10 Questions with Garrett Jacobs

After captivating fans on Season 16 of American Idol, Garrett Jacobs packed his bags and moved to Music City where he’s been honing in on his craft ever since.

The singer/songwriter dove head-first into the country music scene and now, he’s ready to embark on the exciting next chapter of his career with the release of his brand new single, “Into the Bar.” 

The heartbreak song was born when Jacobs found himself left out of a music industry hang when he literally couldn’t get “Into the Bar” because he wasn’t old enough. 

Now, 21, the rising star has a new perspective on life and is looking back on the time he couldn’t get “Into the Bar” in the song he co-wrote with Jordan Walker and Jacob Davis.

We recently caught up with Garrett Jacobs to chat about his upbringing, life after American Idol, the story behind his new single and more. Check out our exclusive Q&A below. 

What drew you to the country music genre?

My family listened to country music my entire life but the first thing I remember that really hit me was when I was 15 and heard “Whiskey & You” by Chris Stapleton

Did you grow up in a musical household?

Surprisingly no, my mom kind of sang in church when I was younger but really, my brother and I are the only musical ones. He’s 15 and loves playing drums, so I hope one day I’ll be able to take him out on the road with me.

Who are some of your biggest musical inspirations?

Chris Stapleton, Bill Withers, Justin Timberlake, Taylor Swift, Thomas Rhett, Sam Cooke and Ruston Kelly.

What did you take away from your time on American Idol?

It was eye-opening. I never knew that I could seriously pursue this as a career until that experience.

Do you still keep in touch with any of the contestants on your season?

I’m good friends with Caleb Lee Hutchinson. When I first moved here to Nashville, he was my roommate for about a year, love that guy, he’s like a brother to me.

Can you share the story behind “Into The Bar?”

This song was written from the headspace of when I was 18 and lived in an apartment off of Music Row. My apartment looked over mid-town, which is where a bunch of local bars are and since I was 18, I wasn’t old enough to get into the bar. I always wanted to go and hang out with the people that I write with and everyone in the industry but I couldn’t. This song encompasses those feelings of wishing I could get in…while my heart is broken over a girl.

What do you hope fans take away from the song?

I think everyone gets FOMO with a lot of different situations. So I hope this song helps fans feel like they’re not alone when they’re missing out on something. Plus, with everyone being in quarantine all of 2020….regardless if you’re over the age of 21, I think we are all wishing we could get into a bar!

Are you working on any other new music?

I am writing everyday. I recently got into learning how to build tracks, but I’m still working with my producer Jason Massey. But to answer the question, yes, I’m always working on new music!

What inspires you as a songwriter?

Real life. Everything I write is from personal experiences or my friends’ experiences.

What’s next for you in 2021?

I am hoping to eventually get on the road and perform live, obviously, when it’s safe to do so. Other than that, I’m writing every single day, hoping to get a publishing deal before the year is over. And I just wanna keep putting out songs that everyone can relate to.

Fans can keep up with Garrett Jacobs on Instagram.