Nic Jackson – {Interview}

 Soulful singer-songwriter Nic Jackson has been making good music in the LA scene for a few years now. Having played at multiple venues across the city, Nic Jackson spoke with GroundSounds about his recent show with Mint Condition, and his musical inspirations.

What’s good Nic, how are you?

I’m good! Loving life right about now!

So I saw you open up for Mint Condition a few weeks ago. You were really great! What was it like opening up for them?

It was a tremendous honor to open up for a group of that magnitude. From an artist’s standpoint, we all know that Mint Condition is a band of first class musicians! It was a bit nerve wrecking because I knew they could probably hear me doing my set from their green room! I just wanted to do a great job, and keep the crowd entertained until they came out!  I actually covered some of their songs in my own band! My background singers were joking with me after I booked the gig. One said, “Well I guess we can’t do ‘Pretty Brown Eyes’ at the show huh!” A lot of their songs from back in the day were filtered down to me from my older siblings, so I was very excited!

Now I also learned that you are originally from Sacramento, which is my hometown as well. How long have you been in LA, and what have you been doing out here since moving from SacTown?

I’ve been out here for seven years now! That feels funny to say, because time sure did fly by! I moved out here to pursue music full time after my sophomore year in college. I transferred to a music school in Hollywood where I perfected my craft as a vocalist. I also learned how to accompany myself on piano. Once I graduated, I’ve been grinding ever since! 

What made you decide that you wanted to pursue music?

I started singing when I was about 8 years old.  I knew I wanted to be a professional singer ever since the 6^th grade.  I  finally decided to pursue music fulltime once I stopped playing football after my sophomore year in college. I was honestly going through the motions in college, and football was the main thing that kept my grades in check.  I already knew what I wanted to do for a living. Once you find your passion in life, it’s hard to ignore it.

Now your Aunt was a part of the group A Taste of Honey. What advice or guidance has she given you about performing and wanting to be in the music industry?

My Aunt is one of my closest friends! Even before I knew I could sing, I would always watch her performances as a child. She made the stage seem so fun. And once I discovered my talent, it seemed like something I could do because she told me so.

She always encouraged me to write! She always said that writing is where the money is. And it’s best to be as self sufficient as possible!

I wasn’t very confident in my voice as a child. I was very insecure. None of my older brothers sang, so it just didn’t seem cool.

 As I got older and started performing publicly, I never really had to ask her for advice about performing. She’s such a phenomenal showman onstage. She knows how to command the attention of an audience! It never matters how big or how small the gig is. She gives the same amount of effort and passion every time. All I would have to do is take notes and watch my Auntie do her thing!  She still performs to this day. I sing background for her whenever I’m available. 

Who are your biggest influences? How would you describe your musical style or sound?

I’m old skool all the way!! Besides my mother and my Aunt, my biggest musical influences are: The Jackson 5, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder… anything Motown after that! But I also enjoy other groups from the 60’s and 70’s such as: Earth Wind and Fire, Tower of Power, Sly and The Family Stone, James Brown, George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic! Prince, Donny Hathaway, Jackie Wilson, Rick James, I guess I can only name so many…LOL! There’s a lot more, but I’m drawing a blank! My favorite female singer is Aretha Franklin!

Where do you see yourself in 5 or 10 years?

In 5 years, I see myself being a force in the music industry and traveling the world performing my original music for a living! I want to be able to touch people with my music the same way other artists like The Jackson 5 and Marvin Gaye have touched me. I see myself financially stable, with numerous grammys and awards to my name! I see myself owning a home! In 10 years I hope to lead the same lifestyle, but more of an established artist. Maybe cut down on the touring if I happen to be married with kids. I do see myself being married in 10 years, but if I’m not, I don’t plan to lose any sleep over it! Hahaha!

If you were on deserted island and only had 3 albums to bring with you, what 3 albums would they be and why?

Jackson 5: Ultimate Collection

Because it makes me want to sing! I love that album! I know the entire track order from start to finish!

Marvin Gaye: What’s Going On (Deluxe Edition)

One of the greatest albums of all time.

Aretha Franklin: 30 Greatest Hits

Aretha warms my soul! A lot of those ballads from the 70’s give me chills every time I hear them.

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