Roger Jaeger
Roger Jaeger is a singer/songwriter from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Following his debut album, “Start Over”, The Nashville-based artist introduced his second album entitled “FALL OFF THE EARTH” on November 16th.
Produced by Ryan Poole, “FALL OFF THE EARTH” is about risk and love.
“For me, this album reflects my decision, risk and faith to push forward in the face of obstacles; because I believe that this is my purpose,” says Jaeger.
The new album is now available worldwide.
Photo credit: Cory Michael
Introduce yourself. What's your story?
I was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I began playing music as a teenager; I played in a couple bands; recorded a couple albums, and at 18, I moved to Nashville to attend Belmont University. I loved Belmont and appreciated the opportunity, but in the meantime, I fell in love with Indian music--such to the degree that I dropped out of school and moved to India to learn to play the sitar. I was in India for about a year and became very ill. (I came down with an auto-immune disease called ulcerative colitis). My illness forced me to return to Tulsa to get well. In 2013, I made the journey to Nashville once again with the goal to give my music career a serious go. …and so it "goes!"
Tell us a little bit about childhood. What were you passionate about?
I spent my time as a child reading books, playing with Legos, riding my bike, writing stories and I was a big "Star Wars" fan. I enjoyed being creative and I was active in athletics (I played baseball and basketball); I also had a wild imagination.
When did you start feeling connected to music?
In middle school, I sang in the choir. But, I credit the Newsboys for moving me to pick up the guitar!
When did you start writing songs? Do you remember the first song you ever wrote?
I got my first guitar as a Christmas gift when I was 13. Within a couple of months, I started writing songs; I believe the first song I wrote was called “I Fall To My Knees.” It was a worship song of sorts.
When did you know you could sing?
My kinship for music, singing and playing an instrument blended together. I started playing, singing and writing with more attentiveness and seriousness when I was about 13. I don’t know if I “knew” I could sing at that time, but people often told me they liked my voice. So, I guess I felt like I was doing something right.
"For Better or for Worse" is your new single. What made you want to pick this particular song as a single? What's the inspiration behind this song?
It’s a special song to me; the storyline was inspired by a couple potential relationships that didn’t quite work out; but, it’s an honest cry of my heart. "For Better Or For Worse" presents the idea that “I’ll go anywhere with you; no matter what,” and some of the lyrics coincide well with the theme of the FALL OFF THE EARTH project. It’s a simple song that warms the heart.
You've just released your new album FALL OFF THE EARTH - What's the story behind this album?
This album almost didn't happen. My previous album, START OVER, was quite an achievement for me. I spent more money and time than I’d ever spent and tried things I’d never tried. I went all in with START OVER. Two years later, I still hadn’t recouped my investment, and the heaviest blow came when I learned that songs that I’d believed had aired on various television shows actually just remained the shows’ respective music libraries. I’d been waiting more than 10 months for a royalty payout and I received nothing. The experience was disillusioning and I questioned whether I should continue. With the FALL OFF THE EARTH album start time looming, I flew out to San Diego to begin preproduction and to feel things out. It ultimately took some prayer, some consideration, and several conversations with close friends to decide to move forward. We moved forward to narrow down the songs; booked some dates at House of Blues Studios in Nashville, and began the process. Much of the recording was done in Nashville, while most of the vocals and sitar performances were recorded at my friends’ studio in Lonavala, India. It was important for me to honor and incorporate that part of my story in the FALL OFF THE EARTH recordings.
When did you start working on this new project? Who did you work with? Who produced it?
The album was produced by my good friend, Ryan Poole. We started preproduction for FALL OFF THE EARTH in San Diego in August of 2017. We we'd finished things up in October, but ended up adding one last song to the album in February 2018.
What's the first song you did for this album? And what is the last song you did?
The first track we recorded for the project was “At Least We’re Living.” The tune had a good, upbeat groove to get the studio band warmed up. The last song we recorded was “Love’s Not Safe.” We added this tune because I felt that the sitar still needed some additional representation on the album.
What are the different topics you are talking about on this new project?
FALL OFF THE EARTH is largely about risk and love. The songs tend to circle around those two themes, and sometimes intertwine. Because after all, to love involves risk!
What made you want to name this album "Fall Off The Earth"?
In consideration of the process and final election to record this album, FALL OFF THE EARTH seemed like a fitting and appropriate title. The song “Fall Off the Earth” is ultimately about taking a big risk--making the decision to put forth money, time and effort toward something that could very well fail. I really wondered if I was doing something foolish. The title felt like a nod to my life and my career decisions, at the time.
What did you learn about yourself after finishing this album?
I've learned that I’ve grown and I am still growing. ..and that I need a helping hand in a lot of areas (sometimes I tend to try and do it all).
Stream “FALL OFF THE EARTH” here.
How did your sound evolve since your very first release?
My first release was comprised entirely of real instruments. The songs were fairly intense and leaned more toward Rock. My second project softened out a lot, and this third release is in some ways a marriage between the two. I’ve begun incorporating software instruments with real instruments. I've also honed my craft to play the sitar--so, it is featured more prominently in FALL OFF THE EARTH.
What appeals you the most about songwriting?
I love music. Music translates emotion and it can communicate different messages to different people. ...Add lyrics to that music, and suddenly, it's a magical marriage between two separate art forms. I love the challenge and satisfaction of pairing the two and I love seeing others experience songs.
What does music mean to you?
Music is amazing; it can make you feel happy, give you goosebumps, make you uncomfortable, cause you to think or reflect and make you dance. It’s incredibly rich and I believe life is better with music!
What are the things you are the most proud of?
I’m proud of risks I’ve taken. Moving to India. Moving to Nashville. Recording albums. I’m proud of choosing community.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Kindness and seeking to understand others makes the world a better place.
What's your purpose?
My purpose is to be loved, to grow in love and to show others that love.
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