CelebSecrets4U had the opportunity to sit down with Jackson Harris recently! In our interview, the New York-based singer talks about his newest single “Until the Morning Comes,” why he loves John Mayer, Michael Jackson, and Jay-Z, and his favorite parts about touring the world. He also opens up about why he thinks listeners enjoy his music and how he’s grown as an artist — make sure to check out the full Q&A below.
Born and bred New Yorker Jackson Harris is a multi-talented singer, songwriter and musician on the rise. From an early age, Jackson knew he wanted to be in the music industry. 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 like Billy Joel, Jay-Z, John Mayer and Michael Jackson.
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. All the tracks were written and produced by Jackson. 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 3.8 million subscribers.
In his spare time, Jackson values using his music to inspire others. He has worked with charity organization Musicians on Call at various children’s hospitals, going from room to room to visit with patients and sing songs. Jackson has also performed in various charity concerts in support of causes ranging from homelessness awareness to organizations researching leukemia, cancer and AIDS.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZrniduhPyU
CS4U: Your new original song “Until the Morning Comes” was recently released. Tell us a little bit about this song.
Jackson Harris: “I wrote “Until The Morning Comes” when I was sitting on the floor of my apartment one night at 3am, and I knew the sun would be coming up soon and I had to get to sleep. I just thought about what it would be like to have someone there with me. I wanted to capture that honesty and intimacy.
CS4U: You’re known to have taken inspiration from artists such as John Mayer, Michael Jackson and Jay-Z; what draws you to their music?
Jackson Harris: “I think it’s a combination of their honesty and their story telling. Great songs, for me, tell great stories or evoke real emotions, and those are the artists that have always been my favorite.”
CS4U: What do you think draws/will continue to draw listeners to your music?
Jackson Harris: “I believe my music has a sound of its own. I like to experiment with different production elements and instruments, and try to take risks. I feel like my new song “Feet On Fire” captures a special energy and shows me growing as an artist and musician.”
CS4U: As a musician, a big part of your job is touring. What is your favorite part about being on the road?
Jackson Harris: “I love the people I have on my team. Surrounding yourself with people who love you, want the best for you and have your back is really important. It’s amazing being able to meet new fans and connect with people through music.”
CS4U: Do you have a favorite memory of touring to date?
Jackson Harris: “There are way too many to pick just one as I’ve been lucky enough to tour with some incredible artists. But one of my favorite memories was performing John Mayer’s song “Stop This Train” with Cody Simpson and Ryan Beatty this last summer.”
CS4U: How would you say you’ve grown as an artist over the years?
Jackson Harris: “I’ve learned to collaborate and to work hard. This industry is not easy and there will be road blocks and obstacles, but it’s how you handle those obstacles and use those experiences to create great art and music.”