Presently based in New York, Jacob Khalil has spent the better part of three years performing in piano lounges, restaurants, and music venues around the nation. A self-described ‘musical sponge’, Jacob has no aversion or pretension towards different forms of music. He finds himself as enamoured with an Eric Whitrace as he would be impressed with a Justin Bieber. Although his single finds itself as a distinctive modern pop tune, Jacob cites Jazz as the most defining influence on his sound. If I could draw a simple comparison, there are elements of John Legend in his music that would be easily recognisable to most. A powerful voice, an anthemic chorus, and a keen interest in the piano all play into that.
‘I Still Believe’ is a song about generalities, but one that’s so powerfully composed and emotively sung that t becomes a tune that strikes a chord of resonance with all of us. It’s particularly about division, hatred, and the issue with the lines that we draw between ourselve.s “I wrote this song while overlooking the Hudson River, in the northern part of Manhattan where I live,” says Jacob Khalil. “I just thought about how much the founders of this country went through in order to bring about a nation where we could feel free… It’s taken quite sometime to actually realize that freedom for all nationalities, genders, sexual orientations, etc. But I feel like we have the framework to become even better. This is a nation where we can start to see even more beauty and love because the ideals that we were founded upon are a firm foundation of goodness.”
Released on American independence day, it’s clear that Jacob wanted to send a message with this song. One that tries to envision a sense of belief in the nation that’s rooted in togetherness, in acceptance, and in camaraderie. Rather than letting us fester in the division, he’s calling for the reverse. It’s uplifting and anthemic — the perfect 4th of July tune.
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