Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Hi Jackson & The Country Club. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Hi Jackson, so excited to have you with us today, particularly to get your insight on a topic that comes up constantly in the community – overcoming creativity blocks. Any thoughts you can share with us?
How do I overcome creativity blocks? First, I do not believe in creativity blocks. Over the years from working in the music business as a songwriter first, I learned how to use the method of pivoting. I started my career as a songwriter, which progressed into vocal production due to my ability to sing and later into production. When I first started writing, I would write songs so fast that producers could not send enough records in enough time. I would find myself stuck with no music to write to. I started to create templates to write from using harmonies that I would build from scratch. I would then turn this into a full record with instruments. I also started to teach myself how to play the guitar. When I picked up the guitar, everything shifted. I was able to make full acoustic records which created another stream of income for myself. If I was unable to write to music that I had available to me or even not being able to create anything with guitar or harmonies, I learned to study. I would study other recording sessions available to me on youtube. I would watch documentaries of other artists, producers, writers, musicians. If still nothing, I would simply watch a film or tv show. You will be surprised by the lines you may come across that can spark an idea. It does not take much. Just your willingness to dive deep and let go. It will come to you. But you have to be willing to let it come to you.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I began my career as a songwriter. Writing songs and producing billboard charting records for Yo Gotti, Tamar Braxton, Sophia Grace, Blue, Jay Park, David Mann, Tamela Mann. In the midst of creating records and learning more about my sound I started to work in the country genre. I am from Texas. Whether you prefer it or not, country music is in your DNA. Along with blues and gospel Writing and producing songs for the industry can become, stale. Learning to create country, blues and soul records helped me to cultivate my sound and identity. I started doing country records around 2016. I was in a dark space at that time, dealing with a lot of life. I found a way to express myself in what was true to me. I was tired of over produced records lacking authenticity. I found a way to dig myself out.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Three qualities that were impactful to my journey was:
1. Learning to do more with less.
2. Trusting in God.
3. Believing in myself.
My advice to anyone is to do what makes sense to you. Do what moves you. Believe in what moves you and put your best foot forward. People will feel something if you feel something. Believe in yourself.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
I would say Mr. Lee, a legendary music producer in the state of Texas has helped me to understand what I am trying to achieve more than anyone. I met lee a few years ago when I was starting to emerge as a prominent writer in the industry. But Lee saw something more in me than just a writer. He is now helping me and directing me in this new stage in my life moving from songwriter to artist. I also am on his first single for his album, “When We Praise” Featuring Myself, Slim Thug and Fred Hammond.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heyhijackson/
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