Anyone who has ever taken a risk – or been afraid to – will relate to the new album by pop rock artist Roger Jaeger. Written over a two-year period, the 11 tracks have a recurring theme of taking chances in life and love. “I think a lot of people can connect with risk, the idea of not knowing what’s on the other side,” says Roger.
The title track Fall Off The Earth was co-written with Mikei Grey one day as the two musicians were discussing the ancient belief that the earth was flat. With the lyrics, “Where do we go? / Where do we go from here? / We hit the coast / The roads have disappeared,” the song challenges listeners to explore beyond the horizon.
And what better place to shoot the music video than the rugged Oregon coastline, an area where it’s easy to envision “falling off the earth.” (See photo from the music video shoot). Roger and producer/director Ryan Poole (Birdrock Music) spent several days shooting at scenic places such as Thor’s Well at Cape Perpetua and Multnomah Falls, just east of Portland. Roger says they sought out locations that were “bleak and harsh, as opposed to white sandy beaches.” The music video is scheduled for release in early summer.
Compared to his last release Start Over, “a lot of the songs on this album are more upbeat, with kind of an 80’s influence.” Fall Off The Earth features a horn section and has a dance beat feel. Many of the songs include sitar – an instrument Roger learned to play in India that has added a unique element to his pop/alternative rock sound. Roger had a handful of co-writers on the album. Most of the album was recorded in Nashville, but parts were recorded on an adventurous trip Roger made to India with his producer. For a preview of the song Love’s Not Safe, watch the video below (which was shot while Roger was recording the vocal tracks at Birdrock Music on Music Row).
Roger grew up in Oklahoma and became interested in music at the age of 13 when he started playing guitar, followed by piano a few years later. He got a sitar for Christmas during his freshman year as a music major at Nashville’s Belmont University, and admits “I tried to play it, but had no idea what I was doing!” When his sophomore year rolled around, Roger “freaked out” his parents by announcing he was moving to India. “They thought I was going to die.” Maybe it was a premonition, because Roger eventually suffered from severe health issues that landed him in a hospital in New Delhi for 3 days. Soon after, Roger returned to Oklahoma, where his dreams of being a performing artist were put on the back burner.
Fast-forward six years.
Roger entered a songwriting competition in Tulsa that had professional songwriters from Nashville on the panel of judges. When he won a performance slot and ended up in the top 5, his dream was rekindled. “That inspired me in some ways and got me thinking about Nashville again.” A week later, he got a phone call out of the blue from an old friend in Nashville, and Roger took it as a sign that he needed to step out in faith and move back to Music City to follow his passion wholeheartedly. “This music thing might never work, but I won’t know unless I go for it.”
That was five years ago. Roger feels it is because he was willing to take risks that he got to experience living in India, moving back to Nashville, and is now making records. “I think in vulnerability and taking risks I haven’t always seen “success,” but I’m always glad to have stepped out instead of not trying something because of fear.”
The single Fall Off The Earth is available now on iTunes and Spotify, with the music video and full album coming soon.
Roger has upcoming shows at Whiskey Jam/Winners Bar (May 10) and Listening Room Café (May 14). For more information, go to www.RogerJaegerMusic.com
You might also catch Roger dining at his favorite local Indian restaurant, Taj. He still owes a free dinner to several supporters who pledged $200 each for his recent PledgeMusic campaign, which funded the new album.
Fun Facts and Trivia
Favorite board game: Settlers of Catan
Favorite movie soundtrack: Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Favorite band: Aradhna (obscure Hindi music)
Favorite band (that other people have heard of): Coldplay
Favorite Nashville restaurant: Burger Up
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