‘Coming Alive’ Proves Perfect Match Between Jackson Whalan and Producer GES

Western Massachusetts’ own Jackson Whalan and NYC producer GES have crafted something special with “Coming Alive,” the attention-grabbing lead single from their upcoming collaborative album “Vocal Points.” The track, which kickstarted their creative partnership, masterfully weaves together infectious motivation and contemporary trap elements that might just have you hitting the replay button.

The single showcases GES’s production chops in full force, as he layers hard-hitting trap drums with moody, cinematic synthesizers that create an almost movie-like atmosphere. Whalan steps up to the plate with a delivery that’s both precise and commanding – particularly evident in standout bars like “Bridge the divide/ Plan I devise/Making designs/Raising the tides/Painting outside of the lines.” There’s something raw and authentic about how the track captures that unstoppable feeling of pushing through barriers.

In a recent conversation about the track’s origins, Whalan shared his mindset during creation: “I was thinking of being in the gym, a workout vibe, something that could be in a commercial or movie, a motivation to defeat all the odds, a soundtrack for being unstoppable.” You can hear that energy pulsing through every beat, marking what Whalan describes as an exciting venture into fresh sonic territory.

This collaboration brings together two fascinating musical journeys. Whalan, who cut his teeth in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, fell head over heels for hip-hop at age 11 after discovering some life-changing CDs that belonged to his older brother – notably The Fugees’ “The Score” and Nas’s “Illmatic.” Since then, he’s carved out his own lane, culminating in impressive milestones like featuring KRS-One on a remix of his track “From the Woods” and later producing for KRS-One’s 24th album. With more than 100 releases under his belt, Whalan has proven himself as a workhorse independent artist who’s equally comfortable commanding stages solo or with a full band backing him.

On the other side of the equation, we have GES – Gregory Eugene Somerville to those who know him – bringing his considerable expertise as a musician, producer, and engineer straight from the heart of New York City’s demanding music scene. His work, which spans both live playback and studio production, has earned him a reputation for creating the kind of melodies that stick with you long after the track ends.

Mark your calendars for May 23rd, 2025, when their full-length album “Vocal Points” drops. “Coming Alive” offers just a taste of what happens when Whalan’s versatile artistry collides with GES’s production mastery, and early signs suggest they’re onto something fresh.

You can catch both artists doing their thing on various digital platforms. Check out Whalan on Spotify and Instagram, while GES maintains his presence on Spotify and Instagram. Between tour dates, Whalan keeps the creativity flowing from his Berkshires studio, while GES continues pushing boundaries in the Big Apple. If “Coming Alive” is any indication of what’s to come, this partnership might just be the beginning of something remarkable.