Jackson Wells
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Jackson Wells

Franklin, Tennessee, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2013 | INDIE | AFM

Franklin, Tennessee, United States | INDIE | AFM
Established on Jan, 2013
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"Mandarin Musician--Nashville Unknown, Chinese Rockstar"

Translating a song from English to Mandarin isn't as simple as throwing it into Google translate.

"It takes me about two weeks to do it," says Jackson Wells, pushing a few of his rock-star length blond locks out of his eyes.

Singing in both languages?

Wells makes that sound effortless.

Slipping fluidly between his American inflection and the rise and fall of Mandarin tones, the young artist has a niche talent that has propelled his music career in a unique direction.

At 20 years old, he is a Nashville unknown and Chengdu rock star. More or less.

Jamming to "Sweet Home Alabama" in his white T-shirt and stonewashed jeans for swells of screaming Chinese teenagers is working for him.

Wells has, over the past several years, made what have become routine trips oversees to entertain at various Chinese music festivals and private venues. Soon, the Belmont University songwriting major will be the headlining American artist in an environment-focused event organized by former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. The gig adds to a list of musical performance credits that has put Wells in front of hundreds of thousands of foreign fans.

But it is not a foreign path. A vast entertainment market, China has emerged as crucial territory on mainstream music's global map. Big name acts such as The Eagles, Metallica, Korn, Elton John, Beyonce, The Backstreet Boys and Bjork have played there. And many names that barely register on the local level create big buzz overseas.

Just how did Wells get there?

The story starts by saying zài jiàn to español.

Zài jiàn español

"The middle school me," Wells says, bouncing back to his childhood on the West Coast, "was sick of Spanish."

New York City-born and L.A.-raised, Wells had a penchant for performance from an early age. He did musicals and showcases. He was also a history hound, fascinated by the dynamics of Chinese dynasties.

So, when his seventh-grade self had the chance to switch languages, he chose Chinese. Learning logograms, he believed, would be much like reading musical notes.

The two, of course, had few parallels, but the distinct languages fused Wells' future.

Around his sophomore year of high school, the Wells family moved to Music City — not for Jackson's music career, which was developing into a full-blown, multi-instrument pursuit, but for his dad's insurance job.


Wells attended Franklin Classical School for a short time where a connection with the Chinese tutor of a high school friend changed his trajectory.

Knowing Wells' interest in the culture, the tutor invited him to go to China in 2012 for what Wells thought was an opportunity to teach English to students there. Instead, he was encouraged to bring his guitar and asked to perform in the International Youth Music Festival in Chengdu, a city in the Sichuan province of China.

That year, Wells played in front of about 5,000 people.


Return trips saw his audience grow, and his prominence also began to rise exponentially on YouTube, with three music videos garnering more than 1.8 million views internationally.

Wells' most recent trip in August found him performing as a headliner at the festival, this time playing to more than 470,000 fans over three nights.

The groundswell of giddy Chinese fans he now engages is both startling and totally satisfying. Like that time when about 100 of them burst through a barricade that shielded him from the autograph-seeking masses.

He recounts it like "a corny movie," chased by a throng of concert-goers.

"It's a half-moment of you're terrified and a half-moment of 'This is awesome. I'm doing this. I'm running from screaming girls. How cool is this?' "

Almost famous someplace else

The scene offers a peculiar dichotomy to his experiences here, where his largest and most enthusiastic crowd has been a more puck-obsessed pack at halftime of a Predators game in Bridgestone Arena.

Sure, there have been a few Bluebird Café appearances, a slot during The Billy Block Show at Mercy Lounge, an unplugged set at Puckett's Boat House and an occasional other gig. But nothing here measures to that overseas.

And that, Wells says, is OK, because the caliber of talent and experience his Belmont teachers bring and the mentoring he gets from songwriters and producers in Music City are unmatched.

An example: Wells' first full-length album, "Picture of Life," was a collaboration with Grammy Award-winning producer Bill Cuomo and Beeb Birtles, founding member of Little River Band, and was released in January on his own independent label.

"No, I'm not famous over here," Wells says, "but the contacts I have made and the people I get to work with here … I wouldn't trade that any day."

Of course he wouldn't trade China, either. It does, after all, give him a reason to take the stage in a small, fog-filled venue such as 12th and Porter to shoot promotional photos for an upcoming overseas swing. Electric guitar strings vibrating beneath his slender fingers, head thrown back mid-lyric, he looks like a rock star.

