Jake Onra's The Astronaut is Out of this World

By Asjad Nazir

EXCITING newcomer Jake Onra can’t pinpoint the exact time he got connected to music. He originally wanted to be a dancer, but then his singing talent was noticed unexpectedly.

That natural ability led him towards his recently launched album The Astronaut, which has a stunning collection of songs that will help the singing star go interstellar.

He has teamed up with ace music producer Luke Masih for the great collection of r’n’b-led songs based on the highs and lows of love.

Eastern Eye caught up with Jake to find out more about his journey, new album, future plans and more...

Who have been your greatest musical influences?

I would have to say a mix of the old school and new, including artists such as Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross, Beyonce and John Legend. I really admire the classic r’n’b/soul sound.

How did you find your sound?

I’ve grown up listening to so many different genres of music. Growing in artistry, I’ve leaned towards an urban r’n’b sound. I’m always open to other styles and my new release has a selection of different genres. We’ve been working hard in the studio to create the right formula that incorporates everything we love.

What led you towards your stunning new album The Astronaut?

After releasing my previous singles in 2017, Closer and Cold Shoulder, we took a small break for summer and I had some time to reflect on my sound and the future. When I got back in the studio, we were straight to work. After a few sessions, it was a mutual decision between Luke (Masih) and I to create this project. It was the start of a new sound from my previous work and my own next steps of progress in my craft.

Tell us about the album...

The concept is based around the highs and lows of love. We didn’t really have such a concept when we started, but as each track unfolded we began to create this scenario in the writing which would transfer through the whole album. We really tried to look at issues from different perspectives as we built this story. We decided to name the album The Astronaut to capture the feeling of loneliness and being secluded in tough times or difficult situations. We’ve all been there at one point.

What was the biggest challenge of putting the album together?

Towards the end, we discussed the track order for the album for some time. We wanted to make sure we took people on a journey and they felt each track as we did. We actually only came to a final decision sitting in the mastering studio as we finalised everything! Also for me, the whole project was a very challenging learning curve and I felt an instant new chapter as an artist.

Is any one song closest to your heart?

(Laughs) It sounds cliché, but I love them all. After writing each one, I was obsessed with it and it was my new favourite, until the next one. Human is definitely in my top three. I performed at the BBC Asian Network Future Sounds show last year, where we decided to premiere the track. The song is very personal and real.

How did you feel when the album was complete?

(Laughs) Relieved! I felt a sense of accomplishment, like that feeling of working in an office and completing all your backlog. We managed to turn this project around in three months, which meant a set of really intense studio sessions. We took a couple of weeks off after we finished.

You have incorporated diverse styles into the songs; was that a conscious decision?

One hundred per cent! We wanted to primarily create an urban record. But in the current stage of UK music, so many styles are being mixed and used where you wouldn’t expect them. We have sounds of Latin, electro and ballads in the project. I love all styles of music so it would be a shame not to give other people a taste of that too.

The album also features some great duets. What was it like doing them?

The final track on the album, Wounds, was very unplanned. Luke called me last summer from Philadelphia and introduced to me to Apache Indian over face time. Not long after I visited his academy, which is an amazing project Apache set up for young aspiring musicians in the community. This is where I first met Meliah; we got on like a house on fire and ended up writing the basis of Wounds that night. We recorded it a week later.

What about the duets with Raxstar and Swaati?

Raxstar’s feature was actually the first song we did, before we knew this would turn into an album.

Luke has been working with Raxstar for some years now, so the connection in the studio was natural. The song Best Friend featuring Swaati is one of my favourites on the record. The music really compliments her electronic sound and has a different feel to other tracks.

Who are you hoping connects to your songs?

The Astronaut has the ingredients to please a very diverse audience. There is a track on there for everyone. I don’t want this album to be categorised and hope some of these songs grab people the way they did us as we recorded them.

What is the masterplan going forward?

(Laughs) World domination! No but seriously, we have already started putting plans together for the next project, which will release later this year. And we will definitely be out doing some live shows, which I’m really excited about.

Who would you love collaborate with?

I really want to create a track with UK producer MNEK. I love his techniques. He’s got some amazing vocals and would love to duet with him.

What inspires you?

The most inspiring thing for me is seeing artists who wouldn’t typically have a chance to make it big, go ahead and do exactly that. I think it’s incredible how in recent years underground artists who have been grafting are finally being accepted on the mainstream circuit. I’m especially talking about UK artists like Stormzy, Mist and Stefflon Don. They have helped make UK urban music acceptable.

Do you have ambitions away from music?

I wish I could say I’m a huge fan of loads of things, but I’m a music geek through and through! I guess another ambition I have is to travel. I’m really into exploring architecture and experiencing different cultures.

If you could learn a musical instrument, which would it be?

I’d give anything to play the piano properly. Debussy’s Clair de Lune is one of my favourite pieces of music.

If you could ask any artist alive or dead a question, who would it be and what would you ask them?

I’d want to spend a whole day with Michael Jackson and learn everything I could about him. I’d probably just ask him if he’s okay and how he did it. The last few years of his life were rough. I remember the Michael who was a master at music, dancing and who fought for children globally. That’s the legend I’ll always remember.

What music dominates your own playlist?

Right now it is full of artists like Sabrina Claudio, Daley, Majid Jordan and Kehlani. Some days I wake up and just blast some Notorious B.I.G, and then the next song I’ll play is a random track off a Coffee House Jazz playlist. (Laughs) It’s a very diverse playlist.

Which song, not your own, do you enjoy singing?

I have enjoyed singing John Legend’s Ordinary People for years. It’s a song I fell in love with and still feel the same when I hear it now. The piano and his vocals are incredible. Like most great songs, the lyrics give everyone a gentle reminder about life.

Why should we pick up The Astronaut?

The Astronaut is something fresh and organic. I hope each person who listens to it will find at least one track they can relate to in a special kind of way. I hope the record portrays the journey in the same way we envisioned it. I hope it makes you sad and turn your upper lip with attitude. I hope the lyrics take you back to sometime you can relate with. It’s been an incredible journey and I would be very grateful to know what you make of it all!

Why do you love music?

Music is like magic. I can feel so many different emotions and there is always a song for each emotion. It gives you company when you’re down, it puts me on a high when I’m feeling great. It’s the very necessary bridge from reality that we all need to cross sometimes.

The Astronaut by Jake Onra is out now. Follow him on Twitter - @J_Onra, Facebook: Jake Onra

Jake's Favourite Things:

Film: (Laughs) Many will judge me for this, but it is the second Transformers film. I was born at the end of the Transformers series hype and remember having a VHS of a few episodes I watched as a youngster.

Actor: Chris Hemsworth because no one can play Thor better than him. Thor: Ragnorok was incredible!

Actress: Emily Blunt because I think it’s great when English stars do well and to see her take over Hollywood the way she has. She knows how to play a variety of roles convincingly.

Album: The Element of Freedom by Alicia Keys really takes me back to a time in my life where everything was simple, but amazing. Unthinkable is my favourite track on the album. Such a classic track and album.

Singer: John Legend. He’s amazing live and really transports you to another place.

TV show: (Laughs) Again, I’ll probably be judged but the only programme I’ll make time for all year is Eastenders. It’s addictive. Food: A good curry because there’s no cooking like your mum’s, right?