After nearly two decades working on his craft, Cambridge’s own Jesse Perriam has finally written, recorded, and released his debut solo album under the name Useless Urving. Drawing influences from legends across the punk rock and pop punk spectrum, we sat down with the man behind the music to find out more about him and the album, which titled No Props, No Punchlines.
Tell us a little bit about your musical journey—where you started to how you got here.
I’ve been singing for fun as long as I can remember. Choir used to be my favourite part of elementary school. I’d sit on the bus in April singing Christmas carols. Eventually when I realized I could carry a tune, I’d start working on my voice privately; trying to imitate pop artists like The Backstreet Boys and 98 Degrees. Eventually I came across bands like Treble Charger, American Hi-Fi, and Blink 182 and I realized fairly quickly that punk was the sound for me and I completely bailed on all those old boy bands.
When I was 13, I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to take free guitar lessons from an incredible teacher, and though I’ve dabbled in multiple genres, I would often find myself returning to punk, metal, and all the dad rock my parents would have playing on the radio all the time. Then, when I was 20, I had the chance to open for Rick Emmet from Triumph’s side project Strung Out Troubadours and that really opened my eyes to how hard I’d have to work if I really wanted to make music my career.
In retrospect, I think I fell off of music a bit at that point just because I never thought I’d be able to amount to that level of musicianship, but I didn’t stay away for long. It probably took another 10 years or so to properly buckle down and really get into practicing properly. Throughout those 10 years I’d work weddings and other social events as a live musician to some success, but I still wasn’t taking my own abilities as a musician too seriously.
Finally within the last 3 years or so I really started buckling down. I’ve recorded some in the past, but it was never of any quality I could be proud of, so when the prospect of getting in the studio became more tangible, I almost balked again. Thankfully, I stuck with it and throughout the year it took to record what was meant to just be an EP but gradually grew into a full length debut album, I’ve become a guitarist, singer, and songwriter that I can derive some pride from. I’m not where I want to be yet by any means, but I’m only getting better. I hope I’m still shredding and learning new things about music when I’m 92.
If I understand correctly, you’re primarily a solo artist. What was the inspiration to select the name useless Urving?
I’m probably going to have to make up a way more interesting story for this at some point, but the truth is that I was still using my previous project name, Childe Roland, when I recorded the first song in studio. I was about to upload it to my streaming platform distributor, and my curser was sitting in the text field to type in the artist name, and I just didn’t like the feel of Childe Roland any more. I was also asking someone for help with somethings on Spotify and casually referred to myself as a “useless Irving” because I’m just bad at all that stuff. I laughed at it, typed it in, changed the I in Irving to a U for alliteration, and that’s about it.
You recently released your debut album, what can listeners expect from the record? What sort of influences, themes, and highlights can they look forward to hearing?
I think the answer to all three of those points is nostalgia. I’m mentally still living in 2004 most of the time, and so my writing and composition styles are very reflective of that. I’ve gotten a lot of feedback about how it really brings people back to that time in their own lives as well. I obviously have a lot of musical and writing influences in terms of other musicians, but regarding the album specifically I think that’s really the best answer. If you listen, you’re going to hear something new, but it’ll feel like something you’ve been listening to for years and years. That’s my hope, anyway.
Given that you have been a musician for as long as you have, what was it about now that made you decide it was time to get everything together to release an album?
Hands down the main push was external encouragement from family, friends, and especially Matt–the amazing producer of the album. We’re incredibly like-minded, and so he knew exactly what to say to really push me to keep at it and finish what I started. I don’t think I ever would have done it entirely of my own volition at that point in my life. Now I’m hooked so I’ve got a lot more in the tank going forward.
What was one of the most difficult experiences you faced when getting this record ready for release?
The most difficult part of the process was just trying to stay with it at the beginning. I basically just thought I sucked and that I was wasting everyone’s time, not least my own, and so it was hard to stay motivated to continue and even harder to show what I’d done to anyone. Definitely glad I stuck with it though. I’m much more confident in my ability now.
Was there anything about the process of the album’s composition that surprised you?
I think the most surprising thing is honestly just that I had the capability to do it, and also that I could truly enjoy what I’d made. Maybe it’s cringe, but I genuinely enjoy listening to the album myself. I didn’t think I’d ever feel as good about my own work as I do.
Speaking of processes, talk a little bit about your creative process and how you go about getting inspired to write, and finally sitting down to compose, a song.
Honestly the musical part is fairly simple. I’m always coming up with riffs and melodies and stuff like that in my head. I make sure to give myself time during practice to play around with things and just improvise for a bit and see if anything comes out. If it does, I use it. Lyric writing is a bit more of a challenge. It’s my least favourite part of the process because I tend to pick and pick at it. That said, I’m usually more or less happy with the end result. I need to have a personal resonance with the subject matter, and I think that’s really where the biggest challenge comes from. I need to write a song that sounds coherent, is relatable to my listeners, but also means something on a personal level. That criteria can sometimes be a bit limiting, but it always feels worth while in the end. In terms of putting it all together, I’ll usually record the instrumental first, then listen to it on repeat and add most of the lyrics as I listen. I’m not really one for writing notes or anything like that. I find I do my best work with a fresh idea and I’ll usually keep at it until I’m done.
From the beginning to the end of this project, do you feel that you’ve grown as an artist at all? If so, how?
I’ve grown in about every way an artist can grow. My guitar playing has never been better, my vocal range and confidence is on an entirely new level, my writing ability has become so much more concise and refined, and my general understanding of music has expanded massively.
Is there any advice you would give to a young musician who’s considering following a similar path toward releasing their music?
My advice is pretty simple. Practice. Work on scales and chords and also really practice what you’re going to be playing so you won’t be a 500 take Jake in the studio. Really try to increase your vocal range as well, even if you’re not the lead vocalist. I’m a firm believer that everyone in a band should be able to sing to at least a competent level so that you can harmonize live. Try to listen to other music similar to what you’re writing so that you can gain an understanding of the finer aspects of the genre from a musical/composition perspective. And don’t dunk on yourself if you’re not “good” at what you do yet.
Nobody is when they start. There’s a ton of time to get there. Just don’t take it for granted and you’ll build up skill eventually.
What projects or next steps can we expect from either you or useless urving in the near future?
I’m also working on a metal project called Down Bad. We’re currently reworking our sound a little so that’ll be exciting. I’m also working on getting some funding for the next Urving album. I’ve already done some preliminary writing, and I really do think it’s going to be a step up from No Props No Punchlines. I can’t wait to show it off. I’m also trying to be as active as possible on TikTok and YouTube Shorts. You can find me on TikTok at UselessUrvingBand and subscribe to the Useless Urving YouTube channel to see what I’ll be coming out with next.
‘No Props, No Punchlines’ is available now via all major platforms.
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