Exclusive Interview: Jacq Becker Chats About the Release of Imaginology

Jacq Becker, also known as Mama B, a celebrated pop singer-songwriter and executive, has been a cornerstone of the music industry for over two decades. Infusing her unmatched experience into her latest children’s album, Imaginology, timed perfectly for Mother’s Day, Becker delivers an impressive body of work that resonates with both kids and adults alike. Pop Culturalist was fortunate to catch up with Jacq and discuss the release.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jacq: Music always filled our home. My mom sang in a local rock and roll band, so I grew up going to her rehearsals and singing along with her in the car. I always knew music would play a big part in my life; I just didn’t know exactly how it would take shape. The children’s genre has proved to be a newly discovered passion of mine, and I’m having so much fun with it!

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Jacq: Musically, the likes of Norah Jones and Sade encompass everything sonically I love about music. Lyrics, melodies, and vocals with these two are unrivaled! However, my biggest influence in my career is my mom. She always saw my talent and still is my number one fan!

PC: Zoology was incredibly well-received. What did you learn from putting that album that you brought to Imaginology?
Jacq: I think the biggest lesson was to not overthink and let the songs come organically. Imaginology was written over the course of two years, and it organically wrote itself. My collaborators (Marty MARO and Anders Mouridsen) and I would come together when one of us had a great melody, song idea, or riff. We would share ideas back and forth via voice memo. Generally, the first ideas were the best and the ones we would run with!

PC: Over the last few years, you’ve been collaborating with Marty MARO, Anders Mouridsen, and Connor Marks for your latest venture, Imaginology. How have you all been able to push each other as creatives and artists?
Jacq: We have all known each other for decades now, so the collaboration is really organic. Even if we haven’t written in years, we pick up where we left off, and all three of them are just such amazing musicians. I still feel lucky to be in the room with them. We all happened to become parents relatively around the same time, which made writing this album even more fun!

PC: What has your son’s reaction been to Imaginology? Does he have a favorite track on the album?
Jacq: My son is nearing that age where he is feeling big production, so standouts for him on this album are “Shake It” and “Till The Music Stops.” He also lights up when “Little Brother” comes on, as he helped write that one.

PC: Both of these albums do such a fantastic job bridging the gap where both children and parents can listen to it. How have you been able to find that balance? Has that ever been challenging?
Jacq: Thank you for saying that! The goal of my music has always been to capture the hearts of both children and adults alike. I always wanted to create music that parents would leave on in the car after they drop their kids off at school. With that goal in mind, I’ve been creating children’s music that resonates with me as a music lover first and foremost and, secondly, as a parent.

To keep up with Jacq, follow her on Instagram. Listen to Imaginology on May 10th.

Photo Credit: Matt Catalano