We were lucky to catch up with J.D. Reager recently and have shared our conversation below.
J.D., thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Are you happy as a creative professional? Do you sometimes wonder what it would be like to work for someone else?
No, I don’t wonder. I’ve had a few so-called “regular jobs” – some OK, some excruciating and toxic. None of them fulfilling. I lost a day job due to the pandemic in 2020, and despite the circumstances – it’s been the best thing that ever happened to me. I made a promise to myself when it happened to never again invest my energy in something that ultimately wasn’t mine or looking out for my best interests – and I’ve stuck to that.
I also really had no idea how creatively stifling that last job was until I got out from under it and discovered I had a wealth of time and energy to invest in myself. And surprise, surprise – ultimately it has been much more rewarding in every sense of the word to build my own thing than to anonymously toil for someone else. I created podcasts and made records and currently lead a better life.
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
Well, I was more or less born into the music industry. My father was a working musician in Memphis, my first gigs were with him, I’ve been doing it so long, I honestly don’t know what it’s like to not be a musician – and by extension, also a record label owner, event planner and publicist. All 3 roles generally come with the territory unless you hit the big time. I’m very proud of all the records we have released at Back to the Light Records, including my new LP Where Wasn’t I?, and any success we’ve found collectively is all the more meaningful because we do everything in-house that I/we possibly can do.
As far as podcast hosting goes – I’ve always been a huge fan of radio, radio personalities and also late night talk shows. I love a long form interview in any form, honestly. Even in print! Haha. Now I’ve done well over 100 episodes of Back to the Light (the podcast) – but I still feel like I’m getting better as an interviewer/conversation leader each time out, and that’s an exciting feeling.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Folks don’t want to hear this, probably , and I’ll admit this is a self-serving answer. . . but the truth is, the quality of life for the average independent artist/musician has to improve, and that boils down to money. Legitimate artists shouldn’t have to work side jobs or play in heinous cover bands just to survive, they should be able to support themselves on the original art they create and the public enjoys. They should have access to healthcare and benefits and vacation days.
Buy local art and music. Pay the cover. Subscribe/like/share.
Value artists.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
In everything I do, be it a recording session, live show or podcast, I generally have two goals: be the most authentic version of myself and share something that is true. If I do that, everything else is just gravy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://backtothelight.net/
- Instagram: @jdreager
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdreagermemphis
- Twitter: @jdreager
- Other: Ticket link to my next live podcast show – Dec. 8 at the Green Room in Crosstown Arts https://www.eventbrite.com/e/back-to-the-light-not-too-late-night-talk-show-at-crosstown-arts-tickets-443609236167