Jake Webber has never really followed the typical creator path. He started on Vine, adapted through every platform since, and built an audience that’s stuck around because what he does feels like him, not a strategy. The same goes for his music, which has started to take up more space in what he puts out.

Originally from Wichita, Kansas and now based in Los Angeles, Webber moves between videos, filmmaking, and alt rock without overthinking the lines between them. His EP Love Me While You Can marked a shift into something more personal, while newer tracks like “Infest My Open Wounds” and “Like That” lean further into that side. It’s not overly polished, and that’s kind of the point.

For this 18 Questions, Jake Webber talks about growing up online, figuring out what to keep to himself, and why music took time to take seriously. He also gets into stage fright, spontaneous trips, and the balance between work and actually enjoying his life.

1. What’s the first thing you usually do when you wake up in the morning?

It used to be an energy drink, but now I eat a Rice Krispies Treat, then hit the gym because it’s where I’m the most creative. Sometimes I’ll write a song or come up with an idea there.

2. What’s one habit that keeps you grounded when your days are packed with filming, travel, and music?

My friends! I think there’s nothing more important than the human connection. I’m big on being close to people — I try to be a great friend.

3. When you’re feeling overstimulated or creatively burnt out, what helps you reset?

I will spontaneously book a vacation, whether it’s France or Mexico, when I am too overstimulated with work. Sometimes you just need to run away!

4. What part of your life feels most different now compared to growing up in Wichita?

I always felt like the odd one out, and I couldn’t find my passion. Being out here, everyone is very accepting, and I feel more creative than ever. I also get along with the people here much better. I’ve made friends for life, whereas in Wichita I didn’t have even one.

5. What music are you listening to when you’re not working on your own?

I love classic punk — my favorite bands are the Dead Boys, Germs, and Black Flag

6. You’ve been online for a long time. What’s something you’ve learned about yourself by growing up on the internet?

What’s put on display loses its soul. Being online, you want to share everything, but it gets to a point where it turns performative and loses meaning. Some things are best just for me.

7. What does a genuinely good day look like for you right now?

writing a song filming a video and watching a movie with my friends while we get pizza, or go out to a bar. if my day has the perfect balance of work and fun it’s the perfect day for me. work hard play hard!

8. What still makes you nervous, even after years of putting yourself out there?

I have a bad case of stage fright! It catches people off guard, but the reality is, I wanted to be cool online because I couldn’t be cool in person. Now I’m at the point where I need to go on stage for things, and it feels full circle!! I got a face that fear finally instead of avoiding it. I gotta be cool in person!

9. You started on Vine and have survived every platform shift since. What’s been the key to staying relevant without forcing it?

I think a lot of creators try to trick a view rather than earn it. If you have a niche that feels like your superpower and you express yourself uniquely, I think people are drawn to it. Any good idea can get views, but how you present yourself is what determines if they’ll stay.

10. Music has become a much bigger part of your world. When did it stop feeling like a side project and start feeling essential?

Music feels very vulnerable. I could make a silly video online and not care if it’s cringe, but when it comes to music, I wanted to actually be good. It took a long time for me to say out loud that I’m a solo artist. It takes a lot more guts than making videos online; it’s basically your diary.

11. Your EP Love Me While You Can feels raw and personal. What headspace were you in while making it?

My idea was starting it with a reckless rocker vibe — like I don’t care what happens to me. But by the end, it shows that it stems from sadness and hits on many deeper themes.

12. Your newest single Like That pushes even further emotionally. What made now the right time to release it?

I find myself feeling like I’m nothing without others. I really value my friendships and relationships, and I feel like they keep me whole. This song means a lot to me because it’s an outlet for my thoughts.

13. You direct and produce a lot of your own visuals. How important is having full creative control over your music videos?

No one understands exactly what you want besides yourself, so it’s good to have a hand on things. I’m lucky because I went to film school for a little bit, and I’m pretty invested in editing.

14. How does your approach to storytelling differ between a YouTube video and a song?

For YouTube, it’s good to keep attention, so I find myself being exaggerative and getting to the point. With music, it’s fun to almost make my lyrics cryptic so they are more difficult to decipher.

15. You’ve built a massive audience as a creator. Do you feel pressure bringing that audience into your music, or freedom?

It’s a blessing because the people that support me on YouTube are down to support the other things I have passion for. I’d say the main pressure from it is that I have to go through trial and error in front of an audience already there.

16. Jake’s Careboxes has become a meaningful part of your work. Why was giving back something you wanted baked into your platform?

Many of my supporters are in the alternative community, and I wanted to do some sort of charity that aligns with my brand. I’m a huge advocate for self-expression, and I know band tees and such can be expensive. I wanted to be able to provide alternative clothing for people who wanted to express themselves, but don’t have the means to afford it.

17. You’ve spoken openly about being autistic and navigating social spaces differently. How has that shaped the way you create and connect with fans?

I always kind of feel like I’m two steps behind everyone, but I tried to take my challenges and overcome them the best I can, while understanding it’s also a superpower that helps me feel more passionate and creative.

18. Looking ahead, where do you want people to see Jake Webber in a few years: creator, musician, or something else entirely?

I’m always shooting for the stars. I would love to be doing tours as a musician, or even be a part of traditional media like TV shows and movies.

Follow via @Jakewebber9