Exclusive Interview: Jackson Dollinger Talks New Single, “One and Only”

Jackson Dollinger is a quadruple threat who is quickly making his mark in film and music. He’s starred in critically-acclaimed projects including Sydney to the Max and Life by Ella, and has dropped hit singles like “How It Goes (Dreams).” Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to catch up with Jackson to talk about his latest release.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Jackson: I first began creating music after finding a producer named Nick Mira making beats in a YouTube video. As I played around with GarageBand, I couldn’t stop myself from becoming addicted to making beats. Then, I purchased Logic Pro X, a program used in the industry for music production, which I still have today. I eventually started writing and singing over the beats I created, and my parents supported me in doing so. Then, I found vocal coaching and just kept writing songs, each of which improved.

PC: In addition to being a singer-songwriter, you’re also an actor. How has your work on the screen lent itself to your work in the studio and vice versa?
Jackson: Being around actors who also release music definitely inspired me to pursue music. I have always enjoyed music, but I don’t know if I would have found my true love for it if I wasn’t an actor.

PC: Is it ever a challenge to balance all the different facets of your talent?
Jackson: When I first started, I had to adapt to the crazy schedule. My friends and family keep me grounded and know that I am really just a normal kid who is having fun while working hard to achieve my goals. I wouldn’t say it is particularly a challenge, but it is definitely a time crunch sometimes.

PC: You have a new single out now. Tell us about “One and Only” and the inspiration behind the song.
Jackson: “One and Only” is an upbeat pop song about being by yourself and missing a person you felt complete with. The song can also be interpreted as a story about taking some time after a breakup and missing the feeling of being in a relationship.

PC: You’ve dropped a few singles so far in your career. If you had to pick one song that best encompasses who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Jackson: I would say out of my released singles “One and Only” best encompasses me as an artist because like many of my other songs I wrote, produced, and recorded it in my home studio.

PC: What is your process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it changed through the years?
Jackson: I always start off with the beat, which could be produced by me or one of my friends. Next, I lay down one long take of “melodic mumbling” over the entire length of the beat and use that to choose the vocal melodies that I want to use for each part of the song. Then, I fill in these mumbles with lyrics and am left with a song! That is a loose outline of my process, but I am constantly switching up little things to keep it fresh.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2022 and into 2023, what can fans expect from you? Do you have plans to release another larger body of work? Is a possible tour in the works?
Jackson: I am currently working on Pretty Freekin’ Scary, a new Disney Channel series that will debut in the summer of 2023. I also played Gavin in the recently released Life By Ella show on Apple TV+. There will be a ton of new music as well! An album is something I have been thinking about for a while, but as of right now, it hasn’t been possible with my current work schedule.

To keep up with Jackson, follow him on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music.

Photo Credit: Cathryn Farnsworth