Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Jason Heeter. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Jason , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?

This is a big question, and one that I often contemplate on my own. The answer is most certainly yes, but with some caveats. I left my last “regular” job in 2022. At that time, I had downsized from a full-time salaried position to a part-time, “work when you can” kind of arrangement. My performance schedule had gotten to be full enough that I eventually had to step away entirely. It was an amicable departure, but one that I was extremely nervous about. I was willingly going to make significantly less money for a period. So, I had to buckle down and commit to keeping the calendar full, which meant a lot more time spent at my computer emailing, cold-calling, and creating content. Fast-forward a few years of dedicated grinding, and I’m breaking 100+ performances a year between solo performances, ensembles, substitutions, etc.

For me, it all came down to having that little bit of extra time to actually BE creative; to focus on what I could build for myself If I could devote more attention to it. I am much happier to feel like I have a modicum of control over my time. Instead of heading to the workshop by 9, I can sit with my coffee, a notebook, and a song idea; I can devote an hour to reaching out to venues; I can design a flyer for an upcoming performance. Any one of the myriad things that keep this little ship afloat. All of that paves the way for me to do what truly makes me the happiest, which is simply playing music.

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 am a singer/songwriter and musician based in Southeast Missouri. I had a deep love for music from young age which led to me pursuing a music degree, which in turn led to me becoming an independent musician and artist. I provide a wide variety of musical services, but I am predominantly a performer. As a vocalist, bassist, and guitarist, I do solo, duo, trio, full band, side-man, and substitute gigs. I run sound when called upon, and I am also a freelance producer. My current passion project is an Americana duo called Missourado, along with my lovely wife Jessie. We are working on an EP to release this year, and I couldn’t be more excited! You can also find me with my full 6-piece band Heet & the AC’s, playing bass for my pal Ivas John, or getting bluesy with the Jason Heeter Trio.

Over time I believe I have established myself as reliable and professional, which are keys to longevity in any industry. I’ve started to amass a body of work that I am proud of; between my own releases, projects I have provided instrumentation for, and projects I have engineered. If you would like to listen, you can find these releases through a small. independent, collaborative production company called EXP Productions at Hopi Lane, and on most commercial streaming services.

How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?

Another big question, and one with many answers. In my opinion, it has to start with fostering the arts early in the education system. Then bolstering that support in local communities with appropriate funding, grants, and organizations. Art, music, and drama are often times the first victims when it comes to budget cuts, which is counter productive to an intelligent society. Furthermore, creating community funded gallieries, amphitheaters, and other performance spaces is always a good start. In my community we have a bi-annual 6-week concert series through Spring and Fall called Tunes at Twilight. It is a perfect example of the benefits that support for the arts can bring to a community beyond finances: commiseration, fellowship, and common ground. To go even further, the arts are unrivaled when it comes to the development of a well-rounded human, benefiting cognitive, emotional, and social growth. The incentive for society to support the arts is there. When and if they become a priority remains to be seen.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

A single story doesn’t come to mind. I think choosing to pursue a career as an independent creative is itself an act of resilience. While the ability to make art and music, in particular, is more accessible than ever, it is an uphill battle from the first step. Not only do you have to hone your skills in your medium, you have to dedicate yourself to being a business owner and every aspect of it’s development, every day. Even then you’re in a giant pool of others dreaming of doing the same thing, and there’s no guarantee of any level of success. It is a leap of faith into the void. I count myself very lucky that I am able to make my meager ends meet with my music career.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.jasonheetermusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jason.heeter.music
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jasonheetermusic
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/notmushroomstudio/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@JasonHeeterMusic
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jasonheetermusic
• Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6hFK0d45khCJBmIRj1MDmq?si=bciatmkESAeA4BGtm1ZnTA

Image Credits

Josh Daubin
Unknown
Shawn Wood
J. Heeter
Leigh Anne Ludolph