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Music Review: Jared Harper Shines with "I'll Find A Better Way"


Jared Harper  - The Cage, a music blog powered by Cage Riot
Photo provided by Heaven Zhang

By: Staff


Jared Harper makes a triumphant return with "I'll Find A Better Way," a vibrant pop-rock anthem that encapsulates the push and pull of modern romance.


With a terrific acoustic and drum-laden performance, this track has an unmistakable 50s doo-wop sound that feels like a group of greasers might turn the corner in a classic 1940s Chevy. The catchy melodies and driving instrumentals expertly marry western-inspired sounds with an infectious pop sensibility.


From the outset, the song grabs your attention with compelling guitar riffs that set the tone for a narrative about the complexities of love. Harper’s vocals carry a sense of urgency and longing, perfectly embodying the narrator's frustration as he navigates a relationship fraught with uncertainty and gamesmanship. The emotion in his voice wraps around the lyrics, making you want to sway and smile. The lyrics poignantly plead for honesty, inviting listeners into the emotional landscape of a classic cat-and-mouse dynamic.


The production is top-notch, showcasing a polished sound that enhances the song's anthemic quality. The chorus bursts forth with a sense of liberation, urging both partners to shed their pretenses and embrace vulnerability, with a universal sentiment that resonates deeply. Harper’s ability to blend dynamic pop-rock energy with heartfelt storytelling makes "I'll Find A Better Way" an essential addition to today’s musical landscape.


The electric guitars deliver a memorable, catchy riff that sticks with you, while the thumping drums keep your ears on their toes. When those drum fills complement the guitars and bass, it creates a magical mix that highlights Harper's vocal abilities. He has mastered the art of crooning, utilizing a long, sweet drawl that switches to explosive rock energy, making you want to jam along. And when the whistling comes in, it’s just 100% sold to us, with an infectious touch that elevates the overall vibe.


Having recently electrified crowds at BottleRock Napa Valley and shared stages with notable acts like Sawyer Hill and Mike Mains & the Branches, Harper’s growing presence in the music scene is undeniable. With over a million streams and features across various media outlets, this track solidifies his status as an artist to watch.


"I'll Find A Better Way" is not just a song; it's an experience, a soundtrack for anyone who has felt the thrill and frustration of love's unspoken truths.


Stream it now on all major platforms and dive into Jared Harper's fresh take on modern pop-rock!



Wait… there's more!


We had the chance to catch up with Jared Harper for an exclusive interview in "The Cage" Music Blog.


Here’s how it went:


Begin Interview


How did your performance at BottleRock Napa Valley shape your perspective on your musical journey?

-Performing at BottleRock Napa Valley was a pivotal moment for me. Playing at a festival has always been one of my biggest motivations for getting into music and performing live, so it felt monumental. It was one of those rare moments where every decision I’ve made so far seemed to lead up to that exact experience. It also served as validation that I’m on the right path and capable of achieving what I’ve been working so hard towards. This particular festival holds a special place in my heart, as it’s one I’ve loved for years and is close to where I grew up. Going from attending as a fan to performing on that stage was a full-circle moment, and I felt incredibly proud.


How long have you been making music, and what keeps you motivated to create?

-I’ve been making music for about eight years, and it remains the same creative outlet for me as when I first started. I’m not entirely sure what initially compelled me to write my first song, but I quickly discovered how fulfilling it was to pour my thoughts and feelings onto a page and then turn them into something I could sing. Honestly, the motivation comes from sharing that with others—whether it’s through releasing a track or performing live—and seeing or hearing the listeners' reactions. That connection is incredibly rewarding, and I don’t think that feeling will ever fade.


What instrument do you typically start with when creating new music, and how does it influence the direction of your compositions?

-I always start with the guitar. It’s the instrument I know best, and it’s perfect for laying down the foundation of a song. Once I start strumming, different sounds and melodies naturally emerge. From there, the direction of the song starts to take shape—it’s just a matter of hitting the strings and getting into it.


What instrument have you always wanted to master but haven’t yet?

-Piano! I’ve always wanted to learn blues and boogie-woogie piano, and it’s definitely on my list. I plan on diving into it at some point—if I can ever stop procrastinating!


Do you produce your music independently, or do you work with an outside producer? How do you finalize your projects, and who helped on "I'll Find A Better Way"?

