Jake Miller is finding his rhythm — and the sweet spot between life, love, and loss — on his latest album, BALANCE. Marking his fifth studio record, the project sees the Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter dive into some of his most personal storytelling yet, layered over a dynamic blend of pop, rap, and balladry.
As his music continues gaining traction across the globe — especially in Asia — Jake is set to bring his BALANCE 2025 Tour to Singapore on 23 September, performing at Hard Rock Cafe Singapore for a one-night-only show. Ahead of the performance, Bandwagon caught up with Jake to talk about the making of BALANCE, his collab with NERIAH on ‘Rock Bottom’, and what he’s most excited to see in the Lion City.
BALANCE is your fifth studio album — what does this title mean to you personally, and how does it reflect the current chapter of your life and career?
BALANCE is an album about growing up, adjusting to life changes, and balancing all the most important things in your life. I’ve always thought keeping a perfect balance is the key to true happiness, so I thought it would be a great title and concept for an album. This project also has a balance of songs about love, heartbreak, birth, and death.
Your music has always danced between upbeat anthems and emotional storytelling. How did you find that balance in this album’s sound and lyrics?
I always want my music to cover various topics and have different sounds. I never want to be too predictable or box myself in. Whether I’m singing a ballad about getting married, or rapping about going through tough times, I always put 100% of myself into every lyric and melody.
Was there a specific song on BALANCE that challenged you the most to write or produce?
‘A Million Ways To Miss You’ was the most challenging song to finish. I spent about two months revisiting the beat, the lyrics, and the melody — tweaking and changing it until I thought it was perfect. The song sounded very different when I first started it. I’m glad I put in so much effort to make it right because it’s definitely a fan favourite.
You’ve shared that BALANCE is deeply personal — is there a lyric or moment on the album that feels like your emotional core?
The entire song ‘Math’ hits me in my core. That song is about living so far away from my family and coming to the sad realization that if we remain on opposite sides of the country, I might not have too much more time with them. Right now, I only see my parents a few times a year and we’re all getting older. It’s a very morbid thing to think about, but it reminds me to cherish them and soak in every second that I get with them.
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You’ve teamed up with NERIAH on ‘Rock Bottom’. What drew you to that collaboration?
NERIAH was such a huge help in making so many songs on this project, but our song ‘Rock Bottom’ is my personal favourite on the record. We both just love making sad songs, and thought that together we could make a super emotional yet cool song.
How do you usually approach collaborations?
I honestly haven’t done too many collaborations in my life, but when I do, they just come naturally. ‘Rock Bottom’, for instance, was a song we were just writing for me, and halfway through the session I thought “this song could really use a female vocal” — and NERIAH has the most beautiful voice, so it was perfect!
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With your music now reaching new audiences in Asia, how has that shaped your mindset as an artist?
My music spreading to Asia has completely changed the way I look at making music. Songs I made 10 years ago are just now starting to blow up in different areas around the world, so it’s taught me to be patient and not get too discouraged if I release a song and it doesn’t perform well right off the bat. I’m so grateful that I’m able to see the whole world all because of my music.
You’ve had hits go viral and built a loyal fanbase over the years. What’s something you’ve learned about longevity in today’s music industry?
To maintain longevity, I’ve learned that you not only have to have great music but also let people into your life and who you are. I think my fans really appreciate my music, but I think they’ve stayed by my side for 10-plus years because they feel like they know me. I put my entire life on social media, being as transparent as possible about every aspect of my life. I have the best fans in the world and sometimes they feel like friends or even family.
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Is there a new genre or sound you’re itching to explore that might surprise your fans?
I’d love to make a full acoustic project one day. Organic, real instruments only. Maybe even a country-leaning album one day — who knows?
You’re finally bringing the BALANCE Tour to Singapore! What’s one thing you’re most excited to experience or try while you’re here?
I’m so excited to experience Singapore for the first time and meet all the fans who have been supporting me for so many years. I’ve always heard such amazing things about Singapore and I can’t wait to see it for myself.
Purchase tickets for Jake Miller's concert at Hard Rock Cafe Singapore on 23 September via SISTIC.
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