Jake Isaac is reflecting on the carefree days of childhood with his new single A Summer Long Ago, a soulful, nostalgic release that marks his next chapter.

The South London-born singer-songwriter has built a reputation for blending vintage soul with modern pop, earning praise from Sir Elton John, performing at Glastonbury and receiving widespread acclaim for his 2024 album BENJAMIN. Now, he is opening a new chapter with a song that reflects on simpler times and the memories that continue to shape us.

A Summer Long Ago pairs laidback grooves with rich saxophone melodies and Isaac's distinctive husky vocals, creating an easygoing soundtrack that feels equally suited to a summer evening or a relaxed drive. The track explores childhood through a dreamlike lens, recalling an era when long days outdoors seemed endless and life moved at a gentler pace.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the song, Isaac said he wanted to create music that offered a sense of calm during increasingly hectic times.

"I tried to create a song that was easy on the ears. I wanted something to put on at dinner time or to keep everyone chilled during the school run. In this day and age, where things are all over the place, I wanted to go back to the days when it was OK to play in the street as a kid. It's a nod to that innocent time."

Isaac wrote and produced the track himself while also performing most of the instrumentation. The memorable saxophone melody was contributed by Kat Deal, known for her work with Saturday Night Live UK.

The new release follows a busy period for the artist. After expanding BENJAMIN with a deluxe edition, Isaac revisited songs from earlier in his career on the retrospective album 10 Years Later. He also appeared on Booshle G.'s I Would Lose It All EP.

His return to live performance has also gathered momentum. Highlights over the past year have included a sold-out headline show at London's Village Underground, later released as a live EP, and a special BBC Radio 2 Piano Room performance alongside the BBC Concert Orchestra.

Isaac will return to the stage this September for an intimate headline show at St. Pancras Old Church in London on September 10, following dates at X-TRA Musikcafe in Zurich on September 8 and Konzerthaus Schüür in Lucerne on September 9.

Originally from South London, Isaac now lives outside Manchester with his three children. Family, faith, love and spirituality remain central themes throughout his music, alongside influences from songwriting greats Paul Simon and Bill Withers.

Before launching his solo career, Isaac worked behind the scenes in the music industry as a record company marketing manager while also writing and performing for artists including Gabrielle and Cynthia Erivo. He also served as musical director and drummer for Duffy, experiences that helped shape his perspective on artistry.

Reflecting on his journey, Isaac has said those years taught him to prioritise authenticity over commercial success.

"It caused me to ask myself: what kind of artist do I want to be? There is more longevity when you try and write songs that mean something than when you chase the numbers."

With A Summer Long Ago, Isaac continues to prove that thoughtful storytelling and timeless soul remain at the heart of his music, offering listeners a moment of reflection in an increasingly fast-moving world.

Author: Adam Bailey

Adam is a regular contributor for established press release distribution website Release-News.com. He writes on a wide range of topics including music.