Jeremie Albino, the 50’s blues-inspired Rock n Roll prophet hailing from Toronto, is ready to make his mark. The electrifying artist, who prior to beginning his career in music spent much of his life working on farms, has slowly been making waves since releasing his first single “Shipwreck” earlier this year. True to his vintage aesthetic, his music reflects all that he grew up on– the uber-talented Blues and Americana artists of the previous century. The cross section of these influences has led to an array of dynamic releases from Albino that has culminated in his debut album, Hard Time, out today with Cinematic Music Group.

“We started recording the album around this time last year, but I’ve been working on it for almost 2 years…. My whole career has been leading up to this. I’m definitely excited but it’s been a long time coming.”

While in NYC, we had the opportunity to bring Jeremie into Smash Studios to perform a selection of tracks off of Hard Time. With no backing band, Jeremie delivered– equipped with his guitar, harmonica, kick drum, and tambourine in order to deliver an explosive sound all his own. The first of these tracks, “Trouble” harkens back to his live-show beginnings. “I wrote “Trouble” when I was starting to play shows in bars around where I live. I ended up getting this gig— but I didn’t have enough songs for a set.” Jeremie explained in an interview with Play Too Much, “I wrote that song on my back porch a couple hours before the gig. I started riffing on those old blues beats and next think I know I was performing it onstage. It’s an ode to all of the blues songs I grew up on.” You can watch Jeremie’s performance of “Trouble” below, and get to know more about the rising star by reading our extended Q&A.

[PTM]: What/who were your major influences on ‘Hard Time’? What would you consider to be the standout song for someone wanting to get an idea of who you are?

[JA]: My life—I was out working on farms for the past 8 years so all of these tunes go hand in hand with my adult life. I moved out when I was 19 and these stories come from my experiences and my passions.

If someone had to listen to just one song, it would be “Amelia.” It’s the one song I’ve always loved and it just feels the most me. It’s just so unique I love it. There’s parts of it I can be really intimate with and it’s been there since I first started making the band.

[PTM]: What pushed you to pursue music? 

[JA]: I needed a change and a chance to pursue my passion. I grew up on all this music and I had always been writing on my own, so I felt it was time to actually take the jump. It was such a huge change to what I was used to doing [farming]– I was outdoors every day and being active, but it kind of relates and goes hand in hand with being creative.

[PTM]: You’re currently touring with JD McPherson and you’re about to tour with St. Paul and the Broken Bones—how’s tour been going?

[JA]: The audiences have been amazing and JD is just such a great guy to be around. It’s really nice to be able to play enthusiastic audiences like that. I’ve also been doing some shows with just me, and it’s nice to play alone and do those intimate shows—but it just doesn’t compare to when I have my band. To play with these bigger acts I need to keep up with them so I have to have the Rose Hall Band behind me. For the St. Paul tour we’re going to have a 5 piece which means I’ll be able to run around on stage and be at full energy. I’m already dynamic on my own, but with the band I’ll be able to completely cut loose.

[PTM]: You’re also set to perform at Americana Fest— are you looking forward to going back to Nashville and being apart of such a stacked lineup?

[JA]: Americana fest is such a great festival—there’s tons of bands and artists I want to check out. Jade Bird, Orville Peck… especially Keb Mo— I’ve been listening to him since I started playing guitar. There’s also a ton of great artists there both at the festival and in Nashville I’d love to work with like Erin Rae and Langhorne Slim—so I’ll be fairly busy between performing and attending the festival. I’m especially looking forward to getting some Nashville hot chicken though.

[PTM]: What do you want listeners to walk away with after listening to your music?

[JA]: I just hope they like it and they connect with what I’ve been trying to do.

[PTM]: And finally, who are the artists you Play Too Much?

[JA]: Depends on the day, but let’s go with Harry Belefonte (Live at Carnegie Hall is my favorite record of all time), Lightning Hopkins, and my favorite band– The Deslondes.