The foreign audience may know all the English words to John Denver's "Take Me Home, Country Roads," and can croon right along with an Americanized "Cruise" from Florida Georgia Line. But, when Wells slips effortlessly into Mandarin during the chorus of one of his own songs, they can keep up with that, too.

Singing his songs in another language is what Wells calls "just wild."

"It makes him culturally conversive," says 34-year-old bass player Brian Shun, who has backed Wells for almost a year.

And that, Wells recognizes, can propel him.

"China has helped move my career forward in America more than anything I could have done just trying to knock on doors," he says. "It's not only exposure but also experience.

"I'm still trying to pursue that here," he adds.

But if someone told him China or Asia is his only thing?

"OK," he says. "Cool."

Perhaps Google translate can convert that to Mandarin.

Reach Jessica

Bliss at 615-259-8253 or jbliss@tennessean.com.


See Jackson Wells perform

•Nov. 26: Bluebird Cafe, 6 p.m.

•More info: Bluebirdcafe.com - the Tennessean


"Belmont Songwriter Plays To 470,000 Fans in China"

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Eric T. Parker • November 26, 2014

Belmont junior Jackson Wells has experienced an increasing fanbase in China. In August, the New York native found himself performing as a headliner at a Chengdu festival, playing to more than 470,000 fans over three nights.

Wells, whose family recently moved from California to Liepers Fork, Tenn., first performed at China’s International Youth Music Festival in 2012 while overseas tutoring. That year the pop artist played in front of about 5,000 people. Return trips has seen his audience rise exponentially, including on YouTube, where three music videos have garnered more than 1.8 million views internationally.

“After taking eight years of Spanish in school, I just found myself getting tired of it and started developing a real interest in Chinese,” said Wells, who began studying Mandarin in high school and is also minoring now in Chinese at Belmont. “The fans all sing along to my songs in English, but I’m now recording a five-song EP in Chinese. It’s the least we could do to show that nation’s people our gratitude and respect–they have given me a career in China.”

For promotion, Wells is working with three university students in China while partnering with three Belmont students on a class project to think of further ways to promote his accomplishments overseas.

Wells travels again to China soon to perform at an environmental event organized by actor/former California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The outing, which has already sold out to a crowd of 18,000, will be broadcast on the two largest public and private TV networks in China.

Wells has also performed in the United States at L.A.’s House of Blues, Universal Studios CityWalk and Nashville’s Bluebird Cafe and Mercy Lounge. He was the also the featured artist at a Nashville Predators game in March.

Wells began writing songs at the age of 14. His sophomore EP, Inescapable, released in January 2013 while his first full-length independent album, Picture of Life, came in January 2014 as a collaboration with Grammy-award winning producer Bill Cuomo and Beeb Birtles, founding member of Little River Band.

For more information, visit jacksonwells.com. - MusicRow


"Jackson Wells to hit Nanshan"

Jackson Wells to hit Nanshan
U.S. singer Jackson Wells will give a show Sunday night at the Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center.

Born in New York City, Wells is a student at Belmont University in Nashville, majoring in songwriting and minoring in Chinese. He released his self-titled EP in December 2010. Wells’ first full-length album, “Picture of Life,” was a collaboration with Grammy-award winning producer Bill Cuomo and Beeb Birtles, founding member of Little River Band, and was released in January 2014 on his own independent label.

Jackson has traveled to China during the past three summers and his tours have included performances at the Chengdu International Music Festival. This year, fresh from two concerts in China in May, one hosted by Arnold Schwarzenegger for several thousand concertgoers, Wells and his band is on a 10-city tour of China. He is known for his ability to perform in both English and Mandarin.

Time: 8 p.m., Aug. 2

Tickets: 80-120 yuan

Venue: Nanshan Cultural and Sports Center, 2106 Nanshan Boulevard, Nanshan District (南山区南山大道2106号南山文体中心)

Metro: Luobao Line, Taoyuan Station (桃园站), Exit B(SD News) - Shenzhen Daily


"Jackson Wells Ten-City China Tour"

Belmont University's Website Highlights Tour


For Belmont senior Jackson Wells, singing to crowds of more than 10,000 fans is all in a day’s work. Spending the summer performing across China, Wells and his Nashville band have been seen on stages in Chengdu, Shenzhen and Nanjing, among others, and rounded out their three-week tour on August 9 in Beijing.

