In true Americana fashion, independent artist Jake Swamp and The Pine, also known as Drew Zieff, carries his heart on his sleeve as he honestly reflects his current reality in “Drive, Drive, Drive,” releasing on November 14th. Zieff, the brilliant mind behind Jake Swamp and The Pine, is diving into his most vulnerable chapter yet. As he showcases life’s most beautiful and confusing moments, his crafting of intentionally raw vocals, meaningful lyrics, and touching topics allows listeners to fully immerse themselves in everything that Zieff has to offer. In Zeieff’s most recent work, “Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes,” he reminisces on the carefree life that he once took for granted during his high school years, now cherishing the memories he has. “Drive, Drive, Drive” is a beautifully intentional response to “Empty Stomachs and Bloodshot Eyes” that many listeners will see themselves in, specifically in their mid to late twenties. For Zieff, “this song came from a place of really feeling stuck in life and feeling obligated to responsibilities, but really just wanting to get in the car and drive until it runs out of gas.” Drawing inspiration from artists like The Avett Brothers, Brandi Carlile, and Tyler Childers, Zieff harnesses a unique and well rounded sound that listeners crave.
Zieff has crafted an incredibly safe space for listeners who may feel lost in these transitional years, as adulting has created a hyper awareness that our peers, friends, and family may all be navigating life at individual paces. The overwhelming fear that you’re standing still while the world whips around you is a reality for so many, as we compare ourselves to those around us. Throughout society, we are hauntingly aware that life moves at a pace that is terribly unforgiving; “Drive, Drive, Drive” reflects the need to escape by throwing on your favorite songs, turning off your distractions and driving to clear your mind. Zieff reminds listeners that feeling unfulfilled is a harsh reality that we all struggle with in one form or another. He encourages listeners to take time to unpack these emotions before resetting yourself towards your next goal.
Listeners can stream “Drive, Drive, Drive” on all platforms on November 14 and watch the music video on November 28.
At the end of a long day traversing the White Mountains, when the sun has laid down behind the horizon and the shush of the forest descends, there’s a certain feeling that builds around the campfire. When Jake Swamp and the Pine was started, this was the feeling that was intended to be captured.
Currently composed of Drew Zieff on guitar, vocals, and foot stomping percussion, and having formed in 2018, JSATP has toured relentlessly in the Greater Boston and New England region. Recent performances include The Middle East, Toad, Lizard Lounge, The Burren, City Winery, and Nightshift Brewery’s Brite Lites Music Festival in addition to partnering with SoFar Sounds for a number of concerts. Recently, the band finished 2019 and 2020 with two nominations at the Boston Music Awards (Americana Act of The Year, Drew Zieff for Vocalist of The Year).
Drew prides himself on bringing the ruckus and energy of a full band, while also being able to create an intimate space that is typically associated with a singer-songwriter, and can seamlessly ebb and flow between the two.
Jake Swamp and the Pine songs range from powerful acoustic anthems to knee-slapping hoedowns to slow and somber waltzes, drawing on diverse influences from the Americana, folk, singer-songwriter, bluegrass, and jam band traditions. With a collection of original songs and covers of artists spanning The Grateful Dead to Stan Rogers to Bill Monroe, there’s always something to stomp, clap, or holler along to. Following the release of their freshman EP in May 2019, their music has been featured on WERS 88.9, WXRV 92.5, WATD 95.9, and WDST 100.1.
