NEWS: Jacob Whitesides Releases Debut Album 'Why?'
LOS ANGELES, CA - September 9, 2016 - Jacob Whitesides today released his highly anticipated debut full length album WHY? via his own Double U Records. The album debuted at no. 1 on the iTunes singer/songwriter chart and is available now HERE. To celebrate the release of Why?, Jacob will perform the album's lead single "Lovesick" on NBC's TODAY this Wednesday, September 14 and on ABC's Live with Kelly this Thursday, September 15. Tune in to NBC at 7:00am and ABC at 9:00am* to catch the performances.
*Check local listings
Why?, produced by Nashville-based David Spencer, showcases the soulful singing and songwriting of an 18-year old whose independent approach has captured the attention of critics and industry tastemakers as well as connecting with millions of fans around the world.
The album is a powerful thirteen-track collection of songs, brimming with standouts like the finger-clicked soul-pop of "Lovesick" ("A fun song about getting in trouble with your girl") and "Focus," which reflects on the stress of a love in our current culture of distraction. Whitesides' songs are, by and large, heartfelt and relatable. Sometimes they're lighthearted, but even when they're upbeat, there's often another level to the lyrics as the listener dives deeper into the music. "Love Slow" was inspired by the struggle of being 18 and in a relationship, and on "Bury Our Love" when he sings, "I was old before I was young" the line rings particularly true, echoing his musical talents and accomplishments.
Why? is the follow-up to Whitesides two chart-topping EPs A Piece of Me and Faces On Film (both which stood for days at #1 on iTunes Singer/Songwriter chart in 2015). A Piece of Me produced the unintentional hit "Not My Type At All." The track became the No. 1 most requested on Radio Disney and received heavy rotation on Sirius XM's "Coffee House" alongside such heavyweights as Coldplay, Paul Simon, and Ray LaMontagne. Additionally, Jacob enters his debut album campaign as the only artist to be chosen as MTV's "Artist to Watch," Radio Disney's "Next Big Thing," Pandora's "Artist to Watch," and Spotify's "Artist to Watch" for 2016, all concurrently.
Later this month, Jacob will embark on a fall tour supporting Ben Rector. A list of dates can be found below. Tickets and on-sale information can be found at www.jacobwhitesides.com.
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Thu, Sep 22 |
Jefferson Theater |
Charlottesville, VA |
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Fri, Sep 23 |
Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre |
Charlotte, NC |
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Sat, Sep 24 |
Red Hat Amphitheater |
Raleigh, NC |
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Thu, Sep 29 |
The Norva |
Norfolk, VA |
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Fri, Sep 30 |
Chastain Park Amphitheatre |
Atlanta, GA |
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Sat, Oct 01 |
House of Blues - Orlando |
Lake Buena Vista, FL |
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Thu, Oct 06 |
Brady Theater |
Tulsa, OK |
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Fri, Oct 07 |
Oklahoma Christian University |
Edmond, OK |
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Sun, Oct 09 |
Rudder Auditorium |
College Station, TX |
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Fri, Oct 14 |
House of Blues |
New Orleans, LA |
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Sat, Oct 15 |
Minglewood Hall |
Memphis, TN |
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Fri, Oct 21 |
Chicago Theatre |
Chicago, IL |
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Sat, Oct 22 |
Egyptian Room at Old National Centre |
Indianapolis, IN |
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Sun, Oct 23 |
State Theatre |
Minneapolis, MN |
ABOUT JACOB WHITESIDES: Jacob Whitesides has built an artist identity and brand as his own singer/songwriter and thought leader, alongside his ever-growing worldwide fan base. From being his own CEO (Double U Records, partnered with BMG) to creating unique fan interactions, live experiences & contests - Jacob, at 18, is challenging the music business as we know it.
Jacob and his younger sister were raised in humble upbringings by his strong, selfless mother in the smoky mountains outside of Knoxville, Tennessee. After learning guitar at a young age and honing his vocal skills, Jacob started winning over fans with cover videos and, soon after, his original songs. Jacob's undeniable talent, entrepreneurial skills, along with a genuinely devoted dialogue with his zealous fan base (aka Whitesiders), have led him to unprecedented independent success, including writing and recording two chart-topping EPs. Jacob's impressive social media numbers are not solely from one platform, but all of them and they continue to grow organically around the globe (2 million Twitter followers, 1.6 million Facebook likes, 1.3 million Instagram followers, 888K Vine followers, and 366K YouTube subscribers with over 15 million views). His international fan base spans beyond North America to everywhere from the Philippines to Portugal, Scandinavia to South America, UK to Lebanon, Europe to Australasia, and more. Jacob's first ever European tour (Copenhagen, Hamburg, Amsterdam, Cologne, Paris, Antwerp, and London) sold out all dates, with London and Paris declared SOLD OUT in only 8 minutes.
