People of Central: Jacob McLeod

Photo and story by: Beth Nocerini  

During the COVID-19 pandemic, junior, Jacob McLeod began his journey as a singer and songwriter by picking up a guitar. It has now been five years since he started in the music industry playing the genres of indie and folk rock.  

McLeod has multiple singles, an extended play, an album released on all streaming platforms, along with a CD. In addition to their solo work, McLeod is also a part of the band ATJ, where he is a singer, guitarist, pianist, and songwriter.

Recently, the band released their first song called “Ginger,” on Friday, Feb 28. You can also listen to the band’s songs wherever you stream music.

McLeod chose CMU for its commercial music major. He also has a minor in songwriting and broadcast cinematic arts.

“After college, I plan to make a career in music however I can,” he said.   

Inspiration is everywhere for McLeod. His notes app serves as a digital journal for anytime he is inspired by everyday life. While he will write music anywhere, he prefers to be by a window.  

“I want to be this guy that gets down to the wires and only works hard, but then I realize, you need to be living to get that inspiration,” he said.  

McLeod has played in venues across Michigan as a solo artist and with his band ATJ. He has also played at events here at CMU such as Mainstage and the Rock Rally.  

Beginning with writing pop songs to writing indie and folk rock, McLeod’s music has matured throughout the years as he came to college and started taking creative writing classes.  

“I can’t listen to some of my earlier songs I released,” he said. 

Main themes found in McLeod’s music is the idea of growing up, introspective, and romance. When streaming, McLeod hopes that listeners can sit back and relax while finding something to resonate with.  

Billy Joel, Bob Dylan, Hozier, and John Mayer are some of McLeod’s idols in the music industry along with his dad who was a band director for 20 years.  

“Stick to your gut, stick to your heart” is McLeod’s advice to aspiring musicians. When first beginning in the music industry, McLeod struggled with telling people his future career plans because of the stigma surrounding music careers.  

Despite the stigma, McLeod has made money from his songwriting and performing. He can sustain himself without another job and officially has a company for his music called Northwoods LLC.  

“If it’s not something you feel don’t do it,” he said.