the Great Outdoors

There is a feeling listening to this song, and any other by this singer/songwriter, that he is connected. Connected with the listener, the audience and the great outdoors. As you will read in Jake Swamp and the Pine’s bio info below, there is an attachment in his personal life to all that exists in nature. There is also a deep bond with those who receive his message.

The audience is what keeps every artist fueled. Whether it’s from listening to a song in your earbuds, at a live show or on social media. It’s what keeps the craft going, the fire burning and the artist breathing new life into each song.

Rich, smokey vocals lead the journey through a wilderness of ache and hope, like hills and valleys. The name Jake Swamp and the Pine was inspired by the pine tree named after a notable environmentalist. The Jake Swamp pine tree is considered the tallest tree in Massachusetts. All of this you’ll find on the artist’s website.

Get the story behind the song and learn more about this gifted artist. Hear the new song, find out where to see the band live and much more, below. Supporting our New England talent by listening and showing up keeps the dreams alive and the fire burning.

The Music
“Go By Darkness” According to Jake Swamp and the Pine is “about feeling claustrophobic in your day to day life, like things aren’t moving as fast as you’d like them to be. I wrote this as an anthem and a reminder to myself to start moving as quickly and intentionally as I can.”

Take a listen, here:
The Story
From: Hudson, MA! Central, MA

Grew up in: Sudbury, MA

Current single: Go By Darkness from the album, Simpson and Banks

What lead you to music: Like most kids, I played piano in 3rd grade. Also like most kids, I didn’t love practicing. I did however love performing, so did everything I could to chase that; playing bass in a band, joining Paul Green School of Rock, joining multiple a cappella groups, and eventually taking it on my own terms by learning guitar and writing music.

How would you describe your sound: Indie rock folk anthems heavily inspired by the outdoors.

Who inspires you: My family and (at the time this will air) my wife! They are so immensely supportive, that knowing they’ll be at my shows either physically or in spirit stoked to see me doing my thing is enough to keep me wanting to keep on trucking.

Awards/accolades : Most recently, nominated for Americana Act of the Year 2023 alongside Noah Kahan for Boston Music Awards.

Dream duet partner: Dolly!

Favorite country throwback song and/or favorite current song (or songs): Right now, Just Let it Go by Sturgill Simpson, Shake the Frost by Tyler Childers, Hey Drive by Zach Bryan

First concert: I’m embarrassed by this…but Seether, Shinedown, Halestorm and Flyleaf…it was terrifying. Shinedown falls into that “angry country” category

Most proud moment: Headlining Brighton Music Hall last year, and doing it again this year!

Crazy thing that happened in your music career? I (embarrassingly) auditioned for American Idol and got to the point where they paid to fly me out to LA and audition in front of the judges. I got a YES from Lionel Richie, but a no from Katy Perry and Luke Bryan.

Other things you like to do: Anything outdoors; hike, walk my dog, bike, climb…also do crossfit multiple times a week – love working out! Recently reclaiming my love of reading as well!

Fun facts: Probably the American Idol thing…still kinda embarrassed about that…

Mantra: This too shall pass.
The Shows
Saturday, June 1: Brighton Music Hall in Allston 7:00pm

Thursday, June 6: The Cut in Gloucester 7:00pm

Saturday, June 8: One Longfellow Square, Portland, ME 8:00pm
The Social Network
Follow JS&TP and keep up with performance dates, new music and happenings here
Pics and Posts

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A post shared by Jake Swamp And The Pine (@jakeswamp)

HEY HERE IS A PHOTO OF ME STANDING OUTSIDE @brighton_music WITH MY HANDS IN MY POCKETS BC IDK WHAT ELSE TO DO WITH THEM...
Posted by Jake Swamp and The Pine on Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Are YOU a Catch?
Every week, Kruser’s Local Catch highlights New England’s homegrown country music talent, and tells you where to catch them locally and in Nashville. Click here to view previous catches.

*Singer/songwriters with original music: Please submit for consideration on The Local Catch by emailing: carolyn.kruse@bbgi.com