Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Teddy Jackson

Teddy Jackson is an emerging new voice in pop music who credits his move from New Zealand to London for helping him come out of his shell and embrace his ambitions and sexuality. Earlier this year, he introduced himself to the world with his debut single, “Pretty Runaways,” inspired by a whirlwind road trip across California. Pop Culturalist caught up with Teddy to chat about the track, discovering his passion for music, and his mission to help other queer talent discover their voice.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Teddy: I’ve always been interested in music throughout my childhood. I took guitar lessons and piano for a bit, and I was always playing around with basic music software like GarageBand. I guess it’s always been something that has played a big part in my life.

I remember thinking it was the best day of my life when I got an iPod as a Christmas present one year when I was like ten. My passion for music grew stronger throughout my teenage years as I used it as an escape for all that angst you go through growing up.

I then started to think of music as a career option when we had a university director come to my high school and give a lecture to the students going into their senior years. He basically told us to think about the subjects we enjoy the most and go from there. At that stage in my schooling, the only subject I was actually paying attention to was the music class we had once a week.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Teddy: Definitely moving from New Zealand to London. Toxic masculinity and homophobia are a massive problem in New Zealand, and it correlates to the extremely high suicide rates amongst men there. I never really felt like I fit in or belonged or even wanted to be there.

Anyone wanting to do anything out of the norm or anyone with big ambitions was just mocked. People had this defeatist attitude that I just hated. Without going into too much depth, I just felt like I would never truly be able to be myself or realize my ambitions there.

Once I got to London, I was immediately surrounded by so many amazing and supportive people who were doing their own thing and pursuing their dreams. I was so inspired by the people I was meeting in London that I was gradually able to come out of my shell and embrace my own ambitions and sexuality. This definitely has led to so many breakthroughs as to who I want to be as an artist and the message I want to portray.

My musical influences vary massively. I was greatly influenced by pop music growing up. I live for catchy hooks! Frank Ocean was a big influence along with FKJ and Anderson .Paak’s earlier work.

PC: You just dropped your debut single. Tell us about “Pretty Runaways” and the inspiration behind the track.
Teddy: The inspiration for the track stems from when I met a guy in LA that I had amazing chemistry with. We got on so well initially that he invited me to a party out in Palm Springs that evening even though I had only met him eight hours prior. I had just broken ties with another guy I was dating, so I thought it could be a cool experience to take my mind off things. So yeah, I jumped in this stranger’s car, and we picked up my bags from the place I was staying and ended up road-tripping through California for the next three days. It kinda came full circle the following year after I had made a demo for this track and the same guy, who coincidentally is also a videographer, agreed to shoot the music video for “Pretty Runaways” on our road trip to Burning Man together.

PC: We imagine that you’ve written hundreds of songs in your career. How did you decide on “Pretty Runaways” as your debut?
Teddy: Yeah! I’ve been making track ideas for so long trying to develop my production skills and style, and then “Pretty Runaways” came along and I really liked it. I had an emotional connection with it. I just had a demo done when I asked this guy to shoot it for me, as I had a trip to LA approaching. After that, we had all this amazing footage for the track, I would’ve been dumb not to complete the project.

PC: You’ve stated in a previous interview that part of your mission as an artist is helping other queer talent discover their voice in this industry. Tell us about finding your own voice and the message you hope to articulate through your music.
Teddy: Of course, I think it’s so important for queer artists to support each other in whatever they do. Like many minorities, we are faced with prejudice and persecution on a daily basis simply because of who we are, and I want to do my best to help the queer artists realize their dreams. I think I’m still finding my voice. The video for “Pretty Runaways” was shot over a year ago, and since then, I’ve definitely learned a lot about myself in regards to my sexuality, style, and what my message is as a producer and artist. The tracks I am hoping to release later this year will definitely showcase a deeper, queerer, and sex-positive side of my identity.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, can we expect more music?
Teddy: Most definitely. There’s a lot of exciting stuff in the works, so you best follow me on Instagram!

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Teddy: Hmm, I don’t know! I listen to so many different genres. I like a lot of punky stuff. I discovered this small band Bully in 2013, and they’re based out of Nashville, and I’ve had them on repeat for the past seven years. I’ve also been in love with Vegyn’s new stuff as well, and his production style has definitely influenced some of the stuff I’m making at the moment. Oh, I’m also super into Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday. I was obsessed a couple of years ago and watched so many YouTube documentaries on them.

PC: First album you bought?
Teddy: It was the Vengaboys album with “Shalala Lala” on it.

PC: First concert you attended?
Teddy: Chiddy Bang was my first official concert!

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Teddy: I could list about ten albums right now, but I think Smokers Delight by Nightmares On Wax had such a big influence on my musical tastes and the production style that I wanted to work towards when I first started producing. It also introduced me to the art of sampling in music. My dad also loves the album, so it’s kinda like a childhood soundtrack. I listen to it when I miss home too.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Teddy: Hmm, I haven’t really thought about this before. Does the Met Gala count?

PC: A must-have on the road?
Teddy: Weed

To keep up with Teddy, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify. Pick up or stream “Pretty Runaways” today.