Jeremy Engel Connects with Us to Discuss His Powerful New Release “Something Real”
- STAFF
- Sep 18
- 9 min read
By: Staff
“Something Real” is a breathtaking, raw masterpiece that will leave listeners utterly captivated by Engel's unmatched vulnerability and emotion.
A raw, emotional journey unfolds in the hauntingly powerful new single “Something Real” by Jeremy Engel. From the first note, it pulls listeners deep into a world of vulnerability, with every lyric feeling as though it’s a personal message directly from the artist’s heart. It’s a track that demands to be felt, not just heard, and its magnetic sincerity is what has made Engel one of the most compelling voices in music today.
We spoke with Jeremy about the creation of this song, his journey into the industry, and the unique evolution of his sound. What emerged was a conversation that peeled back the layers of his artistry and gave us a glimpse into the soul behind the music. He shared how his personal experiences have shaped his work and how his craft continues to evolve.
The song’s powerful narrative, centered around the complexities of holding onto relationships longer than we should, sparks deep reflection. We asked Engel about the role of music as a form of emotional therapy, something that has become increasingly accessible to listeners in an era where artists have more creative freedom. His insight into the interplay between vulnerability and creation revealed how much of his strongest work comes from his most raw moments.
From his time in Ireland to his experiences on international stages, Engel's journey is one that weaves across cultures, emotions, and sounds. As we dove deeper into his creative process, it became clear that his music is more than just a performance, it’s a living, breathing story.
Scroll down and dive into the full interview as we explore the story behind “Something Real” and Jeremy Engel’s transformative path as an artist.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Jeremy Engel, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
BEGIN INTERVIEW:
Hello Jeremy Engel, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more excited to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. Your song “Something Real” is incredible—the emotion, the passion—it’s so palpable. We genuinely felt like we were experiencing your emotions firsthand. We know it’s the authenticity in your vocal delivery that has made us such dedicated fans of your work. What has your personal musical journey been like up to this point? Did your evolution into a professional career happen gradually, or was there a pivotal moment early on that set everything in motion?
A. Thank you so much for the kind words, I truly appreciate them. I wouldn’t say I’ve lived this situation myself so much as I’ve witnessed so many people caught in that cycle. It’s always easier to recognize it in others than in yourself. Sometimes breakups need to ripen before they happen, right? There’s never a perfect way, it should always be done with respect and care though. Separation doesn’t always mean love has disappeared; sometimes love simply changes form and needs to be lived differently. And then there’s the darker side, when love is gone but people stay together for the wrong reasons, habit or maybe fear of emptiness. That’s really what this song is about I guess.
As for my career, I’ve taken the long and winding road. It’s the scenic route, with plenty of stops along the way to admire the little things.
Q. You’ve mentioned that “Something Real” is for those who hold onto relationships longer than they should. The premise alone is both intriguing and exciting. We feel this is truly a new theme and storyline we have not heard before. Do you think that music, because it's more artist-controlled today, has become a form of relatable therapy for fans; something they can engage with in a way they never could before due to previous industry constraints on artists?
A. Honestly, I’m not sure artists really have more control over music today. It’s a bit of an illusion. Yes, we can create freely, and I encourage artists to do so, but if you want to land on certain playlists or play certain venues, it’s easier if you fit into the expected boxes. Curators say they want something new, but they rarely take the risk of championing something untested.
The strength of social media is that it offers, at least in theory, a direct line to your audience. But in practice, it’s not so simple. If you don’t play by the rules of the algorithm, your reach is limited. it is “easier” if you show skin or stir up controversy. That’s exactly how the platforms are designed: they push content that provokes quick, visceral reactions (curiosity, attraction, outrage). But then you have to ask yourself how far you’re willing to go just to play that game.
So the deeper question becomes: do we want to succeed as a musician, or do we want to succeed as a human being? The answer changes the approach entirely.
Q. Do you find that your most vulnerable experiences often translate into your strongest songs? Do you tend to share your most intimate feelings in your music, or do you prefer to keep certain parts of your story more veiled, allowing the listener to interpret it as they see fit?
A. I’m not convinced vulnerability always produces the strongest songs. You can express a powerful emotion badly, and capture a subtle emotion beautifully. I always reveal myself in my songs, but there are different layers to uncover. Some lines only I know the true meaning of, which allows me to keep a private bond with my music even after it’s released and belongs to the audience.
Q. Your sound has this cinematic, almost movie-like quality. When you're writing, do you envision specific scenes playing out in your head, or is it the music that brings the visuals to life for you?
A. I don’t visualize cinematic scenes in my head when I write, even though my music often sounds that way. I think it comes from my love of odysseys and coming-of-age stories. For me, music should feel like a journey of self-discovery. That’s probably where the cinematic feel comes from, the instrumentation reflects the inner adventure.
Q. Having played in so many countries, do you notice that each audience brings out a different version of your songs? How do you adjust your energy when you're performing in a new city, or does the music take on a life of its own regardless of the location?
