Welcome to SA Music Zone, where the pulse of South Africa’s music scene beats loudest. Today, we embark on a journey with Jackson Colt, a band that’s rewriting the rock playbook with their latest single.
Join us as we peel back the layers of their latest release and get a glimpse into the future of this trailblazing band.
Jackson Colt, your music is infused with elements of classic rock from the 80s, yet it retains a modern flair. How do you strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation in your sound?
“My music will always have 80s rock at its core. The innovative side comes from the slight influences and layers brought in by other genres, production, concepts, and instrumentation used in each song.”
‘Shake Your Body’ is a fusion of danceability and 80s rock. Can you share the inspiration behind this track and how it represents your evolution as a band?
“I wanted to write a song that everyone could dance to. Something that the listener could get lost in the music and escape their pain during song.”
“Music has always been the cure to my pain and heartache and leaving reality has been therapeutic to me. I wanted to share this with everyone. ‘Shake Your Body’ represents us a band trying something different. Leaving our comfort zones and experimenting with new ideas. To me, I felt creatively free in terms of not follow the rules with genres.”
With a discography boasting six singles to date, each delving into profound and introspective themes, what fuels the creative process behind your songwriting, and how do you maintain authenticity in your lyrics?
“Inspiration can come from anywhere. A riff, lyrics, the title, even just an idea. I write in a very strange way. I see colours or auras when I write a song. Each song has its own energy. I feel like I’m being true to myself when I feel that the lyrics and music watch the colour of the song. It sounds crazy but I’ve been like this for as long as I can remember.”
Collaborating closely with Dale Schnettler has been pivotal in shaping your sound. Could you discuss your collaborative process and how it has evolved over time?
“My first live concert I attended was a Prime Circle concert when I was very young. Dale signed some drumsticks for us. He has been one of my heroes since that day I met him. When I first started working with Dale, I was completely starstruck.”
“Getting to work with one of heroes is a very unreal experience. Over the years Dale has become one of my best friends and I feel like this friendship makes our creative work in the studio shine. He has been a mentor to me throughout my career and I trust his opinion completely. I will always have the highest respect for Dale as a musician and as a person.”
Your single ‘Echoes’ especially received widespread acclaim and topped the charts. What do you attribute to its success, and how does it reflect the essence of Jackson Colt as a band?
“Echoes was one of the first songs I worked in with Dale. I think Dale’s production and ideas are a big attribute to its success. The song is also very relatable. It deals with the idea of loss and trying to come to terms with it. We have all lost something in our lives.”
“It is one of the most painful emotions to feel. I wrote ‘Echoes’ personally for me. I was never going to record it. It was to help me deal with a difficult and lonely time in my life. I showed it to Dale one day and he loved it. He said I should record it. I think that also helped the song connect with listeners because its theme was the only reason it was written. There were no expectations with it. It was completely authentic.”
Live performances are a significant aspect of your identity. How do you prepare for your shows, and what do you hope audiences take away from your performances?
“I want the shows the be a performance not just a run-through of the songs. I want the audience to see a full show filled with the theatrics and storytelling that I try to invoke in my music.”
“You must bring the audience into the bands world when you are up on the stage. There must be energy and emotion. You must include the audience. Otherwise, what’s the point if you just play the record and stand still. Everyone can just listen to it at home.”
Looking back at your journey so far, what have been the highlights and challenges of being part of the music industry in South Africa?
“Having the chance to work with one of my heroes Dale Schnettler has been a dream come true. Also topping the charts on the Mix Fm Top 40 charts with Darren Scott and the ‘Just Plain Drive’ show was an incredible highlight for the band.”
“I even have a tattoo dedicated to the day we got the number one along with the songs name ‘Echoes’. The challenging part of the SA music scene has been that the decline of rock venues. There are still some great venues keeping the flame of rock and metal alive but over the years, it feels like our second homes have been slowly disappearing.”
“It breaks my heart because I know how hard the venues work to keep the rock scene going and I have a lot of respect for them for that. I am grateful to those who are building the rock and metal scene. We all need to band together in this and grow the scene again (no pun intended).”
Jackson, as the frontman of the band, how do you channel your energy and passion into your performances, both onstage and in the studio?
“Being a front man is a role. You are the person who must maintain the connection with audience whether you’re on a stage or in the studio. If there is no connection, you must create one so your band can aid you with their energy.”
“For me it’s about being positive and bringing the audience and listeners into the band’s world. You must give off an open and bright energy so that everyone can get lost in the song with you. The front man is essentially the storyteller. Whether it’s in a recording or on stage, you must tell the songs story and really feel the emotions of the song.”
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians in South Africa who are looking to make their mark in the industry?
“Never give up. We may not be international, but we are South African and that is something to very proud of. We want to hear your stories and your music. We are a close-knit scene that needs to band together, and we need you to join us in bringing this incredible music scene in South Africa to its highest frontier.”
Lastly, what can fans expect from Jackson Colt in the coming months, and where can they catch your latest updates and releases?
“You can follow us on social media, streaming platforms, and our YouTube Channel. We are releasing a few more singles and music videos before we release our debut album. We also have some incredible surprises to share with everyone that is happening this year.”
In closing, what message do you have for your fans, and how can they support Jackson Colt’s journey in the music industry?
“Thank you to each one of you. Without you all, this band would not exist. We are so grateful that there are incredible people out there who are keeping the flame of rock music alive. We just want you all to keep on rocking and have a great time.”
A huge thank you to Jackson Colt for sharing their insights and stories with us. As they continue to rock stages and airwaves, we look forward to witnessing their journey unfold and experiencing their music alongside them. Stay tuned to SA Music Zone for more exclusive interviews and updates from the vibrant South African music scene!
More info about Jackson Colt
Jackson Colt is the essence of 80’s Rock reimagined. Catchy chorus hooks, melodic riffs and shredding solos echo through from the Golden Era of the Guitar. Raised on “Old School Rock”, Jackson combines a retro-retake with a modern fresh sound that booms through the ages for all target markets.
You can stream “Shake Your Body” HERE.
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