Our Exclusive Chat With Jackie Venson

What is the story behind your latest single?
My latest single Joy was written in a fever pitch of inspiration. I knew I had to write one final song in order to complete the record and while getting coffee with my manager he says, “people always tell you how much joy you express on stage while playing so why don’t you write a song called Joy?” It was then that I realized he was right, I had never written a song about joy, my overall feelings about it and how much it has defined my experience and my life.

When did you realize music was your calling?
I always kind of knew. After observing my father and brother both have a successful career as musicians I always knew it was a real possibility. There were a few years in my early teens that I thought I would want to work a “normal job”. You know, get a degree, major in something and use that degree to get a job. After I realized how much I hated school, how much my natural sleep schedule clashed with society, and overall how much I didn’t fit in with the “normal job” crowd, I decided music was the way to go.

How would you best describe your sound?
A constant mixture of new and old, a continuation of the human musical conversation, and an intersection of a million different genres that were all born from the blues.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope they are inspired to chase after their dreams and fill their lives with love, self acceptance, and happiness.

Who are your dream collaborators?
I think it would be pretty sweet to co-write a musical with Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Is there a possibility to perform your new music live?
I perform it live all the time! I’ll be touring the record this summer and I’m looking forward to it.

What are some albums that really shaped you as an artist?
The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill was a game changer for me, also Good Kid MAAD City by Kendrick Lamar was excellent brain food.

What are some of your contenders for best song of 2019?
I’d say it’s about a tie for Next Life and Afterglow.