Kamloops, B.C. guitarist, singer and harmonica player Jake Soberlak is preparing to release his debut album, I’m In Trouble, on September 11, 2026, as the 17-year-old musician expands his presence in Canada’s blues scene with a series of fall performances across British Columbia.
The album is being introduced with debut single “You Gotta Leave,” an original composition that draws on traditional blues recording techniques while highlighting Soberlak’s approach to a genre developed generations before he was born. The release will be followed in October by eight scheduled appearances stretching from Salt Spring Island to Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.
Jake Soberlak Builds on Early Passion for Traditional Blues
Soberlak’s interest in blues began after discovering records belonging to his grandfather that had been brought to Canada from England. The collection introduced him to the raw sound of earlier blues recordings and led him to explore the genre’s history.
Artists including B.B. King, Peter Green and Eric Clapton became important influences as he developed his musical skills. Soberlak began playing guitar at 13 and added harmonica a year later, gradually establishing a reputation through performances around Kamloops and the surrounding region.
His first single demonstrates how those influences are being incorporated into his original material.
‘You Gotta Leave’ Draws Inspiration From Papa Lightfoot
Soberlak wrote “You Gotta Leave” after listening to Papa Lightfoot’s “Wine, Whiskey and Women.” He was particularly interested in the recording’s vocal sound, which appeared to have been captured through a harmonica microphone.
That technique became the starting point for an original song designed to reproduce some of the character of vintage blues recordings while introducing Soberlak’s own songwriting.
“You gotta leave now babe go away from my door,” Soberlak sings, “it’s over now baby I don’t want you around no more.”
The song also includes the line “won’t you tell me where you learned to be so cold,” reflecting the direct lyrical style associated with traditional blues. A prominent piano solo is among Soberlak’s favourite moments from the recording.
Debut Album Recorded Live at Vancouver’s Afterlife Studios
For I’m In Trouble, Soberlak travelled to Vancouver’s Afterlife Studios and worked with producer and drummer Leon Power, whose credits include City and Colour and Frazey Ford.
Power assembled a group of experienced musicians for the sessions, including Darren Parris on bass and Darryl Havers on piano. John Raham handled engineering duties.
The musicians recorded the album live off the floor over two days, with four performers playing together in the studio rather than constructing the tracks individually. The approach was intended to preserve the spontaneity and interaction central to traditional blues recordings.
“They’re all great people and great musicians, and it was so much fun,” Soberlak says.
Young Musician Looks to Earlier Generations for Inspiration
Despite his age, Soberlak’s musical interests extend deep into recordings from earlier decades, including blues material from the 1930s through the 1950s.
“Not all blues songs are sad,” he explains. “It’s really a reflection of life. I like finding songs from the 30s, 40s or 50s, these gems that I really connect with, and I enjoy giving them my own take once I’ve learned them.”
That combination of historical influence and original songwriting will form the foundation of his debut album.
Eight B.C. Performances Scheduled for October
Following the September 11 album release, Soberlak will take his music to several communities across British Columbia.
The fall schedule begins October 8 at the Salt Spring Legion on Salt Spring Island, followed by a private house show in Cowichan Bay on October 9 and a performance at The Rainbow Room in Port Alberni on October 10.
He will host the Nanaimo Blues Jam at The Queens on October 11 before appearing at The Coda Club in Victoria on October 13. The schedule continues at The Heatley in Vancouver on October 15, Bez Arts Centre in Langley on October 16 and The Dewdney Church of the Blues in Dewdney on October 18.
For Soberlak, the growing schedule and debut recording support a straightforward ambition.
“I just want to be playing music and gigging,” he says. “That’s all I want to do.”
With I’m In Trouble, Soberlak is positioning that ambition at the centre of his first full-length release, combining traditional blues influences with the beginning of a professional recording and touring career.