A. Absolutely! And that’s one of the reasons I love sharing my music with such varied audiences. Beyond words and clichés, I love taking risks and stepping into the unknown. It’s easy to stay in a comfort zone, always playing in the same places for the same people, but that doesn’t give me chills or push me forward. Sometimes I wonder if I make my life harder than it needs to be, but that’s how I grow as a person.
I adjust my energy constantly depending on the room and the audience. I usually prepare a setlist, but I’ll happily throw it out mid-show if I feel another song suits the moment better.
Q. Is this particular musical style something you've embraced from the very beginning of your journey, or has it evolved over time as a result of different influences or genres you've experimented with along the way?
A. I never set out to pursue a specific style, I just let the music come naturally. My songs are really the sum of my influences. If I had more lives, I’d throw myself into blues, trad, bluegrass, even gypsy jazz. Maybe in the next life, if there is one.
Q. As an interpreter for the United Nations, you're in a position where you listen deeply to what people need to express. How has this skill translated to your music, especially when it comes to understanding the emotions of your listeners?
A. That’s a great question! I’m not sure I have the full answer, but I know it influences me even if I try to keep the two worlds separate. Since 80% of communication is nonverbal, I’m always chasing what sparks emotion beyond words. Sometimes I fall in love with a phrase just for its sound, even if the words mean very little, or nothing.
The real challenge is learning to be on stage as a musician when my interpreting work is about staying invisible in service of others. But perhaps music should be the same no? Standing in the shadows in service of the song, instead of using the song in service of ourselves.
Q. Your time in Ireland seems like a pivotal chapter in your life. Is there a particular moment, place, or feeling from Ireland that lingers with you in your music, or is it more the essence of the country itself that shapes your sound?
A. Ireland is not just an influence on my music but also on my life as a person. I never stopped going there, even when I didn’t live there anymore. All my music is recorded there. I find that singer-songwriters there have a way of approaching music that I don’t find elsewhere, there’s both accessibility and depth, something that generally belongs to people shaped by the sea and by landscapes that invite humility and stepping back, and I grew up in similar landscapes.
Q. You have this incredible ability to tell stories through your songs. When you're writing something new, what drives you most, the emotion, the message, or the desire to explore something unknown?
A. Thank you for the compliment (I’m slowly learning to accept them)! I don’t have a plan when I write, and I never know in advance where a song will take me. Emotion, of course, because that’s all we have, but through what means? The message or the desire to explore the unknown, it doesn’t matter, as long as emotion is the outcome.
Q. Where does the rough work of your music production begin? Do you start in your home studio, or do you collaborate with an outside producer? And when it's time to wrap things up, do you handle the mixing and mastering yourself, or do you bring in someone to help perfect it?
A. It usually starts with my guitar. Then I collect the melodies that come into my head and feed them like a bird. Then I bring the song to my producer, who sometimes suggests changes to the structure or arrangements. He also handles the mixing and mastering in Dublin. It would be so bad if I did it myself!
Q. Performing in iconic venues like The Troubadour or The Bitter End must be exhilarating. Do you feel the weight of their history when you step on stage, or do you tune out that legacy and lose yourself in the moment instead?
A. I don’t feel the weight as a burden, I feel it as motivation. It doesn’t limit me, it gives me wings. I’m very sensitive to the energy of places. Let’s just say I tune into that legacy and then lose myself in the moment.
Q. As both a writer and performer, which part of the process do you live for more, the solitude of writing, where it all comes together, or the electric energy of sharing it live with an audience?
A. Honestly, I love both. Solitude makes me want to go on stage, and being on stage makes me crave solitude. They’re inseparable for me. I couldn’t make music if it didn’t include that direct exchange with the audience.
As you mentioned earlier, I’m also a conference interpreter—I always need the thrill of walking a tightrope, knowing I could fall.
Q. What do you want this song to say about you as an artist, right now?
A. I’d like to be seen as a subtle artist who works in nuance: simple, but never simplistic. Do I succeed in being perceived like this? That’s a different story! But I like my songs to evolve with people, with layers of meaning and hidden messages. More than anything, I want listeners to feel I’m an artist worth following on his journey. I’m building my stage brick by brick, and for that I need the audience.
Q. Looking ahead to the next chapter of your career, where do you see your sound heading? Is there a new frontier you’re excited to explore — a sound or style you haven’t touched yet but are eager to dive into?
A. I don’t know what the future holds. But I know I want to evolve when I play live with more harmonica, more guitar solos. I’d also love to collaborate more with other artists, though it isn’t always easy. Too often artists see each other as competitors. I’ve noticed collaborations sometimes only happen when both have a similar number of followers on social media, which I struggle to understand. I’m not wired that way. I thrive on other people’s success, it inspires me and pushes me forward. Unfortunately, not everyone sees it like that. But it won’t change me. For me, music should always be about genuine openness, not just the appearance of it. I want to be a musician who plays to give, not to take.
Jeremy Engel, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Jeremy Engel’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
