Best Vocalist of the Month Winner: Jackson Wells
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Jackson Wells Named November “Best Vocalist Of The Month” With His Song "Never Gone”
By Dale Kawa...Jackson Wells Named November “Best Vocalist Of The Month” With His Song "Never Gone”
By Dale Kawashima
Jackson Wells
Jackson Wells, a young pop/country singer & songwriter based in Nashville, TN, has won the November SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for his performance of his song “Never Gone". This song will be featured on his upcoming 5-song EP, which Wells will release independently in January (2012).
“Never Gone” is a mainstream, midtempo pop cut which is a bit reminiscent of Ryan Tedder's style with his band OneRepublic. The song has a strong melody throughout, and the chorus has big arrangement due to the dynamic drum tracks and multi-layered vocals. "Never Gone" provides a fine showcase for Wells' clear, expressive lead & harmony vocals. This recording was skillfully produced by John-Mark Seltzer and Jon Maddux, with Seltzer playing guitar, bass and synth, Maddux playing guitar, and Wells on piano.
Wells, who is 17, was born in New York City, and then moved with his family to Los Angeles at a young age. He got an early start as a performer, appearing in musical theatre productions from age five. Wells grew up being inspired by listening to the Beatles and Stevie Wonder & Motown, and more recently to John Mayer, Sheryl Crow and rock band The Script. One notable experience he had was singing in the Children's Choir for a Josh Groban performance, at the Carousel Of Hope charity event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.
When he was 13, Wells attended the Speech Level Singing Camp (hosted by top vocal coaches Seth Riggs & Dave Stroud), and he got the opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd with a pro band backing him. This performance gave him the confidence to pursue an artist career more seriously.
During the past two years, Wells has worked with producer/musician John-Mark Seltzer. "John-Mark scouted me, and he encouraged me to develop my songwriting," said Wells, who has since recorded and released two EPs. 'It's been great working in the studio with both John-Mark and Jon Maddux."
Wells wrote "Never Gone" in February (2011), and then he recorded it (with Seltzer & Maddux) at Coalmine Studio in Los Angeles. "I'm excited about 'Never Gone'--this song is in musical direction that I want to move forward with," he said.
Now living in Nashville, Wells is happy to be writing & recording new songs there, and to be performing live and networking. "I recently performed at the Bluebird Cafe, and I got the chance to play at the Writer's Round with a lot of talented writers. It was a great experience."
JACKSON WELLS--Just Thought You Should Know
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JACKSON WELLS—Just Thought You Should Know
What project are you currently working on? My newest v...JACKSON WELLS—Just Thought You Should Know
What project are you currently working on? My newest video, “Lovesick” will be released within two weeks, on YouTube and then also on my website. I am recording some new songs with a more country rock, stripped down sound, with more guitars and clear vocals. Those songs will be available on iTunes early next year.
What project are you currently promoting? My most recent iTunes EP, Scattered, my new website, and my music video, “Just Thought You Should Know.”
What is your thought process when working on new music?
Trying to put my feelings and ideas into words, effectively communicating, opening my heart for people to see. I think that if I write from experience and from the heart, it makes it real and relatable.
What inspires your music?
My fans, situations that everyone goes through, and the ups and downs of life. Inspiration is everywhere. There is a quote that I read, "feeling is deeper than thought." I think that’s true, feelings are less analytical, and they speak to the heart.
How would you classify your music?
Country/pop/rock. It’s highly autobiographical, personal. My songs give me the chance to say things that I never actually said in conversation but I wish I could have.
What sets your music apart from others in your genre?
I write about important things that people are going through, I try to give a new light on different issues. I also write hooks I think are easily identified as my style, once someone knows my music. I’ve tried to develop a unique style.
When you are working on a new song… Do you already have a concept in mind or do you rather write on top of music/beats?
Concept in mind. I think some my best songs are written in the spur of the moment, when I’m emotionally charged. I usually write the words and music at the same time, although currently I’m co-writing a song where that is not the case. We tried to up with a great tune first.
What are some of your musical influences? John Mayer, the Script, Zac Brown, NeedToBreathe, Ryan Tedder
What obstacles have you faced in the music industry?
Exposure.
What hard lessons have you learned while working in the industry? You have to work to create opportunities to perform in great venues, and it’s difficult to figure out the best way to make that happen. I have been really fortunate to have made some close friends in Nashville already, who have been very supportive in that regard.
Do you feel that people really understand the business aspect of the music industry?
I know that I have learned a lot more about it in the past year, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg. I’m planning on getting a degree that includes music business as well as musical training.
What changes do you feel that need to be made in the music industry? Artists and songwriters need to be better protected, that’s the biggest issue that needs to be fixed first. Now that music is almost strictly online, that’s a difficult task.
What direction do you see the music industry going? I think that emerging artists need to be prepared to pave their own way, and plan their careers in a more entrepreneurial fashion. Labels are no longer looking to discover new talent; they are looking for proven commodities with a bright future. To that end, I think that training needs to focus on music business, marketing, and production, as well as vocal quality and songwriting ability.
What steps have you taken to market your music? I launched an all new website this past summer. I update it with news and blog entries regularly to keep it interesting and I post new songs as I write them. The feedback I get from fans helps me to make decisions on the marketing going forward. I have my music on the internet radio station jango.com, where fans can customize their stations, send me messages, and share my music with their friends. I have over 6,500 fans on that site since joining several months ago. I also have an EPK on Sonicbids--- the opportunities to submit music for songwriting contests and performances are fantastic. I won the opportunity to perform in Belfast this year as a finalist in the Belfast Nashville Songwriting Festival through a Sonicbids submission, as well as a really nice article on SingerUniverse.com.
If you can have any collaboration with an artist who would it be and why? Taylor Swift. I admire her as an artist and as a person. I think she sets a great example for her fans. Her lyrics showcase her style and her attitude. She’s one of my favorite artists to listen to.
If you can work with any producer who would it be and why? Warren Huart. His attitude and effort are great, he’s genuinely interested and invested in whatever project he’s currently on. He’s produced some great and diverse sounds from bands like the Fray, Howie Day, Better than Ezra, and of course Aerosmith.
Who would you consider are the top 5 producers now? Paul Worley, Matt Wallace, Dr. Luke, David Foster, Rob Cavallo
What song are you currently promoting? Who is the producer and how did the song come about? I’m currently promoting “Lovesick”, produced by John Mark Seltzer of Los Angeles and Jon Maddux of Nashville. The video will be out within the next two weeks, and then I’ll release it as a single on iTunes.
What album/cd are you currently promoting? What are some of the producers that are on the cd? The two albums I’m currently promoting are Just Thought You Should Know and Scattered. Both were produced with John Mark Seltzer, a producer with Sony in Los Angeles.
What is your next album/cd that you are working on? What is the concept behind your next musical project? . I am recording some new songs with a more country rock, stripped down sound, with more guitars and clear vocals. I have a great Nashville guitarist working with me now, and I have two new songs being co-written with my vocal coach, Brett Manning. Those songs will be available on iTunes early next year.
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