Originally from New York, Wells relocated to Nashville with his family years ago and chose to study songwriting and Chinese at Belmont because of its prominent music program and Music City location. In 2012, Wells traveled to China for what would, unbeknownst to him, become his first performance in the country. Initially traveling for an educational service opportunity, Wells was encouraged by a friend to bring his guitar and found himself playing in Chengdu’s Youth Music Festival – to 5,000 fans. From there, Wells’s international career took off.

Prior to launching his summer tour, Wells spent the month of April in China performing two concerts – one hosted by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and a second at Xichong Technical College, both drawing crowds of several thousand fans.

Wells said the best part of his experience has been his fan base. Being the band’s first ticketed tour, Wells said they weren’t sure what reaction they’d get. But the response was nothing short of incredible. “To walk into a venue and have the crowd already excited to be there and ready to go was a complete blessing. I’m delighted to say that I feel the tour was a 100 percent success. To the fans – thank you, thank you, thank you. You give us a chance to do what we love on a daily basis. I don’t take that lightly, and I am very humbled to be 21-years-old, touring China and doing what I love.”

Though success has come quickly and Wells and his band are already looking towards a U.S album release in the coming months with the Chinese version close on its heels, the musician is quick to provide advice for aspiring talent. “Find your niche,” Wells said. “For us, it was an international fan presence that was worth cultivating. It’s a constant learning process and even at good shows, there are always things to learn. It’s always about growth. And it’s about believing in you.”

Wells has been profiled in a number of publications across China including recent articles in Shenzhen Daily highlighting Wells’s tour, ever-growing talent and ability to turn a venue into a “hot summer party with fans.” But even as the party continues, Wells is committed to staying “on his game,” remaining humble and innovative through his music. Because as Harrison Ford said in Star Wars, a mantra that repeats in his head often, the secret to musical success for Wells is remembering, “don’t get cocky, kid.” There’s still plenty left to learn and lots of stage left to cover.

http://news.belmont.edu/belmonts-jackson-wells-completes-10-city-chinese-tour - Belmont University


"Chinese-Speaking American Singer"

People’s Daily China
The following article was published on August 17, 2015, in the People’s Daily newspaper in China, circulation over 3,000,000. It was written from an in-depth interview the reporter did with Jackson after the last show in Beijing. Thank you for the great article! Congratulations, Jackson!

Chinese-Speaking American Singer
Translated by: Qijun Liu

August 9th, 10:00 p.m., Tennessee singer Jackson Wells had a perfect ending to his three-week China tour at Beijing Yugongyishan Live house.

Wearing a white shirt and carrying a guitar, this blonde, handsome, American big boy uses his passion and sincerity to light up the live performances. Not only did the lively atmosphere and powerful music impress the audience, but after Jackson finished each song, he would say, “Thank you! Thank you!!” in Chinese.

Speaking of Chinese, Jackson’s eyes showed his excitement and passion as he continually expressed his love of learning the Chinese language. When he was 14 years old, he heard Chinese for the first time. He was attracted by its beautiful tones and rhythm. He believed the Chinese language was the one he had been searching for and that Chinese was the best language to express his music in. For the first time, Jackson tried to add Chinese lyrics to his song “Get Closer." Even though he only added four sentences, it took him two weeks -- one week to write the sentences and one week to practice the pronunciation. He wanted to make sure his pronunciation was accurate, so the Chinese fans could understand him.

It’s not easy for a foreigner to learn Chinese, especially for a singer who needs to emphasize the sound and the tones. For this reason, Jackson worked really hard to practice his pronunciation. After he learned how to say, “Zaogao" (which means "oops"), he was excited for a long time because he could make jokes using this word. Although he likes to joke with “Zaogao," he has a very positive attitude; he smiles a lot. Some people asked, “What is your favorite Chinese character?” He said: “Zhen" (which means, "sincere"). He explained that this character represents truth, honesty, and seriousness. “I need to face my true self, treat other people honestly, and work on my beloved music career seriously.”

At age 5, Jackson's mom encouraged him to sing, and he started to perform on stage. He participated in singing competitions at age 12 and started to write songs when he was 15 years old. Jackson Wells started his music career step by step. Furthermore, learning Chinese opened a bigger world to him. He fell in love with China and considers China his second home. Since 2008, Jackson Wells has traveled to China six times. Chinese fans, Chinese culture, and Chinese customs attract him deeply. He proudly said, “Now I have more Chinese fans than American fans. They are excellent, and they give me so much encouragement and love." Jackson Wells also fell in love with Chinese food, especially Mapo tofu, and he is used to using chopsticks. At restaurants, if the server gives him forks and knives, he says, “I don’t need these. Please give me chopsticks.”

