Aiming for Honesty by Jesse Ruben

“Aiming for Honesty” is Jesse Ruben's debut album, released in January 02, 2008. The album was recorded over a two week period in Atlanta with producer Clay Cook (John Mayer, Marshall Tucker Band). What followed was a trio of sold out CD release shows in Philadelphia (World Café Live), New York (The Bitter End), and Boston (The Paradise Lounge). The album received major radio airplay on both college and commercial stations, including a live broadcast on NPR, and heavy rotation on the XM station “The Loft”. The first single, “A Lack of Armor” - a song about a heartbroken couple who can’t seem to fit together - was a finalist in the 2008 John Lennon Songwriting Contest as well as the 2008 New York Songwriter’s Circle Contest; the song gained popularity after playing in an episode of April 2009’s One Tree Hill. Jesse has promoted “Aiming for Honesty” from coast to coast in both the United States and Canada. Love isn’t the only thing Ruben sings about. Other tracks include “Point Me in the Right Direction, ”a song written about a soldier’s conflict and unhappiness with war. In “Advice,” Ruben speaks to his self-conscious and addresses his inner writer, asking if the “man who writes the music” in his head has retired. “Standing Strong” is about not letting anyone bully you around while “Song for Zack” is a heartbreaking tale about being dedicated to a friend, but fans are dealt with a pick-me-up in “You Look Lost,” an upbeat song. Combining influences from pop, rock, jazz, and folk, Jesse’s straight-from-the-heart songs and hilarious storytelling make for an unforgettable live experience for his listeners. Jesse, on aiming for honesty: "It would bug me when you would hear a song, and you’d be listening to the words, and you’d think, “This sounds awesome, but I have no idea what these people are talking about.” I used to think that you had to be completely honest all the time, but sometimes, if you’re having a really bad day, you don’t want to get up on stage and say, “I’m having a really bad day.” So you lie. That’s what you need to do, because that’s just necessary. So, I never think I’m gonna be 100% there. I don’t think I’m capable. I think it takes a certain level of genius to be completely honest with yourself with certain songs. It’s easier for me to tell my darkest secrets to an audience of people that I don’t know than it is to my closest friends." ℗ 2007 Jesse Ruben