Jake Isaac is continuing his remarkable evolution as one of Britain’s most compelling soul storytellers with the release of his new single, “A SUMMER LONG AGO.” Following the critical success of his 2024 album BENJAMIN, the South London singer-songwriter returns with a track that embraces nostalgia, warmth and the simple joys of childhood through his signature blend of vintage soul and contemporary pop.
Built around laidback grooves, rich saxophone melodies and Isaac’s unmistakable husky vocals, A SUMMER LONG AGO captures the feeling of long summer evenings and memories that seem untouched by time. The song reflects on an era when childhood felt carefree and the days stretched endlessly, offering listeners a moment of calm in an increasingly fast-moving world.
Speaking about the inspiration behind the single, Isaac explains: “I tried to create a song that was easy on the ears. I wanted something to put on at dinner time or to keep everyone chilled during the school run. In this day and age, where things are all over the place, I wanted to go back to the days when it was OK to play in the street as a kid. It’s a nod to that innocent time.”
The track further showcases Isaac’s ability to blur the boundaries between classic soul and modern songwriting. Written and produced entirely by Isaac himself, he also performs the majority of the instrumentation, with the song’s memorable saxophone motif provided by Kat Deal, whose recent credits include Saturday Night Live UK.
The release marks the beginning of a new chapter following BENJAMIN, an album that earned widespread acclaim, significant radio support and reaffirmed Isaac’s reputation as one of the UK’s most authentic voices in soul music. Since then, he has expanded the project with a Deluxe Edition, revisited earlier material on 10 YEARS LATER, and collaborated with Booshle G. on the EP I WOULD LOSE IT ALL.
Jake Isaac has also returned to the stage with renewed momentum. Recent highlights include a sold-out headline performance at London’s Village Underground, later immortalised through a live EP, alongside a memorable appearance in BBC Radio 2’s Piano Room backed by the BBC Concert Orchestra. Fans will have another opportunity to experience his intimate live performance when he headlines St. Pancras Old Church in London on 10 September, with additional shows scheduled in Zurich and Lucerne.
Growing up in South London as the son of a pastor before settling outside Manchester with his young family, Isaac continues to draw inspiration from themes of family, faith, love and spirituality. Influenced by songwriting greats including Paul Simon and Bill Withers, he has built a catalogue rooted in honesty and emotional depth rather than fleeting trends.
Before stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist, Isaac developed an impressive career behind the scenes, working as a marketing manager within the music industry while writing and performing alongside artists including Gabrielle, Cynthia Erivo and Duffy. Those experiences ultimately shaped his artistic philosophy.
“There is more longevity when you try and write songs that mean something than when you chase the numbers,” Isaac says.
With A SUMMER LONG AGO, Jake Isaac once again proves that timeless songwriting and heartfelt storytelling remain his greatest strengths, delivering a soulful reminder that sometimes looking back can help us better appreciate the present.
