Jackie Venson – Joy

By starrymag | July 15, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) An intersection of R&B, blues, rock, pop, and electronic music

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Disney, Stevie Wonder, Lauryn Hill, BB King, Buddy Guy

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “Witchcraft.”

 

A) It’s a song about women empowerment and the history of how women have been treated in society; however, it is also a battle cry stating that times are ever changing, we have found our voices, our power and we are coming for what is ours. I wrote this song a while ago when I was struggling to find my voice in the music scene. It gave me strength. I also remember wanting a heavy rock song so this was the manifestation of that.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think it’s a variety of things ranging from other women/men who emotionally connect to the battle cry, to people of all shapes and sizes searching for their own power. I also think people like how groovy it is.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

 

A) I usually write the chords and the beat first. Then, I jam over it on my guitar with a loop machine and brainstorm melodies. Once I have a melody, I attach words to it.

 

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music? 

 

A) A big hand. Me, along with either Chris Frenchie Smith or Tim Palmer, handle the production of the songs. I am co producer on all the songs as well as songwriter.

 

Q) What are some themes you’ll be exploring on your upcoming album Joy?

 

A) Self-acceptance, new and exciting love, themes of life as a human being in general from childhood innocence to extreme loss. Also, the throws of romantic relationships and unrequited love.

 

Q) What songs off your album are you looking forward to performing live?

 

A) I love performing “Next Life” and “Back to Earth” as well as “Keep On.”

 

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from listening to your new album as a whole?

 

A) They tell me they feel refreshed and positive, ready to take on the day.

 

Q) What can fans expect from a live Jackie Venson performance?

 

A) Lots of smiling, dancing, heavy beats and bass, and guitar solos

 

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

 

A) I love playing in my hometown Austin, Texas at Antones or One2One Bar. I just feel like I’m home and everyone is coming to my house party or something, the feeling is unmatched anywhere else.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Kendrick Lamar

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I have been obsessed with EARTHGANG. I have been playing them almost non-stop on Spotify lately.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) It’s literally the only way I can connect with my fans so it’s everything. I have no clue how I would get the word out about anything without social media. I don’t know any independent or even signed artist that can exist without social media.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) Thank you so much for your support, as an independent artist it truly keeps me afloat and creating!