Jakob Takos shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Jakob, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? Are you walking a path—or wandering?
I’d say I’ve always been on my path with creativity, and music has been the pulse behind everything I do since I first picked up a guitar at 10 years old. Over the years I’ve grown into my sound as a singer-songwriter and frontman of Jakob Takos & The Connection, blending what I call ‘Sunshine Soul’ a mix of indie folk, rock, and rhythm blues. In 2019 I released Create to Connect, my first collection of singles and music videos, which taught me the importance of putting myself out there and embracing growth over perfection.
Fast forward to today, I’ve found a core group of guys who share that same mindset, and together we’ve built The Connection. We put out 2 EPs Sunshine Soul & Sunshine Soul V2. We are recording a 12-song album now that captures the full depth of our sound. We’ve played everything from dope new venues like at Sugarshack Downtown in Bonita Springs to festival stages like the Meyer Amphitheater in West Palm Beach, and this fall we’ll be performing at the Bryant Amphitheater in Lake Worth for Bark Back Benefit. The path has always been music, but it’s those moments of wandering and taking risks, chasing curiosity that fuel the creativity and keep me inspired. Like Jack White said, ‘I’m one of those people that you have to keep your eye on or I’ll wander off into the woods and forget to come back,’ and I can definitely relate.”
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a singer-songwriter born and raised in Jupiter, Florida. I’ve been fortunate to perform both locally and nationally, sometimes as a solo act and other times with my band, Jakob Takos & The Connection. I sing and play guitar with the group, but I also love collaborating freelancing with other bands, recording, and writing whenever the opportunity comes.
The Connection was built from my passion to create and connect with others, and together we’ve shaped a sound we call Sunshine Soul. Inspired by legends like The Beatles, Johnny Cash, and Tom Petty, as well as modern bands like The Dip, Houndmouth, and The Big Push, our music blends indie folk rock with beach-style rhythm and blues. You can hear it on our records Sunshine Soul, Vol. 1 & 2, which capture both where we are now and where we’re headed.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
For me, that part would be my podcast, Create to Connect. It started as a space for conversation a place to highlight independent endeavors, self-expression, and the creative voices of others. I truly believed, and still do, that everyone has a unique source of creativity worth sharing, even if the words don’t always come out perfectly. Over 20 episodes, I got to learn from and talk with so many inspiring creatives and musicians, and it was an incredible experience.
But after a few years of going back and forth with it, I realized the podcast had served its purpose. I needed to prioritize my energy and time into the things that drive me most right now like finishing my 12-song album with the band, personal projects with my photography, and continuing to grow as an artist. I ended it with one final solo episode explaining exactly that it was time to let it go along with what I am looking forward to in the future.
What I carry forward, though, are the lessons and connections. I still want to keep those conversations alive, just not bound to a podcast format. Create to Connect gave me the reminder that creation and connection will always be my foundation, whether it’s through music, photography, or any other way I choose to share.
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
The fear that’s held me back the most has been the feeling of not being good enough especially when it comes to putting myself out there as an artist. For me, it’s not really about judgment, but more about comparison. It’s easy to look at someone else’s incredible work or opportunities and immediately think, ‘I could never do that,’ or ‘Why am I not growing like they are?’ That kind of mindset can stop you from even getting started, and for a while, I let it hold me back.
What’s helped me is learning to put out a body of work and then have an honest conversation with myself not comparing to others, but asking if I’m growing, if I’m pushing myself, and if I’m proud of what I’ve done. That’s how I measure progress now. Some of my songs touch on this struggle directly, like ‘Truly’ from Sunshine Soul Vol. 1, ‘Talking Thoughts’ from Vol. 2, and one of my new favorites, ‘Own Road’, which will be on the upcoming record. Music has been a way for me to process that fear and turn it into something that feels freeing instead of limiting.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
The person whose ideas I rely on most is my wife, Tia. She’s been my best friend and by my side for more than half of my life I even met her with a guitar in my hand. From day one she’s supported and encouraged me, and I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today without her. I’m always playing guitar around the house, workshopping ideas, and she’s the one who listens, gives honest feedback, and tells me what I need to hear. Beyond that, she has a great creative eye and forward-thinking ideas she even designed my website!
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope my work tells my story. From writing songs to creating both personal and commercial projects, everything I’ve put out has given me so much in life. I think back to being 15, playing music and making those first music videos, and then fast forward to today being in the studio with my band, creating original songs and capturing that same process but so much as happened in time but it’s still the same, but different. A true time piece. For me, walking into a room and creating something from nothing with others is like capturing lightning in a bottle.
Over the years I’ve experienced loss of incredibly talented friends and artists, and looking back at their work listening to their songs, watching old videos creates a deep connection that keeps their spirit alive. That’s something I value more and more as I get older. If there’s one thing I’d want people to take from my story, it’s that if you have something you’re proud of whether it’s a song, a photo, or even just an idea that brings joy share it. We live in an incredible time where our work can outlive us.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://JakobTakos.com
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/JakobTakosandTheConnection
- Facebook: https://Facebook.com/JakobTakosandTheConnection
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@jakobtakos
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@jakobtakos
Image Credits
@Man_The_Danalog
@GeoMediaCo
@JayCreatedThis
@DevGrains
@GeoMediaCo
