Today we’d like to introduce you to Erik Jackson.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I got started recording songs off the radio onto my cassette recorder. I would essentially remix the songs by only recording my favorite part of the song and then looping it. From there I began looking through my dad records and listening to his music until I saw a DJ on tv scratching a record. From there I worked to by purchase turntables and begin DJing.
I was a DJ for many years and fell in love with the way you could manipulate a record in real time. I learned to scratch and match beats. I was with a small crew of Turntablist but I was the worst in the crew. I got sick of scratching records over the same repeated drum patterns and that is when I begain wanting to produce music.
I never learned to play instruments or read music but I did get a great musical education by digging for records all over Florida at Goodwills, thrift shops and yard sales. I was on the search for samples to take from the records and create new music to scratch over.
When digging for samples you need to listen to the entire album for sounds that can be used. During that process I would notice that I actually enjoyed some of the music that I was searching through.
I remember thinking, “I hate this kind of music but I love this album. Eventually, this opened my eyes to all kinds of different styles and music.
I would wonder, why does one genre sound different in tone than others, if they play the same instruments. I realized it was the different chord styles that were being played.
Then I had the itch to start playing some of my own sounds instead of sampling them.
Digging for samples is expensive and takes a lot of time, if I could play a simple chord or tone for my own music, that would save me time and give me better results.
I then purchased a cheap keyboard and begin leaning simple scales.
After that I did the same with a guitar. I kept learning new things and it was super exiting to play and instrument on songs that people liked.
Playing these instruments in my own flawed way helped shape my sound as a producer.
In 2012, I begain working on an album called Rainy Days. I didn’t expect anyone to like it because it was a lot different from what was going on in the scene and the music that worked on previously.
Rainy Days is a Jazz n Bass album. A combo of Drum and Bass and Jazz that went to the extremes in both genres.
I released Rainy Days on net record label called Dusted Wax Kingdom. It was a free download but really paid off in getting my name and music out into the world.
Within a month from the release of Rainy Days I had done 2 interviews for different Jazz magazines and was featured quite a bit online from music bloggers and webpages.
From there I have continued to learn and grow musically.
I have released a lot more albums/songs since Rainy Days.
I now teach Music Production for a Bachelor’s Degree program here in Florida.
My music continues to grow and I now create sample packs for other music producers to use in their own productions.
If you like Jazzy, mellow beats; check me out on all streaming platforms.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been a blessing. A real gift from God. It’s not always smooth. Making an album for me. Is like writing a novel. It takes a lot of time and patience. I create music for a purpose. It helps me reflect on things in my life. It has helped me connect with many people around the world from different places and cultures. My goal is to help other people see the beauty in their own lives. That might sound like a tall expectation, but that is what’s on my heart when I’m creating. We live in such a crazy and highly opinion based world. Being able to take a breath and relax and recognize the beauty of where you are now is very important. Music is a peaceful language. It can build, where words can destroy.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a music producer from New Smyrna Beach. I specialize in Chill and Jazz instrumentals. I am known for many different albums from Rainy Days to Under an Orange Sky. I am also known for selling sample packs for other music producers to use.
Originality sets me apart. I am not afraid to grab an instrument or to create differently than the masses.
I look to create music that lasts. Not just another unknown song on endless playlists.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
I served I the US Army from 1999 to 2005.
Happy husband and father of 3 great musical kids.
I teach music at the an amazing university.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://thepadpushers.com/pages/erik-jackson
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/erik_jackson_music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1Fg4PpkxVY/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikjackson
- Youtube: @erikjacksonvibes
- Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/nbnpgDfBUYUn756guf
Image Credits
Erik Jackson
