1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
We knew we wanted to make music when we saw Nirvana on the Ed Sullivan Show.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
Nirvana, Weezer, Beck, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails, Hum, Placebo, The Cardigans, Liz Phair, Arcade Fire, The Pixies, Massive Attack, Lonely Island, Depeche Mode, Radiohead, Silversun Pickups, Doves, Bjork, Pinback, House Music.
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
(DAVE) Recording an album in the same music studio Michael Jackson had used, with the same engineer the Foo Fighters were working with. It lasted about 2 weeks, off and on. The studio smelled like egg rolls, and I had a 102 degree fever. Either that, or when a tube amp gives nice feedback on stage, and people think I'm doing it on purpose. (JUSTIN) - When "Temple," became the #2 song on the MUSIC CHOICE electronica station on my television. That felt awesome.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
I don't think music "changes" the world. It's a part of the world already. It is one of the more pleasant aspects of the natural course of human events. It does appear to alter mindsets and emotions, though that effect, as well as the existence of the music, is likely fated to have existed, both from a spiritual and scientific perspective. If the "current event" is a volcano errupting, music has little to no effect. If the "current event" is a little kid crying or not crying, then music is likely to at least appear to influence that situation
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
All musical instruments and methods of recording or amplifying sound are forms of technology. Modern technology, specifically digitization of sound and computerization of the recording process has greatly increased the amount of music available to audiences. As such, the audiences have learned to make their own music. Now, basically everyone can make high quality sound experiences to share with others. Due to this, when we try to participate in this infinite miasma of sound, our contributions, however decent, are lost in the screech of the hive. "Technology" has both enabled and doomed our careers as musicians, in that it has allowed us to more effectively create music, but also created a system wherein we cannot profit reliably.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
Jordyn Jackson is a singer/songwriter from Jacksonville Florida.
1. For many artists, they cite a defining moment for themselves when they knew they wanted to be a singer. For many it was the appearance of Elvis on the Ed Sullivan show, to another generation it was the Beatles’ appearance on Sullivan half a decade later. Is there such a defining moment for you?
Yes. When I was in 8th grade, I went to a very small Christian school. I was overheard singing on the playground by Louis Pecci, a student's father who owned a design firm in Jacksonville, FL. Louis gave me the gift of studio time for my 8th grade graduation. As soon as I stepped foot in the recording studio, I knew that I wanted to be a professional singer.
2. When you’re not creating music what are you listening to? Who are some of your favorites?
I have a very wide spectrum of favorites: Led Zeppelin, Nine Inch Nails, Ours, Christina Aguilera, Pink Floyd, Whitney Houston (I learned to sing by emulating her voice), Eva Cassidy, Billie Holiday, Brandi Carlile...The list goes on!
3. What would you say is your greatest moment so far as an artist, either on record or live?
There's no way I could pick just one! In 2005, I visited a friend in Bordighera, Italy, and ended up meeting a promoter who booked me for 2 months along the Mediterranean. The performances in Italy are definitely my all-time favorite live memories.
Recording "September in the Garden" in New Orleans takes the recording cake. Everyone involved in the recording process exceeded my expectations and created an experience I'll never be able to duplicate.
4. Do you believe music can change the world or is just something to listen to? How much can music influence current events?
The belief that music can change the world, and the hearts of the people in it, is what fuels my pursuit of a music career. People remember lyrics after listening to a song once or twice, but how many people remember a speech made by a politician? I think that artists take for granted the influence they have over their listeners, and this world would be a much better place if our musicians would focus their creative energy on making a positive difference.
5. How has technology affected the music industry? How has technology affected your career as a musician?
Technology, like most things, can be used for the good or the bad. In the music industry, it has caused music to be immediately accessible, which is convenient, but also detrimental to the artist trying to make their money off of record sales. In recording, technology has created a much easier, cost-efficient process, but it has also caused a surge of artists to excel in the industry that couldn't if they didn't have quantization and pitch-correction.
I am torn as a musician when it comes to technology in the music industry. I feel that as long as you keep your artistic integrity, you can use it for the good. As a vocalist who strives to give honest performances, I do wish Auto-Tune and Melodyne had never been invented.
6. Now for my Barbara Walters question: If you were a pair of shoes what type of shoes would you be?
I'm a shoe addict, so this question is great! I would be a comfortable pair of 5-inch black leather stilettos.
