An Interview With Musician JACKSON HARRIS About His Newest Music, Working With Musicians On Call And More!

Having recently wrapped up his first European tour of the year with Cody Simpson, Jackson Harris went back out on the road for his second European tour of 2015 with Jacob Whitesides.  The “Broke Billionaire” tour kicked off in Dublin, Ireland in the fall. 

Jackson’s latest single, “Dance with the Devil”, is available on iTunes now and it’s video features a performance and captivating choreography from Jon Rua of Broadway’s hit show, Hamilton.

To capture the passion and sentiment of the song, the video features an elderly couple traveling back in time to expose the lasting and sometimes turbulent nature of a profound relationship. Viewers will get a look into Jackson’s unique take on what it means to love and be loved. Using dance as a vehicle for emotional reflection, “Dance With the Devil” promises to be an engaging and beautiful take on love and the passage of time.

Born and raised in New York, Jackson knew he wanted to be in the music industry from a young age. After years of hard work and playing with his band at small lounges in Manhattan, Jackson eventually landed the coveted gig of opening up for artists like Cher Lloyd and Fifth Harmony.  Aside from touring, Jackson has worked with many other notable talents in the studio as well as in his music videos.  These talents include Vita Chambers (Universal Republic), Judah Friedlander (30 Rock) and Lucy Hale (Pretty Little Liars).

In his spare time, Jackson values using his music for good. Working with the charity organization Musicians on Call, Jackson visits with patients at various children’s hospitals, going from room to room to meet them and sing songs.  Jackson has also performed at a variety of charity concerts in support of causes, ranging from homelessness awareness to organizations researching leukemia, cancer and AIDS.

Follow Jackson on Social Media Here:

YouTube: JacksonHarrisNYC

Twitter: Jackson_Harris

Facebook: jacksonharrisnyc

Instagram: jacksonharris

Learn more about this talented artist in the following All Access interview:

So, what’s a typical day look like for you lately?

I wake up, grab some coffee, check my emails and then throw on some music. Some days I go into the studio and write, other days I’m working on a new video. I’m always working in some form of creation every day since it’s what makes me happiest.

What were some of your 2015 highlights and what are you most excited for this year?

I loved being able to tour Europe twice and get to play shows all over the world. It was also an honor to release new music. In 2016 I plan on releasing even more new music and traveling all over to play shows!

Growing up, did you always want to be a musician? Can you recall your earliest musical memory? 

I remember singing in the car with my mom. I watched Disney movies like every child and loved to sing along. Music has always been in my life in some form or another.

What was it like touring Europe with Cody Simpson and others on the “Broke Billionaire” Tour? What were some favorite shows on it?

I consider Cody a good friend and his whole team was so warm and welcoming. Working with him and playing shows was the best time ever. Then getting a chance to open for Jacob Whitesides on the Broke Billionaire Tour was an awesome month in Europe making music and playing stages.

You’ve really been opening for a ton of amazing acts. What’s been a favorite touring memory from it all?

The best memories usually are the ones made when everyone is backstage hanging out. I’ve been so lucky to become friends with some incredible artists and I value those friendship because that’s why I make music; to connect with people.

Can you talk about your involvement with Musicians On Call?

Musicians On Call is an amazing organization that brings music to those who are in the hospital for various treatments and illnesses. Music has healing power. So I do my best to go and play music for those in need, if only to take their minds off their daily life for a few minutes and just feel like a regular kid.

You will soon be releasing your newest single, “Dance With The Devil”. What was the inspiration behind that song?

We all have those times in our lives where we are depressed or scared or sad, and I wanted to write a song that talks about getting through those emotions. To see a light at the end of tunnel and to know everything will be ok.

Can you talk about the single’s video that features a performance and captivating choreography from Jon Rua of Broadway’s Hamilton? How creatively involved were you with the making of the video?

I came up with the concept of the video, and I knew Jon Rua would be the perfect fit. I was honored to have him choreograph and perform in the video. I wanted to do something different and create a more artistic video, and I loved what we created.

Who are some of your favorite artists? Who would you love to work with in the future?

John Mayer, James Bay, Ed Sheeran, Drake, Kendrick Lamar, Mike Posner, Ryan Tedder, The 1975, The Beatles, Elvis Presley…. The list goes on and on 🙂

What do you hope is the message of your music? What do you hope listeners take away from your songs?

I want them to feel the emotion in the song. I want them to connect to the story and apply it to their lives. I want my music to be the soundtrack of your life ; in those moments of sadness and in those moments of happiness.

Is there anything else you would like to share with our readers about yourself or your music?

I just want to say thank you. Thank you to my team who helps me everyday achieve my dreams;thank you to my family who has been so supportive and loving and most of all I want to thank the fans out there that support me and my music and art. It’s really a dream come true.

All photos courtesy of Peter Hurley