Jacob Shipley, 29, Explores Unlikely Theme of Aging in Latest EP

Written, recorded, and produced in their Brooklyn apartment, Jacob Shipley’s third EP Getting Older brings them back to their acoustic roots. It opens with an ironic take on aging from a 25-year-old who just found their first gray hair, inappropriately titled “Older.”

Jacob Shipley Getting Older

From there, the EP lands on “Kitchen Floor” – a deeply personal love song for those struggling with anxious attachment styles. Next falls “Death of Me,” a rousing invitation to revel in autumn’s decay. With a sobering look at love lost, “Kitchen Floor II” brings the listener back to the depths of despair, while “The Painter” is an ode to artist Fred Terna, a sage old friend who passed in 2022. Getting Older ends with “If a Robot Takes My Job,” a sardonic and silly song about AI.

Jacob Shipley writes not-so-sad-anymore acoustic folk-rock for those who forgave but find some masochistic joy in remembering. With a voice that is raw, powerful, and emotive, he shares stories from his own emotionally complicated life with humor and a knowing smile that only hindsight can bring. Shipley gives his live audiences the space to commiserate and laugh through the pain, sorrow, and embarrassment they’ve experienced. He performs as a solo musician or with a backing band.

Shipley’s musical collaborators include Emily Gregonis of the Bandshes, Sydney Parra, and Matthew Gregory. His fantastical collaborators are Damien Rice, Phoebe Bridgers, the Decemberists, Lucius, David Byrne, Joni Mitchell, and Tallest Man on Earth.

Shipley has been seen and heard at historic venues such as Caffe Lena, The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall, and the late Rockwood Music Hall. Jacob starred as John Newton in the first national tour of “Amazing Grade: the Musical” and was featured in the first actor-musician production of “Godspell.”

Comments are closed.