Geremy Jasper on New Jersey, 'Patti Cake$', and the Power of Music
New Jersey has claimed Bruce Springsteen, like that's our guy. You know, Bruce is interesting, because you wouldn't quite call him a weirdo, you know, but I guess he is the native son.
What do you get when you mix New Jersey, a heartfelt story, and a killer soundtrack? You get 'Patti Cake$', the film that’s making waves, thanks to the creative genius of Geremy Jasper. In this episode of 'Radio Rehab with Dayna Keyes', Dayna sits down with Geremy to chat about his roots, his inspirations, and the magic behind his movie. Geremy Jasper, a proud New Jersey native, opens up about how his home state shaped 'Patti Cake$'.
“I love the people, I love that accent, I love everything about it,” he says. For Geremy, New Jersey isn't just a backdrop; it’s a character in itself. This connection breathes life into the film's setting and its vibrant, relatable characters. The film follows Patricia Dombrowski, also known as Killa P or Patti Cake$, a young woman with big dreams in a small town.
Geremy shares how Patti is inspired by the folks he grew up with—people striving to rise above their circumstances. “I know so many people that are like Patti and her crew,” he says. He wanted to show that there's more to people than what meets the eye. But it’s not just the setting and characters that make 'Patti Cake$' special; it’s also the music. Geremy worked closely with composer Jason Binnick to craft a soundtrack that’s integral to the story.
“Music is everything in this movie, it's the backbone of the film,” Geremy explains. He aimed to create a musical experience where songs felt earned and natural, not forced. Throughout their conversation, Geremy’s dedication to authenticity shines through. He discusses working with newcomer Danielle Macdonald, who plays Patti with such raw talent that it’s hard to believe she’s new to the scene. He also touches on the collaborative effort that went into making the film feel genuine and heartfelt.
Tune in to hear more about Geremy Jasper’s journey, his love for New Jersey, and the behind-the-scenes magic of 'Patti Cake$'. It’s a conversation filled with passion, creativity, and a whole lot of heart.