We had the good fortune of connecting with Jacob Utter and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jacob, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Honestly most of my life is comprised of avoiding risks at all costs. I grew up in a very sheltered and controlling Christian home, so I believed to the core of my being that there are certain limitations to my ability that are pretty much impossible to overcome. As a kid who grew up with P.T.S.D because of losing my sister at a young age, It took me along time to realize that my mind is my most powerful asset. My mind was always my enemy, because of my inability to overcome my panic attacks, I just felt pretty small I guess. So when I decided to be a musician, (after some heavy convincing from my wife) I hadn’t considered it as a career due to my pretty intense performance anxiety and my hatred of failure. But through taking some huge risks in playing music live and putting myself out there by writing music honestly and vulnerably, I see the value in taking as many risks as necessary to get where you want to be.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My artistic focus was born from an obsession with the power within music to deeply move people. Music is a tool with which you can create an emotional atmosphere, or even a social climate. So as an event musician I push to play music in a way that conveys the feeling the coordinator wants. Custom sets and cover shows are a fun way to push myself creatively and musically, to use music as an accurate medium. In my writing I am trying to take my experience and create a musical embodiment of it, where anyone who hears it comes alive in some way and leaves my shows feeling introspective. So overall I think my brands focus is to simplify and make my music feel accessible to everyone. I want to remind people of the solidarity of the human spirit, and that they aren’t alone, since everyone feels alone sometimes.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’ve lived in Fort Worth my whole life, and eating is one of my favorite pastimes, so here’s a list of my favorite coffee shops and restaurants in the area that you can’t come to Fort Worth Without trying. 1. For the best brunch in Fort Worth I would go over to Mash’d for their Chicken and Biscuits with “Chuck Norris Gravy”, aptly named as it is the best gravy I’ve ever had.
2. Then for a great hangout spot I would head over to Crude Craft Coffee Bar for literally the best coffee in Fort Worth, or take a walk down magnolia street and stop by the local “Magnolia Skate Shop”, and grab a few records at “Panther City Vinyl”.
3. For the best lunch on the city I would hit up “Salsa Limón” and get some famous “El Capitan” tacos and a mexican coke, then maybe head down to “Grow” a plant shop based out of a super cool airstream.
4. For more coffee of course, I am in love with “Arcadia Coffee” off of Bryan Ave, for their great drinks and gluten free pastries. And I love “Sons of Liberty” on Lancaster, for their nitro cold brew with chocolate milk, and their great space and seating.
5. For dinner and drinks I would head over to “Heim Barbecue” for the best barbecue in Fort Worth, for some good old crispy boys I would head to “Martin House Brewery”, “Funky Picnic”, or “Maggie’s R&R” for dinner, drinks, and live music.
6. For an excellent late night experience I would suggest the “Scat Jazz Lounge” for live jazz bands and cocktails, or hit up the AMC palace in downtown, then find the password for the secret speakeasy “Thompsons” and try some amazing drinks.
7. For the best live music venues you can find a good show at “M.A.S.S”, or a nice outdoor performance at “Lola’s Trailer park”. As well as a great bar and performances at “Tulips”.
8. For some more honorable mentions I would check out “The Modern” and the
“Amon Carter” art museums, then try and catch a double feature over at the “Coyote Drive-in” theater!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I want to shout out my wife elisabeth for being my best friend and support system throughout the hardest times of my life. AND for being supportive of my dreams as a starving artist

Website: Jacobutterlive.com

Instagram: Jacobutterlive

Facebook: Jacob Utter Live

Image Credits
Julia Alison Photgraphy Elisabeth Utter

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