We were lucky to catch up with Bailey Jackson recently and have shared our conversation below.

Bailey, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

My life has been filled with challenges before I even came into the world. I was diagnosed with congenital Hydrocephalus, causing a need for a VP (ventriculoperitoneal ) shunt to be put in place for my survival. I could go on a whole tangent describing my condition. However, the short version is that I had to undergo a lot of mental and physiological pains such as surgeries, constant appointments, revisions, etc. I even had to be put on a 504 plan and an IEP for schooling, due to a processing disability until the ripe high school age of 17.

Many times, I have felt alone in these struggles, fighting to remain positive when my body is just tearing me down by just wearing its skin. Music has not only aided me in recovering from such transgressions, but it has allowed me to showcase that no one has to be alone in their battles. From a very young age, I was immediately drawn to the creative arts. I would sing when I was happy, and bang on the piano when I was mad. I finally had an outlet to make me feel less alone and seen. So, as I got older, it was hardly even a question that I chose to chase music professionally.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

My name is Bailey Jackson. I have recently received my Bachelor’s in Music and Entertainment Business in Professional Studies at the University of Memphis, Lambuth Campus. I am passionate about the arts and musicianship. I believe in innate authenticity, transparency, creativity, and treating every opportunity as a checkpoint to success. I want to succeed as an individual artist while working in the facilitator/organizer role.
In preparation for the future, I finished my Bachelor’s in Music and Entertainment Business and I jump at any opportunity that becomes available with live shows and events locally in Jackson, TN. I have worked alongside Station 8 Productions in Memphis, TN, as an actor in Music by KOTA’s music video “Fine Line,” their short film, “The Black Hat,” and recorded in Station 8’s studio for my independent artistry. I have also been their assistant for the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration Event at the Nation Civil Rights Museum in Memphis, which aired globally. Additional experiences include: working the Tennessee Music Awards twice at the Lambuth Campus in Jackson, Tennessee, and assisting in planning, organizing, and setting up the Fashion REMIX with Lendon Noe held at the Lambuth Campus. Lastly, my job as a consultant at Best Buy’s Geek Squad has furthered my knowledge of I.T. work, and I was also entrusted to run live audio at the 731 Comedy Club. I am willing to work hard to be the person I was always meant to be, and these opportunities help shape my identity as an artist and human. I would not have survived without the arts, and I want to continue sharing my love and passion for the arts for as long as possible.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I have chosen a very unconventional way to achieve my goals by choosing to only grow with those whom I connect with on my journey in the entertainment industry on a heart-to-heart basis. This route can seem to start as a “slow burn,” however, I believe that authenticity is lost in a lot of corporate scenes, and I would love to be one of the torchbearers to help restore authenticity and community in the music industry. Many people forget the true history that the music we love today is built on yesterday’s blood, sweat, tears, triumphs, failures, war, etc.

The more the days go on, the more the concrete jungle’s noise can silence the music if we don’t choose to listen.
Where is the heart? Listen to its beat, it’s easy to find.

Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?

Unfortunately, unless you force yourself to network in your local area, or outside of where you typically reside, sometimes your location isn’t saturated enough in what you are interested in. I highly recommend to try and connect to other creatives or professionals in your scope of work through social media networking! I have found loads of people from all over the United States and even the globe, who I would never have been able to listen to if I had not simply just reached out. I have found different music forums and even social media apps (ie. TikTok), although they have their pros and cons, can be extremely beneficial to find more inspiration or even collaborations!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/bayjax
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bailey_bjax/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BAYMUSIK
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@baileyjackson9135?si=dRoEYZxwMB_ETd0u

Image Credits
@otherworlddesignandphoto on Instagram and Facebook