JERUB has collaborated with songwriter Toby Gad after being asked by Toby to be part of the new release of LIVING FOR LOVE – Piano Diaries Version, which they recorded at Metropolis Studios, and Living For Love was previously released by Madonna in 2015, which Toby was also involved with as a writer. Earlier this year, JERUB released his EP Carry The Load, and played his first headline tour in the UK in April, followed by Europe in May. Alongside DJ Pete Tong, JERUB performed at the King’s Coronation Concert and his single There Till The End has had 22 million streams across platforms and entered the UK Top 100 Singles Sales Charts. Catching up with JERUB, he told us about collaborating with Toby Gad for LIVING FOR LOVE – Piano Diaries Version, his EP release Carry The Load and having his single There Till The End reach 22 million streams.
How was it putting your own spin on the new release of LIVING FOR LOVE – Piano Diaries Version, which was previously released by Madonna in 2015?
I had a lot of fun getting to sing my own version of Living For Love. Madonna is such an icon so I really wanted to do her song justice but also make it my own.
What was it like collaborating with songwriter Toby Gad and how was it being asked to feature on LIVING FOR LOVE – Piano Diaries Version?
Toby asked me to come sing a couple of songs for a show he was performing at. He asked me to sing All of Me, but also another one. When you have an array of hits like Toby, it’s pretty hard to choose which one you would want to sing but when I heard Living For Love, there was a connection I had to the song that made me choose that one. We had so much fun singing it at the show that Toby asked me to record a version for his album, which was a real honour.
Did you have a favourite aspect of working on LIVING FOR LOVE – Piano Diaries Version and how was it hearing the track come together?
We recorded the track at the iconic Metropolis Studios. It was amazing to capture a live performance, with the live grand piano. Toby really wanted to keep the raw feeling of the track, which I think translates well on the record.
Who do you think will enjoy listening to the new release?
I hope everyone can find a moment of resonance with the track. It’s the kind of record that goes beyond genre, it is raw and emotive.
Can you tell us about your EP Carry The Load and how was it releasing it earlier this year?
Carry The Load is one of my favourite pieces of work so far. The project is a soulful and honest admittance of the pressures that weigh us down. It reflects the many highs and lows that we often face in life. My hope is that everyone who listens can see a bit of their own story in mine. It’s been so great to hear that so many people have resonated with the EP.
How long had you been working on Carry The Load and what was it like to record?
Some of the songs came very quickly and some took a long time to craft and record. I’ve loved the process and I have learned so much about myself, others, and music itself through the process and it makes me excited for future music that I am going to release.
Your single There Till the End has 22 million streams across platforms and entered the UK Top 100 Singles Sales Charts, how was it seeing the response to the single?
I could never have imagined that the song would resonate with so many people when I wrote it. I am always filled with gratitude every time I hear stories of how the song has impacted individuals.
What was it like touring the UK in April and performing your first Europe headline tour in May?
Doing my first tour was a dream come true. It was even more of a dream to see the tour sell out. To hear people singing your songs word for word is a surreal experience, I can’t wait to do it again.
How did you find the experience of performing with DJ Pete Tong at the King’s Coronation Concert and how was it performing at Windsor Castle?
The experience was incredibly humbling and surreal. Pete Tong is such a legend so to be able to be a part of that performance on such an occasion is something I won’t soon forget.
Where does your love of music come from and how did you get into it?
I am inspired by LIFE. The highs, lows and everything in between. I started singing when I was really young when I joined my church choir and quickly fell in love with music. I started writing songs later on in life which became a new love for me.
How do you like to spend your free time?
I enjoy putting my headphones in and spending hours thrift shopping by myself.
Is there anything you enjoy most about working in the music industry and releasing your own music?
I love seeing a song start as a small seed or concept in your mind, to then hearing people singing it with you live. That’s a beautiful journey.
What are you hoping 2025 brings for you?
I’m excited to release more music and play all the new songs live on tour again!
Follow JERUB on:
Categories: home, Interview, Music, Recording Artists