Need to change up your music? Check out Austin based artist Jackie Venson. She isn’t fully pop but she isn’t 100% soul nor rock. Actually, we’re not quite sure how to categorize her music but let’s just say it’s a mixture of all type of genres from pop to rock to soul to r&b.
We listened to to her new EP Transcends and knew this is someone we had to chat with. The five track EP includes the inspiring track “Fight” – an empowering and hopeful song that we will all eventually stand together versus against one another. (The song will somehow want to make you raise your fists or nod your head furiously) Vibe Magazine spoke highly of Jackie mentioning, “her delicate, yet mesmerizing voice and the ease with which her fingers find all the right notes along her guitar’s neck will have your head in the clouds.” If that isn’t enough, say no more. We had a chance to chat with the artist herself to get to know her better.
TYF: You have quite an impressive resume. When was the first time you placed your hands on your very first instrument? What drew you to it?
Jackie Venson: When I was 8 years old, I finally agreed with my mother that I would take piano lessons for a few months. Honestly what drew me to it was competition with my sister, if she could do it I could do it!
TYF: What then motivated you to carry on with pursuing a hobby and eventually a career as a singer-songwriter?
Venson: When I was a kid I pursued it because it was something that I seemed to be able to get the hang of easily. Everything else, like school or sports seemed to come so difficult. Music came easy.
TYF: Were you a natural songwriter or did it take some guidance to get in the habit of songwriting?
Venson: Absolutely. Songwriting is challenging because of how overwhelming the idea of having to come up with something, in your own voice, is. I also had to learn how to just accept my sound. I can’t tell you how many songs I threw away because I thought they were cheesy or stupid, who knows, someone might have really liked those songs! I had to learn to relax and trust myself.
TYF: Your songs on the Transcends EP are so real and I feel like you’re literally preaching or speaking directly to me. How was the process like putting this EP together? How did you decide what songs to put out for everyone to hear?
Venson: I just felt the need to relay the message in a groovy and accessible way. Everything is more pleasant with a groove. I wrote “Fight and Fast” and immediately saw a theme forming and then just rolled with it from there.
TYF: I’ve read multiple reviews and it’s agreed you have such a charismatic on-stage presence. What is your mindset like when you’re on stage? Were you a natural on stage when you were younger or did it take some time to get used to being center stage?
Venson: I don’t remember very clearly but my parents told me that I never had a problem being in front of people. I honestly learned everything I know by observing my dad at his gigs when I was younger. He’s very charismatic and relaxed and I always thought he was so cool.
Advertisement
TYF: Who are some of your favorite soul/blues artists that you look up to?
Venson: Buddy Guy is pretty much the man for me when it comes to blues. As for soul I really love D’Angelo, Lauryn Hill, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder. Between the four of them, I have inspiration for years.
TYF: How has it been touring with Gary Clark Jr.? That’s insane! How did this tour come about for you?
Venson: I woke up one morning to an email with the invitation to go on tour. It was an awesome thing to wake up to for sure. The tour was amazing, it opened so many doors and I got the opportunity to learn and grow as the demands got higher for each show. I also got the opportunity to get to know Gary, his parents, and his team. They are all really cool people.
TYF: What have you learned while being on tour with Gary Clark Jr.?
Venson: Be patient, work hard, be humble, go get ‘em and don’t let anyone stop you.
TYF: You’ve been able to go tour in amazing cities. What’s your favorite thing to do while on tour?
Venson: Sleep. [laughs] I know it sounds lame but the shows are so exciting it’s nice to get some rest in between and just decompress and soak in the vibes of each town.
Advertisement
TYF: What would be your advice to someone who aspires to follow your similar footsteps?
Venson: Figure out your voice and then stick to your guns. Most importantly remember, it’s just music! Don’t take yourself so seriously, just work hard, do your best, and have fun!
Advertisement