For a guy who didn’t pick up a guitar until he was 21, Milwaukee singer-songwriter Jake Paul has already advanced further than musicians with far greater experience. He’s now touring and recording as Jake Paul — and has quickly become a Midwestern roots-rock favorite. He also makes annual appearances at Milwaukee’s Summerfest, an 11-day event hailed as “the world’s largest music festival.” With influences ranging from the Grateful Dead to Sublime, Jake Paul’s authentic and memorable songs rise above the disposable rock ’n’ roll heard on mainstream radio. His performances feature fresh musicians from southeastern Wisconsin who’ve built a loyal fan base playing honest, evocative music. The music has been released by Anamoly Records, Jake’s own label, which helped finance his band’s first two albums and may eventually sign other artists, too. For now, though, Jake Paul is all about playing music — “good music that people enjoy,” Jake says. “It sounds so obvious, but that truly is our goal. In fact, I still take guitar lessons. I want to master the fretboard just like Jerry Garcia.” — Michael Popke Two Lakes Media