A 17-year-old Kamloops musician just released his first single as he prepares to hit the stage at the Salmon Arm Roots and Blues Festival next week.

Don’t be fooled by the classic blues shuffle and harmonica solo, Jake Soberlak’s You Gotta Leave is an original track, recorded in Vancouver for his forthcoming album, I’m in Trouble.

The young musician first picked up a guitar at the age of 13 and the harmonica a year later, and learned the blues by steeping himself in his grandfather’s old record collection.

Inspired by greats like B.B. King, Peter Green and Eric Clapton, Soberlak has recorded an album that’s set to be released in September.

“Not all blues songs are sad,” he said in a news release. “It’s really a reflection of life.

“I like finding songs from the 30s, 40s or 50s, these gems that I really connect with, and I enjoy giving them my own take once I’ve learned them.”

After signing with BC label ThinkTank Music Network, he recorded the album in Vancouver at Afterlife Studios with band members assembled to assist on piano, bass and drums.

With the album coming soon, he’s continuing to play live shows and heading to Salmon Arm for the Roots and Blues Festival, which is on from July 24 to 26.

“I just want to be playing music and gigging,” he said. “That’s all I want to do.”

His new track can be found on streaming platforms or on Soberlak’s website here.