Next year Jackson Wells will come back to Beijing to learn Chinese. Even though there will be a lot of studying to do, he doesn’t feel stressed. Actually, he is very excited and looking forward to it. He said: “I love Chinese. I enjoy this learning process.”

We truly want to bless this music-loving, Chinese-loving, American boy, and we hope he has a bright future!

http://paper.people.com.cn/rmrbhwb/html/2015-08/17/content_1599822.htm - People's Daily China


"Beautiful Summer Night at the Sands and American Country Music"

(Google Translated from Chinese)
The evening of 30 July, the Jinsha Ruins Museum ushered in a batch to listen to a concert of "junior partner" who, of which the official micro-channel platform Sichuan University Graduate School of Business MBA Alumni colleagues, as well as from the Jinsha Ruins Museum Call Chengdu citizens.
The "Night of the Sands • American Country Concert" by the Jinsha Site Museum, Sichuan University Graduate School of Business MBA Alumni Association sponsored benefit concert. Prior to "Sands • Seeking the Soul" China Cultural Heritage Day benefit concert for its beautiful melody, superb playing skills and aesthetic innovation stage to get a high rating in the people of Chengdu, the last week, "Sands Night • South Korea young dancer exchange Showcase "is also used beautiful dance, exchange superb dancing and dancers collision between China and South Korea, to the people who left a deep impression. And last night's concert also continued the Jinsha Ruins Museum Huimin cultural performances consistently good reputation.
• Wells from the United States Jackson (Jackson Wells) band is last night's guest performers. Lyricist, composer Jackson's work earned him numerous international reputation, including being named Belfast • Nashville songwriters music festival best annual championship; International Songwriting Competition award; 2010 SingerUniverse. com game, and singer / songwriter's first four matches of the finals in 2011, perhaps the most popular niche of contemporary country music. 2012 Jackson was also invited to attend the Chengdu International Youth Music Festival, to great acclaim.
Concert stage is set up on the lawn outside the museum Jinsha Ruins Museum of relics. When night falls, the stage lights behind the trees mapped out a beautiful color changing, lively playing the guitar, Jackson fondly singing songs from his work - about hope, life, ups and downs, singing family and friendship - - integration of these common elements of everyday life, these songs becomes increasingly feeling real, reminiscent of those living or warm, or sentimental memories. And Jackson himself is a cheerful "big boys", one of Sichuan accent, "Hello, Chengdu!" Ignited the enthusiasm of the audience, plus the band's performances and his own wonderful handsome handsome appearance, won the audience alike. After the performance, the audience also can not wait to be photographed with him on stage.
When were leaving, some people are still discussing this wonderful "musical journey", and expressed the hope that Jinsha Site Museum to host more such cultural Huimin performances to enrich the cultural life of citizens. - Jinsha Site Museum


"Local Singer/Songwriter Gaining Fame in China"

By Angie Mayes
Staff Writer

Singer/songwriter Jackson Wells is making a name for himself in Nashville, but the Leiper’s Fork resident has also built a growing fan base in China.

Wells, who is from Los Angeles, moved to Middle Tennessee five years ago. He is a junior at Belmont University with a songwriting major and a Chinese minor.

“I started taking Chinese in the seventh grade because I was sick of taking Spanish,” he said. “Little did I know it would help my musical career. I chose Belmont because it has a good Chinese program, and that is a good contrast with my songwriting degree and gives me something to fall back on.”

Three years ago, Wells got a call from a friend who told Wells about an opportunity in China.

“I almost didn’t go,” he said. “I didn’t know it was a music-related trip. I assumed I’d be teaching but when I found out it was a music trip, I loaded up my guitar and went.”

At first, he was playing “small shows” before 5,000 to 10,000 people. Then that number grew.

“I am still learning the market and there are a lot of mistakes people who are not from China make,” he said, adding he performs some original songs and then also some popular favorites.

The Chinese are fans of country music and during his last trip, he performed at a four-day festival and another show and played before 478,000 people.

“I was one of the headliners at the festival because I had been there before,” he said. “That was huge. It was so loud and they were so into it. The last show I performed a full set by myself in front of 8,000 people.

At the Jin Sha Theatre, he performed an outdoor concert.

