Growing up in love with music, Jade Jackson would soon turn her attention to writing songs as an outlet for expression. Honing her skills and developing her own voice, she would almost lose it all following a terrible accident two days after her 20th birthday which left her nearly paralyzed and depending heavily on painkillers she was prescribed.
A dark, lonely time for Jackson, through strength as well as dedication, she would find a light at the end of the tunnel. Much of that is all thanks to music. Going on to find success, Jackson would release her debut album Gilded in 2017 and is back in 2019 with her stellar follow-up Wilderness. A collection of powerful, personal tracks, Jackson recently took the time to talk about the wild ride of her career, the work put into Wilderness, future plans for 2020, plus much more.
Cryptic Rock – In a few short years you have attained a great deal of success with the release of two studio albums and touring. Additionally, in 2017, Rolling Stone magazine listed you as one of “10 New Country Artists You Need to Know.” All this said, how would you describe the last few years of your life?
Jade Jackson – They’ve unfolded how they were supposed to, I guess. Touring has taught me a lot about myself. These last few years have presented me with wonderful opportunities and challenges, both of which I’m thankful for.
Cryptic Rock – That is great to hear. At this point, still very young, was music something you knew you wanted to pursue professionally?
Jade Jackson – The moment I wrote my first song at thirteen, I was dead set on pursuing this for the rest of my life.
Cryptic Rock – Well, thanks to hard work and talent, you have made those dreams come true. Let’s talk your music. Some would call your music Country, yet your style certainly seems to be much more Alternative and should not be limited. How do you view your music?
Jade Jackson – I agree with you in that music should never be limited to one genre. As people change and evolve, naturally, so should their art.
Cryptic Rock – Exactly. Which leads us to your most recent album, Wilderness, which hit the public back in June. A really great record full of thoughtful songs, what was the writing and recording process like?
Jade Jackson – I handpicked the songs from the batches I held closest to me at that time.
Cryptic Rock – It certainly feels like these songs are quite personal musically and lyrically. As mentioned, your music is very diverse stylistically. Do you think Wilderness is a good representation of where you would like to take your music?
Jade Jackson – I have some other ideas.
Cryptic Rock – Ah, alright, so there are more tricks up your sleeve! These songs tell a story on Wilderness. That in mind, is it a challenge to leave yourself open like that when writing and performing?
Jade Jackson – It was challenging for me to record the more personal songs in the studio. However, there’s something about a live audience that transforms my fears of vulnerability into empowerment.
Cryptic Rock – Interesting to hear that. Like your debut album, 2017’s Gilded, you worked with Social Distortion’s Mike Ness for production of Wilderness. What is like working with him?
Jade Jackson – Mike pushes me and shines light on areas of a song I didn’t see before. We both look at things from different angles yet have a similar understanding on the importance of things, so it’s always a joy creating with him.
Cryptic Rock – Awesome. Speaking of performing live, you have already toured quite a bit in 2019 and you are wrapping up the year with a few shows in December. Some 2020 shows have already been announced, so that is also something to look out for. Last question. Seeing your own diverse style, what are some of your personal musical influences?
Jade Jackson – To name a few: Bruce Springsteen, Mike Ness, Mazzy Star, Townes Van Zandt, The Smiths, George Jones, Johnny Cash, and Hank Williams.
Jade Jackson 2019-2020 Tour Dates:
DEC 14 SAT The Siren Morro Bay, CA, United States
DEC 19 THU Soda Bar San Diego, CA, United States
DEC 20 FRI The Wayfarer Costa Mesa, CA, United States
FEB 12 WED SideTracks Music Hall Huntsville, AL, United States
FEB 13 THU The Burl Lexington, KY, United States
FEB 14 FRI Capone’s Lucero Johnson City, TN, United States
FEB 15 SAT Salvage Station Asheville, NC, United States
FEB 16 SUN Blind Tiger Greensboro, NC, United States
FEB 18 TUE Peabody’s Virgin Beach, OH, United States
FEB 19 WED Ottobar Baltimore, MD, United States
FEB 20 THU Ottobar Baltimore, MD, United States
FEB 21 FRI White Eagle Hall Jersey City, NJ, United States
FEB 22 SAT The Met Pawtucket, RI, United States
FEB 23 SUN Chameleon Club Lancaster, PA, United States
FEB 25 TUE Charleston Pour House Charleston, SC, United States
FEB 26 WED St Augustine Amphitheatre St Augustine, FL, United States
FEB 27 THU The Social Orlando, FL, United States
FEB 28 FRI Jannus Live St Petersburg, FL, United States
FEB 29 SAT Fifth and Thomas Tallahassee, FL, United States
MAR 2 MON Soul Kitchen Music Hall Mobile, AL, United States
MAR 3 TUE Duling Hall Jackson, MS, United States
MAR 4 WED Varsity Theatre Baton Rouge, LA, United States
MAR 5 THU Saturn Birmingham, AL, United States
MAR 6 FRI Terminal West Atlanta, GA, United States
MAR 7 SAT Terminal West Atlanta, GA, United States
APR 24 FRI Empire Polo Club Indio, CA, United States
For more on Jade Jackson: jadejackson.com | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Purchase Wilderness:
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