Emerging pop artist JAKE $ING, who signed to Sony Music just a year after his debut, continues to position himself as a new voice for Asian-American Gen Z with the release of his very first EP, Ups & Downs. Ups & Downs follow the success of his three most recent previous singles, “You’re So Ugly,” “Turn It Up,” and “Fresh Off the Boat.”
The singer-songwriter’s latest EP is comprised of four tracks, “MAKEUP,” “TILL IT HURTS,” “LET DOWN,” and “TOO MUCH.” The album is a testament to the last three years of his life, which $ING says, “made me realize that part of what it means to be a human is to go through those ups and downs” and that “these moments of ups and downs are what make us who we are.” The album portrays the nature of all the relationships in his life, being a mix of beautiful ups and heartbreaking downs. Each track serves as a phase of a good relationship turning sour. Faced with the certainty of losing loved ones, “all we can do is learn from the love and heal from the loss.”
JAKE $ING’s last single, “Fresh Off The Boat,” was released during the movement against AAPI hate. He championed Asian-American cultural identity and spoke on personal experiences growing up in America as a Chinese immigrant. The song “Fresh Off The Boat” gained media recognition as a reflection on ethnic diversity in the United States and an anthem for unity in the face of discrimination.
Before releasing “Fresh Off The Boat,” $ING made headway with his single “TURN IT UP,” which hit #1 on the FM 102.7 Urban Pop Music Chart in Hong Kong earlier this year — a notable and telling career achievement for the young up-and-comer.
As a fan of K-pop, $ING cites Stray Kids, BTS, and MAMAMOO as K-pop artists who inspire him and whose passion, performances, and dedication to their craft and artistry motivate him to continue to improve in his music.
JAKE describes his artistry as “honest” as he is hands-on with every aspect of his work. He showcases unlimited potential with his participation in all brand components, including composing, directing, producing, and video editing. $ING has garnered a growing, loyal following due to his approach to his music, being authentic and relatable.
Illustrating the countless hours of work and commitment he pours into his music to ensure its ingenuity, he states, “When you hear a song from me, it will always be from me, the videos will be from me, and the promos will be from me.” With the constant emergence of new talent, JAKE $ING aims to stand out by going against the grain and making it his mission to create music that touches people’s souls, pushes boundaries, promotes unity, and be an empowering figure to the Asian-American community.