We all have our own ways of dealing with things when life gets a little overwhelming, and Jake Whiskin knows that feeling well. On his new EP, Over the Edge, the Leeds-born singer-songwriter explores bad habits, heartbreak, nostalgia and the decisions we make when we're not quite thinking straight. Released through Avenue A Records / Futures and Virgin Music, the project marks a new chapter in his career, both personally and musically.
For this release, Whiskin travelled to Los Angeles to work with producer James Flannigan, who has worked with Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa and Orla Gartland. The two took a hands-on approach, playing every instrument themselves and developing each song from the ground up. That freedom comes through in the final result, with richer arrangements and bigger melodies giving Whiskin's songwriting more room to grow without losing its personal touch.
The EP follows the previously released singles Sabbath Deep Cuts and The Mess I Made, both of which offer a glimpse into the themes running through the project. At its centre is the title track, Over the Edge, which examines how far we can let ourselves go emotionally, particularly when caught up in a relationship or situation we know isn't doing us any good. It's also one of Whiskin's most ambitious recordings to date, moving from restrained verses into powerful, full-bodied choruses.
"I think the heart of the EP is really about excess in different forms," Whiskin explains, pointing to the habits, memories and emotional attachments we sometimes struggle to leave behind. It's an idea that carries throughout the record, giving the songs a sense of continuity while allowing each one to explore a different side of the story.
Having recently completed a sold-out UK and European support tour with Barns Courtney, Whiskin continues to build on the momentum of his previous releases. With Over the Edge, he's clearly enjoying the opportunity to push his sound further, taking a more confident approach to production while keeping the songwriting at the centre. And that's ultimately what makes this new project worth spending time with.
