We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Jason Jackson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Jason, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
In 2020, I was enlisted in the US Navy and had decided that I was going to transition back to civilian life after my current contract ended in 2021. The only problem was, what was I going to do for a living? I decided to try and fulfill a lifelong dream of mine and release an album of original music. I reached out to an amazing producer by the name of Adam Hawley and sent him a demo. After listening to the demo he agreed that we would be a good fit to work together and we started writing and recording the record that week! Fast forward to Spring of 2021… I just got out of the Navy and released the record (titled, “Movin’ On”). It took less than 6 weeks for my fist single to make it onto the Billboard top 30 chart. From then on, I’ve been pursuing my career as a solo artist full force, releasing another record, “All In” in 2022 and my third release, “Looking Up” is releasing this month! Also, I was signed to Hawley’s growing record label for this latest release. I never in my wildest dreams expected to go from a sailor in the Navy to a Billboard charting saxophonist on the span of a few months.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’ve played the saxophone since middle school. While I was a senior in high school I got a job as a member of the house band at the House of Blues in Myrtle Beach, SC. I ended up going to college and getting a degree in saxophone performance and after I got my degree I worked a job in retail management and only played sax on the weekends. About 6 or so years later (in 2011) I auditioned for, and won a spot in the Navy band program. This job took me all over the world and allowed my to live in Japan for 4 years. As mentioned earlier, I got out of the Navy in 2021 and started pursuing my new career as a solo artist. I would describe the music I write and play as smooth jazz but with an R&B edge. I like to call it the perfect mix of smooth and groove!
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I’d say the most rewarding part of being a recording/touring solo artist is getting to meet and share my story with so many people. Whether it be through social media or face to face at live shows, I get the opportunity to talk to people from so many different places and backgrounds. I also get to meet and interact with so many great musicians while doing this job! I’ve found all of the other musicians in this genre to be so kind and genuine. It’s almost like being part of a family. Everyone is so supportive of each other…it’s very refreshing.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My goal in this new chapter of my life is really simple. Make music that I like and makes people feel good. As I mentioned earlier, I love the fact that I get to meet so many people while on the road or in the studio. It’s always such an amazing feeling when someone comes up to me after a show and says that they really enjoy a particular song I played. Just knowing that something I created helps someone have a few moments of happiness makes me really feel like what I’m doing makes a difference.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.jasonjacksonsax.com
- Instagram: @JasonJacksonMusic
- Facebook: Jason Jackson Music
Image Credits
Photos: Andre Mags