Amelia Ruthven-Nelson
Contributor
A police officer and a pop musician are linked together about as often as a fish and a bicycle. Yet, somehow, there is Jesse Weeks.
Jesse David Weeks is a Toronto police officer who has just released his debut pop CD. Weeks is no musical amateur, either: Somewhere In The Distance is a witty, upbeat album that is slowly on its way to becoming a hit around the globe. The album is a remarkable combination of musical styles from all walks of life with a predominantly Caribbean-infused pop sound.
If you’re wondering how a police officer becomes a pop musician, don’t.
It’s actually the other way around: Weeks had dreamt of being in the music business most of his life. He was surrounded by music throughout his childhood and around 10th grade took an interest in writing lyrics and raps. He also considered becoming a pro baseball player.
Weeks’ father, while supportive of his son’s talents, knew from experience that the entertainment industry can “chew you up and spit you out” and recommended his son pursue a more stable career. When looking at his options after high school, Jesse knew he didn’t want to waste time at university when he didn’t know what he wanted to do besides music.
Weeks eventually found the right fit in the two-year policing program at Seneca College and was hired as a Toronto police officer at age 19 – an accomplishment, considering most are hired in their late twenties.
Weeks said his peers are “for the most part” supportive of his music career. His boss and co-workers support him and cover when he has to leave early for a show. However, there are also other officers that “have a more negative vibe” toward what he does.
“They tend to know of me, but don’t know what to think,” said Weeks.
Working with the Toronto police while trying to establish a music career meant Weeks’ album took years to finalize.
“It takes a while to get money, producers and the right collection of songs […] Six years is a long period of time experimenting with so many styles,” said Weeks.
The result is an album which is “disjointed, but it shows diversity, a singer on a journey, so every song is different.”
The time Weeks took to create the album really comes out in the quality of the lyrics and tunes, and he is already looking for a team to help him build his next collection.
Somewhere In The Distance reflects strongly upon Weeks’ good-natured personality and his career as an officer. While tracks such as “Year of the Gun” draw a clear inspiration from Weeks’ line of work, all of his songs either give off a positive vibe or point out that it “is a shame that this [violence] is happening.”
The album is incredibly uplifting, as the songs that express disappointment in society all push toward a better future. His lyrics have a uniquely Canadian viewpoint, often with references to actual events that have happened in Toronto.
Whether you’re inspired by his story or not, Jesse Weeks’ music is definitely worth checking out. His songs are relatable, uplifting and extremely catchy.
Jesse Weeks can be seen live Dec. 2 at 9 p.m. at C’est What, 67 Front Street. Somewhere In the Distance was released July 19.
