Musician Jackson Harris just wrapped up his European tour with Cody Simpson where he played sold out shows in the UK, Paris and Spain. In addition to the tour, Jackson recently released his original song, “Until The Morning Comes.” Click here to listen!
From an early age, Jackson knew he wanted to be in the music industry. He was drawn into the stories that lyrics told and the emotions the sounds evoked. Jackson was hooked on the feeling he experienced when the right song paired up with the right moment in his life. Drawn to music’s ability to define, control, and alter perception, Jackson pulls from the relationships in his life to create his music, taking inspiration from other great musicians from Billy Joel to Jay-Z, and John Mayer to Michael Jackson.
After years of hard work and growth as a performer, he eventually landed the coveted opening act position for international artists such as Cody Simpson, Cher Lloyd and Fifth Harmony. These experiences have had a life-changing impact on Jackson and taught him how to capture and captivate a crowd. Jackson has also toured with R5 and up-and-coming act Before you Exit, amongst others. He has worked with many notable talents both within his music videos and in the studio, such as Vita Chambers (Universal Republic), Judah Friedlander (30 Rock) and Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars).
With his four-song EP and hit singles “Go Crazy,” “Come Back Down To Earth” and “Gone In a Heartbeat” under his belt, Jackson was thrilled to release his new album, Sharks & Vampires, in early 2014. The first single, “Miss Me,” was an instant hit among critics and fans alike. Most recently, his single “Life Through a Lens” was featured as the intro in videos for YouTube sensation The Shaytards, who have over 1 billion YouTube views on their channel and 2.6 million subscribers.
Hi Jackson, Tell us a little about yourself
I’m a born and raised New York City kid, who loves making music, videos and all kinds of creative content to express myself.
Explain your sound in 3 words?
Personal. Honest. Passionate.
How do you feel about the success of your album “Sharks & Vampires”?
I loved the experience of writing those songs and performing them all over the US and Europe. It helped me grow and reach a new set of fans, and brought me so many amazing opportunities. It all just pushes me to work harder on the next set of songs.
Tell us about “Until The Morning Comes”?
This was a song I wrote while sitting on the floor of my apartment. I wanted to make a song that felt like the sun-rise after a crazy night, when all the dust settles and your left to reflect on your evening and your life.
Your single “Life Through a Lens” was a huge hit on Youtube, tell us about that?
I wrote the song as a gift to one of my greatest mentors and friends, ShayCarl! He has an amazingly popular channel called The Shaytards and I wanted to create a song that captured his family’s infectious, awesome energy.
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course. But the best way to cure those nerves is by embracing the fear and using that energy towards putting on a great performance. Remember to breathe.
You opened for big names already like Cody Simpson, Cher Lloyd and Fifth Harmony, tell us about that?
Each opportunity to tour with these talented artists has been such an incredible learning experience. I’ve befriended so many talented musicians and been able to get to know them on and off stage.
If you could open for any artist on tour right now, who would it be?
I would love to open for Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran or Taylor Swift.
How do you spend your spare time?
I spend my spare time watching movies, hanging out with friends and learning as many new instruments as I can. I love all aspects of the music world and the new technologies involved with how we can make music a more interactive art form for the future.
3 things you can’t live without?
Family. Music. Guitar.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
The Weeknd’s “I Can’t Feel My Face”
If I was to turn on your iPod right now, what artists/songs would I see on your recently played list?
Jay-Z, John Mayer, Kanye West, Maroon 5, Ed Sheeran…
Five years from now you will be….
Happy, successful and making great music that people love and cherish.
How important is Social Media for you?
It is vital. My ability to express myself via social media and communicate with fans is THE most important thing beyond the music.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram @JacksonHarris
Twitter @Jackson_Harris
Youtube JacksonHarrisNYC
QUICK QUESTIONS “FAVES”
Quote: “Be yourself, everybody else is already taken”
Best book: “The Catcher in The Rye”
Food: Pizza or Sushi
Restaurant: Shake Shack
Movie: Hook
Song: “Don’t” By Ed Sheeran
Tv Show: Sherlock (BBC)
Vacation Destination: Barcelona or The Netherlands!
Photo credit: Mike Lerner