-I don’t produce my own music. I really enjoy collaborating with other producers because there’s something powerful about having two minds interpreting the same song. I’ve learned that it’s important to stay open-minded about where a track should go and follow the direction that feels right, rather than forcing it to fit a specific vision. Finalizing projects is usually straightforward—it’s just about following the process step by step. Once the song is mastered, it’s ready to go! For 'I’ll Find a Better Way,' the incredible Adam Neilson produced the track. I brought the song to him with a general idea of where I wanted to take it, and he executed it flawlessly.


What has been your biggest motivator throughout your music career so far?

-Performing live has definitely been my biggest motivator. The energy and connection you feel from a live audience can completely uplift your mood and change the atmosphere. It’s also something that pushes me out of my comfort zone, which has been a valuable learning and growing experience. Knowing that I can put myself in an uncomfortable situation and thrive has been incredibly rewarding.


Which part of the music-making process do you find most stressful—writing, recording, releasing, or something else entirely?

-I actually find the writing process to be the most stressful. It’s not something I love every time, but it definitely has its rewarding moments. Releasing a song can also be pretty stressful, mainly because I’m not the type to push it aggressively and say, ‘Listen to my song right now!’ I prefer to let the music speak for itself and leave the promotion to the marketing folks.


Of all the songs you’ve released, including "I'll Find A Better Way," which has had the biggest impact on you personally or professionally, and why?

-The release before this one, “Picture" was definitely a major turning point for me. It really ignited the momentum that eventually led to my first music festival performance. What made it even more special was how effortless the writing process was—I wrote the song in ten minutes, and it felt right from the start. Once it was released, I realized it resonated strongly with listeners as well, which made it even more meaningful. That song will always hold a special place in my heart.


Where do you see your sound evolving in the next few years? Are there any new genres or styles you're eager to explore?

-I’m excited to explore a few different styles. My team and I have a plan to cover a range of genres with upcoming albums, but I’m not quite ready to reveal more than that just yet! I can say, though, that I’m really looking forward to diving into each one and seeing where the journey takes us!


If a band (no matter how famous) were scouting for someone with your talents and you had the opportunity to audition, which band would you love to be asked for the chance to work with them?

-I would be thrilled to join either the Arctic Monkeys or The Strokes on tour. Both bands have had a profound influence on my music, and I’ve always admired the incredible energy they bring to their shows. It would be a dream to be part of that atmosphere and connect with their passionate audiences!


How would you handle traveling and being away from home for an extended period while on tour?

-I would definitely welcome the opportunity with open arms! While there are certainly challenges that come with touring and being away from home for extended periods, I’m grateful for every opportunity that comes my way. I see it as a chance to grow, connect with new audiences, and immerse myself in the music scene.


Do you follow a process or ritual before a performance to manage nerves or performance anxiety?

-If I ever feel nervous, I’ve found that pacing back and forth while focusing on my feet oddly helps calm me down! Recently, though, I’ve discovered that jumping right into the first song is the best way to manage those nerves. Once I start playing, most of my worries tend to fade away.


Where do you stand on social media—do you enjoy using it to connect with fans, or is it more of a necessary evil?

-I genuinely enjoy connecting with people who appreciate my work, that’s what it’s all about! While social media isn’t entirely my jam, as an independent artist, I recognize the benefits it brings. It allows me to engage with my audience and build a personal connection, which is invaluable.


When you have the opportunity to be a guest on any late-night talk show, which would it be and what would you want to discuss?

-Conan O’Brien! I grew up watching his late-night show so it would be an absolute honor to be a guest to say the least. His style of humor and comedy hit the spot every time and I actually think about this often because he does a segment called “Conan Without Borders” where he travels around the world and I always think about how fun it would be to do an episode like that with him.


As your influence grows, how would you like to use your platform to make a positive impact on the world?

-As long as I can make people feel good and brighten their day, that’s more than enough for me. There are many things I’d like to do with my platform. Artists play a significant role in shaping culture and have a unique ability to help others, which is one of the reasons I love this craft. As my platform grows, so does the opportunity to make a positive impact, and that’s something I genuinely look forward to.



End Interview


We’re happy to have shared Jared Harper’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.


Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!




Check out this latest release and listen to more of Jared Harper on Spotify & YouTube.












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