Jake Thistle lives on a Ghosted Road
Without seeing Jake Thistle in the flesh, one might find it difficult to believe that the multi-faceted artist is just 18 years old. Thistle, after all, has already played with a host of legends, like the Heartbreakers, John Hiatt, Earl Slick, Jim Keltner, and others. American Songwriter has proclaimed that “Thistle is poised to lead the much-needed revival of classic ‘70s singer/songwriters…”
At the tail end of last year, Thistle released his single, “Ghosted Road,” along with its accompanying video. The video for “Ghosted Road” was shot live, as Thistle recorded the track at Lakehouse Studios in New Jersey. The video captures the process of crafting the song as well as a particular moment in Thistle’s career.
Now, Thistle has released a stripped down, acoustic version of “Ghosted Road,” as well as announced his new single “The Dreamer,” set for late March release.
“Unlike most of the songs I write, Ghosted Road was one I always envisioned as a full band tune,” shares Thistle. “So, when we decided to go record a stripped version, it was such an incredible experience trying to rework the song to sound more like the acoustic tunes I've recorded in the past. It was fascinating for me to hear my new writing recorded in a way that more closely resembles my first album.”
That first album is Down the Line, which Thistle recorded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Down the Line certainly captured the industry’s attention and, subsequently, Thistle has been featured on CBS News, Variety, Billboard, BBC Radio, The Record, WCBS FM, NYC's Q104.3 FM, Norman's Rare Guitars, All Guitar Network, and a wide range of other news outlets.
Thistle is set to perform at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park, NJ on March 10 and at The Turning Point in Piermont, NY on March 26 for his single release party.
Born and raised in Paramus, NJ, Thistle first picked up a guitar at nine years old and began gigging less than six months after that. He was playing bars at 10 years old.
“At one of the first of those bars, I played alongside the lead guitarist for Blood, Sweat and Tears,” remembers Thistle. “He really liked me and gave me my only handful of live lessons before he went back on tour. Other than that, I’m self-taught. When I was 11, John Hiatt brought me on stage to play/sing his encore to a full house, which was another important moment for me. Then when I was 12, I was hired to play in the UK for a Bruce Springsteen fan event, which was also special.”
In addition to his obvious and ever-growing passion for music, Thistle is deeply involved in several charitable causes. He has helped raise millions – and has personally raised over $100,000 – for organizations like the American Cancer Society, WhyHunger, and Tazzy Fund/Rock the Dogs.
“I’m very inspired by the human condition in relation to the current state of the world, and how people interact across different relationships,” shares Thistle.
Jake Thistle is part of Gold’n Retriever Entertainment, founded by music industry veteran Joe Riccitelli. Riccitelli created Gold’n Retriever Entertainment back in 2021 to provide label services for independent artists who need expertise in an ever-changing industry. Gold’n Retriever Entertainment is a full-service company consulting in music management, marketing and radio/video promotion that help fulfill the US and worldwide needs of the artist with their brand experts in distribution deals, digital marketing, DSP management, sync placement, local tour marketing and press.
