Today we’d like to introduce you to Chris Jackson
Hi Chris, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I feel as though music was always in my life! For some reason, when I think about my story, I immediately begin to think about the piano lessons that I was given when I was younger by my Uncle Courtney (who, unfortunately, is no longer with us), or by this man named Mr. Howson that used to come to my church. I think about singing and playing with my brothers in our childhood home in New York when we were younger. That was many years ago, but it’s stuck with me! Those moments led me to become the artist and songwriter I am today. I gained such a wealth of musical knowledge by studying multiple artists from various walks of life. Music has played such a major role in the development of who I am today.
I began to write and produce my own music while I was in college. I can recall many days and late nights where I would tirelessly work on my craft. The studio became my second home!! I’d work with some of my homies at school, and then things shifted once I got with Andre “A-Minor” Johnson, who’s absolutely one of the most gifted producers on the planet, AND who I’m honored to call a best friend. We’d spend hours, days, nights, holed up in the studio just creating! I was able to hone into my sound and really tune into who I was becoming. We worked on a mixtape, “No Pressure,” that released in 2013 to rave reviews in the Christian/Gospel community. We also worked on another project, “No Chaser,” that dropped in 2016. That music was and still is so transformative for me in that I really allowed myself to be honest and vulnerable in my music. I’m extremely proud of those records!
Along with being an artist, I was also blessed to receive my first songwriting placement in 2010 with Toni Braxton. I wrote the song “Pulse,” which became the title track of her 2010 album. I’ve also written for many other artists including Tank, Jacob Latimore, Letoya Luckett, and even landed a song on Fox’s “Empire.” I’m blessed to have songwriting credits on over 100 commercially-released songs!
I’ve also been blessed to spend time on the road supporting some amazing artists on tour. My first tour experience was with Che’Nelle, who is a PHENOMENAL multi-platinum recording artist, and a great friend of mine. I went on two tours with her in Japan, which I am forever grateful for! Shortly after that, I was given the opportunity to tour with Pusha T for two years as a supporting vocalist. Pusha is an INCREDIBLE human being and, of course, one of the greatest lyricists to ever exist. Being able to experience the road with him and his team is a gift that I will never forget. Both tours helped to shape me as an artist, and being able to experience parts of the world that I only imagined was just… fulfilling.
Then, in 2018, I made the decision to relocate to Los Angeles from New York. That was one of the wildest leaps of faith that I’ve done, but proved to be so pivotal for my journey. Since then, I’ve made multiple lifelong connections with many amazing people, and continue to propel my career today. This year, in 2024, I won my first major award! I can now say that I’m a Juno Award-winning Songwriter/Producer thanks to the work I did on Gospel recording artist K-Anthony’s project “Arrow.” It was awarded the Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year! And, I’m still writing my story!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Smooth is probably the last word that I would use to describe my journey LOL! This story is one FILLED with challenges. BUT, it’s also a story of overcoming said challenges/struggles. First and foremost, I definitely faced resistance from people that may very well have been projecting their own fears. I respect everyone’s journies and I am capable of understanding where they may be coming from, even if it may be out of a place of love. But it definitely placed some fears within me that I had to work through, and still find myself working through. Also, in order to get to your next level, some sacrifices have to be made. I definitely took some leaps, gave up some things, and pursued it head on. My story is also filled with bad deals, bad decisions, bad advice, bad management, and the list goes on. It definitely has not been an easy road for me. There were oftentimes I entertained the thought of giving up and abandoning my dreams due to the struggles I’ve been through. But, I’m grateful that through it all, I haven’t. And to be honest, the times that I was close, there was always something or someone that “pulled me back” if you will. And those times, usually have absolutely been the sign that I need to keep going.
I look at all of the obstacles that I’ve faced as life lessons. Sure, I wish that many of them never happened to me, or happened the way they occurred. However, I was able to learn much from it and recognize in many cases what not to do. Besides, much of my journey has been incredible, and I’m thankful that the good ALWAYS outweigh the bad!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve been told that I’m known for my intricate approach to melodies and harmonies within my songwriting. I’m really most proud that when I’m creating, I’m truly able to have so much fun! And I believe that’s what is showing when you hear my music. I’m also known for my vocal production. I’ve been blessed to work with many artists in the studio to help design the song in the best way that I believe it can be. I find joy in doing so, because I get to create what my mind hears either for myself, or whichever artist I have the pleasure of working with. I find myself really letting go and just being in the moment, diving into parts of the music that I feel help me to color the song more. It’s hard to explain what goes on in my mind in the creative process. All I can say is I see the colors, and I paint the picture!
Even with creating the lyrics for the record. I tend to have a conversation with myself and the music. What does this make me feel? From that, I’m able to determine what I feel like the song is saying, or supposed to say. Then, the words begin to materialize and tell the story. I always want the listener to be pulled into whatever world it is that I’ve created.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
My advice for anyone that is just starting out would be to just be present. Stay in the flow. Never be afraid to be the listener and to learn new things. You’re never “too good” to learn from someone! Be a sponge. And have a GREAT time in the process! I wish I could say that it’s going to be an easy experience and that everything is going to go right/make sense. Sadly, that’s not the case. But the journey can be an extremely beautiful one if you allow it to be!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://Instagram.com/ItsChrisJackson
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/itschrisjackon2u
- Twitter: https://Twitter.com/itschrisjackson
