Born and raised in Nashville, Tennessee, from a young age Jet Jurgensmeyer was surrounded by music everywhere he turned. Paving the foundation for his artistic inclinations, Jurgensmeyer took the inspiration and ran with it, soon to find himself starring in films, television, and providing voice-overs for various popular series.
More recently landing the role of a teenage Boyd on the hit series Last Man Standing, he has fit right in with the cast and found a new home to share his talents. An impressive career, thus far, Jurgensmeyer now looks to showcase his music with his 2019 self-titled debut album. The next step for the youngster, he graciously took the time to chat about his music, how he got into acting, joining the cast of Last Man Standing, plus more.
Cryptic Rock – You have been involved in entertainment professionally for a decade now. From various roles in television to feature films, you have accomplished a great deal at such a young age. First, briefly tell us, what inspired you to pursue a career in entertainment?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – My parents owned a restaurant/bar in Nashville. We had a dinner show there and live music. I can remember always wanting to be on stage. I would get my little guitar and stand by the stage and tell the musicians that I wanted to get up there. They wouldn’t tell me no, so I would always get on stage and sing a song and tell a joke. I loved the reaction I would get from people. I’m sure people were just being nice, because I was just a little kid, but it really stood out to me and I guess you could say I caught the bug.
Cryptic Rock – That is cool – you have to start somewhere! You have been very diverse as an actor, working in Comedy, Drama, and doing voice-overs in animated series. Do you have a favorite genre to work in, and do you enjoy the challenge of working in different genres?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – It’s all a lot of fun. I feel like I am so lucky that I get to work with really good people and be creative in a lot of different areas. I don’t think I could pick just one, because they all are so much fun and different. Comedy is great since it is just so fun. You never know what you’re going to come up with during rehearsals. Drama can really stretch your acting skills and challenge you. Voice-over kind of does it all and lets you show all sides of your personality.
Cryptic Rock – It is good to have that diversity too. You have been nominated for awards for your various roles. That in mind, you recently took on the role of Boyd on the hit series Last Man Standing. What has your time on the series been like, thus far?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – It has been just so amazing! Everyone on set has been so welcoming. I have learned so much from the other actors, including Christoph Sanders. I found it so cool how he could one second be himself and the next be the goofy character that Kyle is. He is an amazing actor! Tim Allen and Nancy Travis are the coolest, they have always treated me like an actor and not just a kid. That means so much to me.
Cryptic Rock – That is great, sounds like it has been a wonderful experience. Last Man Standing has a great cast of actors which also includes Amanda Fuller along with Jordan Masterson portraying your mom and dad. Coming in as an older version of Boyd, what has the chemistry been like for you and the rest of the cast?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – It’s really funny, because I am only like six months older than the previous Boyd. I think we have really good chemistry; Tim and I have had a couple of really great heartfelt scenes in a couple of episodes. One of the great things about this show is you can go from laughing hysterically to a very emotional moment, right back to laughing! There really isn’t anything like it.
Cryptic Rock – It really is a fantastic show with great writing and a likable cast. Beyond acting, you also have a talent for music. At what point did you realize music was something you wanted to pursue?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – Thank you so much! Really music is how it all started for me. We had a family friend who saw how I loved being in front of people on stage and she said my parents should see if acting was something that I would like. I ended up meeting with an agent and I got the first job I ever auditioned for. Things just sort of fell into place from there.
Cryptic Rock – Very interesting, and it is cool to see you are following your music dreams. Your 2019 debut album is full of uplifting songs, so what was the process like for the recording and putting it together?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – It was a lot of fun! My parents along with my producer, Butch Baker, would listen to a lot of songs and try to find songs that were appropriate for me and my age, but we still wanted them to really say something and have meaning. I am so proud of the album and what we were able to create. I liked the whole “Behind The Scenes” of recording! Seeing these fantastic musicians come in, hear the demo of the song and then turn it into something amazing, was so cool!
Cryptic Rock – That is awesome and it should be exciting to hear your music as you develop as an artist. The music on this album has a mix of Pop and Country stylings. Is this a style you enjoy working with?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – For sure! I mean I am from Nashville and have always been around great music and musicians. My parents have always told me that “good music is good music,” so I have always been pretty open-minded with what I listen to. I guess that is why my music is a mix of both Pop and Country.
Cryptic Rock – Right, and it is good to be open with music. You have been playing concerts lately and will have more shows lined up this spring. How would you compare performing your music live to acting in film/television?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – It’s really interesting because I love both. I love the fact that I get to perform for people. I have been performing since I was three-years-old and I enjoy both music and acting so much. When it comes to comparing them, however, they are actually quite similar. Both involve being in front of people and entertaining them!
Cryptic Rock – That is very true. As you mentioned you are open about music, so who are some of your musical influences?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – I have a lot. I really look up to Ed Sheeran because he is so creative. I am from Nashville and have always looked up to George Strait. Both of these guys are so successful, but also seem like they live a really normal life. That is super important to me.
Cryptic Rock – Those are two very different yet influential artists. Busy with your music and current projects such as Last Man Standing, do you have anything else coming up in the future?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – I have been writing a lot of music. I plan to get back in the studio in the next few months to cut some more songs. I have a few interesting projects coming up, some live action and also animated too.
Cryptic Rock – Sounds like there is a lot of good things coming up for you. Last question. Cryptic Rock covers music as well as films, particularly Horror and Sci-Fi. If you are a fan of Horror and Sci-Fi films, what are some of your favorites and why?
Jet Jurgensmeyer – Ooh! Good question. Well, I am a real Star Wars nut, I love it! I am really into the new series. I just think it is amazing how Star Wars has been able to go in so many directions and create all of these offsprings of other story lines. To have such a big and widespread fan base is just really awesome! Have to say, Horror films scare me just a little bit!