“It felt so small because everyone was packed in. I was able to shake hands and sing to the crowd. It was awesome. I’ll never forget it. There’s a song called ‘Just Thought You Should Know.’ I’ve played it for three years now. And I sang a song called ‘Lovesick,’ which is also a big one. I also sang ‘Closer.’”

Originally “Closer” was in English only, but he and tutor Jenny Sun translated part of it into Chinese as a sign of respect for the Chinese and their language.

“I thought it would be disrespectful to only do it in English,” he said. “It’s a bit more respectful because they have taken the time to learn English, so why not translate the song into Chinese? It’s nice to share that with them. It’s good to know them and be able to connect with them.”

“The song, ‘Country Roads’ is also huge and is a truly iconic Americana song,” he said. “They know every word and every line. It’s incredible. They also like Southern rock and love ‘Sweet Home Alabama.’ They know the song and sing along, clapping It’s a good party song. And they like ‘Cruise’ by Florida Georgia Line. They knew every word, it was amazing.”

Wells believes in doing charity events because “the music is close to my heart and music is a way to give back to the community.”

When he performs in China, he hopes to give back to the community, by presenting an eco-friendly lifestyle and planting trees. His entire band believes in giving back, he said.

“I hope to go back in November, if I am officially invited by the Chinese government,” he noted. “I have to represent myself, my family, Nashville and more. That’s why I like giving back.”

If Wells makes the trip, he will be there one or two weeks, staying in Chen Du and smaller communities outside Chen Du, he said.

In the meantime, Wells said, “I’d love to have a career as a singer/songwriter and I am just finishing an album with Rick Chudacoff and Arno Lucas. We will shop labels with the EP, but it’s ‘ultimately in God’s hands.’”

He’s also currently in discussions with the Nashville Predators to perform on game nights.

“They were very kind when I reached out to them,” Wells said. “I couldn’t be more exciting. It’s one of my favorite gigs. I’m a big hockey fan and this way, I’m able to support my team and do my music.”

In addition, he has performed at the Bluebird, Gray’s on Main, Green’s Grocery in Leiper’s Fork and multiple Puckett’s restaurants.

In five years, he wants to do more concerts in China, including a major tour of the country.

“China has shifted my business plans,” he said. “Many artists are at the mercy of the labels. It’s hard to break into the industry. This is a way to grow and expand before touring in the U.S. I can show a label I’m able to perform in front of large crowds. That way I have the potential to gain notoriety and attention.

For more information, visit www.Jacksonwells.com or follow him on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. - FranklinLife


"JACKSON WELLS--Just Thought You Should Know"

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, - Music Now Magazine, Issue 4


"Best Vocalist of the Month Winner: Jackson Wells"

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."

- SingerUniverse.com


Discography

Souvenirs and Secret Doors, 2016

Picture of Life, 2014

Scattered, 2011

Just Thought You Should Know , 2010 


Photos

Bio

Jackson Wells is a singer/songwriter born in New York City, raised in Los Angeles, recently relocated to Nashville, TN. He has performed on stages throughout Los Angeles, including House of Blues and Universal Studios City Walk. Since moving to Nashville, he has performed four well-received acoustic sets at the Bluebird Cafe and continues to play regularly at Hotel Indigo, Puckett’s in Leipers Fork, and at Nashville Predators games. His influences are diverse, including such artists as Keith Urban, John Mayer, Casting Crowns, Maroon 5, the Script, and Taylor Swift. The songs are generally pop but have country overtones as well. They each tell a story drawn from personal experiences that relate to themes everyone else can relate to too.

Jackson has traveled five times to China, where his most recent ten-city tour drew thousands of loyal fans. Performances included outdoor shows at the Chengdu International Music Festival, and several live music venues in Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. In 2015 he was invited as a featured performer in Arnold Schwarzenegger's Green China event in Xichong, playing to over 10,000 concertgoers. In other Chinese-related news he will be performing a bilingual Chinese/American set for the second time at the Greater Nashville Chinese Association’s Chinese New Year Celebration.

Jackson has been named winner of SingerUniverse.com's Vocalist of the Month twice, as well as being a finalist in both the Show Me the Music and International Songwriting Competitions. As a finalist in the Belfast/Nashville Songwriters Festival he was honored to perform in Belfast. Jackson’s music video Lovesick has received over 700,000 views from fans all over the globe. 

He recently released his third album on iTunes and Amazon, and is preparing a fourth release, Souvenirs and Secret Doors, for February 2016. Please visit his website at www.jacksonwells.com

Band Members