Get to Know The Frontier!

In 2015, Jake Mimikos formed the Frontier and he hasn’t looked back. He has been featured on NPR, Netflix, The CW, MTV and more! The frontier is a one-man indie/acoustic project emerging from the D.C. area that combines a number of different genres including indie rock and acoustic. The band currently works with producer Austin Bello and has been creating some really interesting music! We got the opportunity to interview him, and wanted to share what we learned.

What first got you into music?

A: What first got me into music really was a bunch of different things. I think first and foremost I was just a lonely and shy kid. Pretty sure I remember seeing some neighbor friends of mine playing guitar and I thought it was the coolest thing in the world. I also had a friend who could play guitar really well and it blew my mind. I wanted more than anything to be able to do it. I started getting big into Green day back when we had tape cassettes and I remember trying to learn all of there songs after getting my first guitar at aged 14. Since then it has evolved and taken a dozen turns, but that’s how it all began.

How did you first start developing your career?

A: At first I remember playing a lot of open mics and making friends in the local music scene in the Fairfax, VA area. Sadly, the place shut down, but it was definitely the CBGB’s of our area. TT Reynold’s was the name and I’m still in touch with people from there back in the early 00’s. Also, I remember playing open mic’s at Jammin Java a bunch in Vienna, VA. I’d say I really laid out the foundation for my music career at both of those places. Since then I formed a few bands, toured, opened for national acts, recorded a record, ep’s, many singles, and even had a few of the songs placed in TV shows. A few of these releases are under different projects. All of this stuff lead me to where I am today and I’m glad I had all of the opportunities and met all of the people along the way.

What is the most challenging of your creative process?

A: The most challenging thing for me in the creative process sometimes can be finding motivation and staying inspired. I find that I have a habit of needing to be motivated by tragedies or painful events in my life to write. That hasn’t always been true, but sometimes pain is a great motivator for me to create. It’s really a great coping mechanism for me. As I have grown over the years I have tried to change that and focus on other things to use as inspiration. I also feel it’s challenging for me to stick to one style or mood. I get bored easily if the songs all start sounding too similar. That is also something I have been working on. I can’t really make any promises that I won’t change it all up again in a year or two.

Do you sing in the shower? If so what songs?

A: haha no, not usually. If I did I’d probably go with some Prince or maybe some Willie Nelson.

Who would you most like to collaborate with/what music artist do you most admire?

A: This is a really tough one because there are so many on this list. I’d say a few off the top of my head are Steven Tyler, Eddie Vedder, David Bowie, Prince, Willie Nelson, Brian Wilson, Chris Cornell and of course who wouldn’t wanna collab with Dave Grohl.

What do you feel is your biggest accomplishment in your career so far?

A: Some of the things I am most proud of are having the opportunity to be sponsored by Jägermeister in my old band and opening up for Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, Halestorm, and StoneSour on the Rockstar Energy Festival. That was absolutely nuts. Also, that band opened up for Buckcherry and The Damned things. Again, NUTS! Lately though, in my current project I’ve been excited about working with a producer who has a lot of experience in the music industry. Also, I’ve had a few songs land on Netflix, The CW, MTV, and NPR. This kind of stuff really helped give me some more confidence to stay on this path.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

A: Best advice I’ve ever gotten? I dunno. I say just live and let live. That’s the best advice I have right now haha.

What would you be doing right now, if it wasn’t for your music career?

A: I would be sad and depressed probably. Music keeps me going. Music is my fuel. It’s my lifeline. I honestly don’t know where I would be without it. Everything else in my life just comes and goes as it pleases, but thankfully I can always fall back on music. It’s one of those rare things that has always been there for me. I’m scared to think what my life would be like without being able to play music.

What does being from the DMV mean to you?

A: Well, funny enough I was born in CA, but I say I was raised in the DMV because I moved here at a very young age. This area is so diverse and multicultural and rich in wealth and jobs galore. It also has a lot of traffic (hooray, traffic!). Most of us just say we are from D.C. even when we live in the surrounding areas no one has heard of before. That just seems easier to me. I dunno why it’s a problem to anyone, ha. I used to think this was the worst place to be a musician, but I guess as I got older I learned a few things about this area. One of the biggest rock stars on the planet grew up here (Dave Grohl). Also, a legendary punk rock movement was started here. Furthermore, there are some bad ass music venues here ie. 930 Club, The Anthem, and The Fillmore just to name a few. So, overall, I’d say the DMV ain’t so bad.

Favorite food spot in the DMV?

A: Ya know, I’m just a broke musician so I don’t do a lot of fine dining. I do love me some Mission BBQ though.

What’s next for you?

A: I’m really excited to drop my next single ‘Ghost’ on May 14th! Definitely keep an eye out for that. Also, I’m really looking forward to getting back out there and playing shows again soon once we’ve figured out this whole Covid thing! Beyond that, the sky is the limit! Lots more music, recording, and releasing songs!

This track has been added to our Alchemical Weekly Spotify Playlist. Check it out!