Pop-Culturalist.com

Jackson Harris is a New York-based singer-songwriter with an unforgettable voice. He’s toured with the likes of Cody Simpson, Fifth Harmony, Jacob Whitesides, and Cher Lloyd. His YouTube channel is packed with original music and stunning covers. His newest single “Dance With the Devil” is receiving rave reviews. And, we were lucky enough to chat with Jackson.

PC: I read that you were drawn to music because of the storytelling and emotions it evokes. Is there a particular song that impacted your life and led you to music?
Jackson: There wasn’t one particular song, but I loved being taken to a different place and listening to people express themselves. It was always my escape from the real world.

PC: Who are some of your musical influences?
Jackson: My musical influences range from The Beatles, Michael Jackson and Queen, to Jay Z, John Mayer and Justin Timberlake. Every day my musical influences change.

PC: What is your songwriting process like? Where do you draw inspiration?
Jackson: I try to keep my phone near me at all times to record any ideas I may come up with at any given moment. I craft an idea or a melody that makes me feel something and I start there. Then I build in lyrics and the concept and slowly form it into a song.

PC: Do you have a favorite song that you’ve written?
Jackson: Right now I really love my song “Dance With The Devil” but I know that the next song I write will be my favorite song.

PC: If you could collaborate with any artist who would it be?
Jackson: John Mayer or Drake

PC: If you weren’t a musician, what would you be doing?
Jackson: I would still be in the music world in some capacity, maybe a producer or videographer.

PC: Let’s chat about your new single “Dance With the Devil”! What’s the story behind the song and how has the fan reaction been?
Jackson: The story of the song comes from my own life experience. I wanted to write something that really spoke what was in my heart. We all go through difficult times, but we have to get through those moments and see the light at the end of the tunnel. The reaction to the song and video has been really incredible and I am thankful for the support!

PC: You got your start playing a lot of smaller gigs in New York City. Now, you’ve toured with Fifth Harmony, R5, Before You Exit, Cody Simpson, and just finished a European tour with Jacob Whitesides. What has that transition been like?
Jackson: It has been one of the best learning experiences of my life. I have met such wonderfully talented people who have taught me so much from how to perform to how to treat your fans. I try to take all of it in and do my best to adapt and change so that my music will connect with the fans.

PC: Do you have a favorite place to perform?
Jackson: I love performing all over the world! But I love doing shows in New York City because I get the chance to see my friends and family!

PC: Can you tell us a bit about Musicians on Call and how you got involved?
Jackson: Musicians on Call is an incredible foundation that brings music and musicians into the rooms of patients of all ages to take their minds off of their daily battles with their health. I love going from room to room and meeting these strong and kind people who are fighting some really tough illnesses and the least I can do is try to play them a song and brighten their day. I think it really puts in perspective why I do music in the first place and that is to move someone and connect with them.

PC: What can fans expect next?
Jackson: New music, new videos, and never-ending positivity.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure movie & television show?
Jackson: Finding Nemo and The Flash

PC: An artist or band that people would be surprised to find on your playlist?
Jackson: I listen to a lot of French and Spanish pop songs, I don’t know what they are saying but I love it anyway!

Favorite play or musical?
Jackson: Hamilton

PC: Favorite book?
Jackson: Peter Pan

PC: Favorite social media platform?
Jackson: YouTube/Instagram

Make sure to follow Jackson on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook.

Purchase “Dance With the Devil” on iTunes!

Photo Credit: Peter Hurley