- Bryon Harris
Jerace - 'Just Like You'
Review by Abby Kenna & Staff
“Just Like You” by Jerace is an evocative song narrating a spine-chillingly relatable tale of the grim struggles of life.
While Jerace authentically explores these real-life concepts in “Just Like You”, he has also created a track that fits right into the Halloween season with its masterfully chilling instrumental elements. The background vocals mimic ghouls, diving into the depths of the arrangement with an ethereal gloom. Lilting at the top of the mix, strings sometimes highlight the melody in eerie bursts of brightness. Additionally, the minor chord progression creates a foundation of haunting atmosphere for the song to build off of.
One of the most unique aspects of the arrangement of “Just Like You” is the flow of the song’s beat. The drums morph with the ebb and flow of emotion in Jerace’s lyricism, driving each new section forward with newfound fervor. This technique is remarkably effective in the chorus, as the beat shifts into a driving shuffle that emulates the panicked rush of the lyrics:
“‘Cause sometimes I feel like my hands are going numb
My brain gets dumb
And I feel just like you…”
Contrastingly, Jerace steers us out of this surging stampede of emotion into the second verse, where the content is still flush with feeling, but laced with a heavier tone. Instead of a constant current of rising tension, the verse accentuates each beat, emphasizing the low, dark background vocals that shadow Jerace’s melody. It’s a funeral march of echoing voices and blunt, bold beats that perfectly portray the weight and ominous tone of the lyrics:
“If you depend on the good life
You might miss out on your whole life
Lost in the end
Where nothing comes alone…”
Anthemic and heartwrenching , “Just Like You” is a cinematic orchestration of life’s hardships and the eye-opening realization that we all are alike in our struggles, no matter how much happier everyone else may seem. Jerace cleverly crafts his arrangement to mimic the haunting nature of these sorrows, allowing listeners to get swept away into the relatable story and vivid track.
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About Jerace
Jerace has been involved in the music world his entire life. He is a songwriter first and foremost. He writes, records and produces all of his own original songs. His brother, Matthew, is a musical engineer and producer who co-produces Jerace’s music and plays the drums during their live performances.
Jerace is also an accomplished and versatile musician who can play the guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. Performing in front of audiences allows him to connect with others and share his love of music with them. In 2010, Jerace signed a recording contract with producer RedOne of [Lady Gaga]. He worked at some of the top recording studios in L.A. such as Henson and Chalice Studios where he was able to write and co-produce songs that were featured in hit TV shows such as “Modern Family” and “Dancing with the Stars”.
Growing up in Cleveland, Ohio, coming from a strong musical background, Justin was introduced to the music scene at an early age. His father, Sonny Geraci found world-wide success in the late 60’s and 70’s with two Billboard #1 records, “Precious and Few” and “Time Won’t Let Me”. Jerace continues to carry on that important family tradition of making and performing music.
The retro influenced, highly eclectic blend of pop music and alternative pop reflects his ability to express and connect with the listener through themes that are at once deeply personal but also universal to the human condition. With honest lyrics, soulful melodies and memorable hooks the music is both highly relatable while retaining emotional depth. His original song “Crawl” is available on all digital media platforms now.
For more information on Jerace, please check out his website.