Rising Stars: Meet Jake Segura

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jake Segura.

Hi Jake, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Citizen Soldier was all a happy accident. I have hospitalized and was almost a victim of suicide in 2016. That was my rock bottom. I remember feeling like I had lost everything. My sense of self was in complete disarray. However, I knew that if I didn’t find a way to point that experience towards something constructive and meaningful that it would probably re-surface and eventually win.

I wrote a body of songs about mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it via our first EP “Caroline”. This was meant to be a one-time passion project to process what I went through and move on. The people listening said otherwise – now it’s my full-time job to talk about my story and listen to others in a similar position.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
The road has been anything but smooth. As the band has grown unique challenges have come with it. Achieving success online and then having to scramble to re-produce that success lives took a huge toll on my mental health. I was never a singer growing up – didn’t have any formal training. There were countless voice lessons, sleepless nights, botched shows, & other stressors that contributed to another taboo topic that has been a struggle of mine for years: self-harm.

As more people have taken interest in the message, it has been an interesting dynamic to balance feeling ecstatic that our music is helping people and not letting the increased pressure bury me. As a practicing clinical therapist, new father, & husband – it has been vital to implementing boundaries and balance.

I’m still trying to figure that all out and still remember that I’m in an extremely privileged position and should find ways to enjoy small moments even on days that are particularly dark.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I currently have a “day job” as a clinical therapist when I’m not working with the band. I specialize in complex trauma. I love working with young adults that are stepping into independence, self-discovery, & existential questioning. In the past, I’ve been known for my time working with at-risk youth and specifically have lots of experience working with neuro-diverse adolescents.

I’m most proud of putting that stupid master’s degree on my wall! Getting through grad school with a newborn and band that requires an insane commitment of my time is something I look back on and say to myself “I could NEVER do that again.” What sets me apart in a clinical setting is my empathy.

I don’t see it as this thing you say like “That sounds so hard.” Real empathy involves taking the time to really dig deeper to understand what it’s like to be in somebody else’s shoes. That takes weeks of work and when people see you are that invested in their story they trust you with everything.

We love surprises, fun facts, and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I am a huge animal nerd. I grew up watching people like Jeff Corwin and Steve Irwin. I drew maps of a wildlife reserve that I wanted to open. I am PADI scuba certified and want to open my own dive shop someday. I specifically love venomous snakes and sharks. I dream of diving with great whites and tiger sharks someday.

Contact Info:

• Website: citizensoldierband.com