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| Photo taken by Bailey Cavanaug |
Texas, with its moody and emotional musical landscape, has played a significant role in shaping Carly Jo's music. Drawing inspiration from legendary Texas musicians like Gary Clark Jr., Sonny Wolf, and Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carly Jo has embraced a more raw and raucous quality in her sound. The musical roots deeply embedded in Texas, especially in cities like Austin, have encouraged her to explore emotions and express them with a genuine, unfiltered approach.
Carly Jo's journey as a musician has been enriched by notable endorsements from Gibson Guitar and Samson Technologies. These partnerships have not only provided her with confidence but also eased the financial burden associated with pursuing a career in the arts. The support from these companies extends beyond equipment, allowing Carly Jo to focus on her artistic development and reciprocate the support by showcasing and promoting their products.
Her latest release, "Feel It," represents a significant evolution in Carly Jo's musical style. The song, produced by Eldridge Goins of Mixorama Productions in Austin, captures the exhaustion and honesty that come with a life devoted to late-night gigs and studio sessions. Influenced by the sounds of Sufjan Stevens and Regina Spektor, the song reflects Carly Jo's journey and the sacrifices made in pursuing a musical career.
As a solo musician, Carly Jo navigates the creative process differently when working on singles versus larger projects like EPs or albums. For singles like "Feel It," she immerses herself in the emotions surrounding a specific idea, creating a deeply connected piece. In contrast, larger projects involve considering each song as part of a collective image, ensuring that they complement and reveal more about one another.
Collaborations have played a vital role in Carly Jo's creative process, bringing fresh perspectives to her music. One notable collaboration is with Ashley Dudukovich of the band Chasing Jonah, with a song titled "Good Boy" set for release. The collaboration, born out of different music styles, resulted in a unique blend influenced by Tracy Chapman and Colbie Calliat.
Carly Jo has had the honor of opening for iconic figures such as Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Dennis Quaid. These experiences, both on and off stage, provided her with profound insights into the music industry. Offstage moments, like house shopping with Michael McDonald and Amy McDonald along the Cambria Coast, highlighted the familial atmosphere among musicians, transcending fame and status.
The collaboration with Michael McDonald extends to her 2019 EP, "Au Naturel," where he contributed vocals. Working with a legendary artist like McDonald was akin to working with an old friend, with his patient and collaborative approach leaving an indelible mark on Carly Jo's music. His legendary vocal texture added warmth and conviction to the tonality of the songs.
Carly Jo's appearance on America's Got Talent in 2014 marked a turning point in her career, providing a national stage to showcase her music. The exposure led to a larger following, offering new opportunities for performances and collaborations. The experience also provided valuable lessons in performance technique and vocal coaching.
High-profile events, such as being an Emerging Artist at Summerfest 2018 and performing at the 30A Songwriters Festival alongside renowned artists, offered unique challenges and learning experiences. Carly Jo turns nerves into excitement, emphasizing preparation and visualization to enhance her performances. These events have been a catalyst for her artistic growth, shaping her approach to music and performances.
Performing at a San Francisco 49ers game in 2015 added a memorable chapter to Carly Jo's career. The opportunity arose through a connection with former management, and the crowd's enthusiastic response showcased the universal appeal of her music, even in unexpected settings.
An acknowledgment from Jeff Bridges, featuring Carly Jo on his Sleep Club website, stands as a remarkable validation of her talent. The connection was established through producer Chris Pelonis, who toured with Bridges. Jeff Bridges' ongoing support has been a source of inspiration for Carly Jo.
Carly Jo's EP, "Au Naturel," released in 2019, garnered attention not only for its music but also for being produced by Chris Pelonis and distributed by Jimmy Buffet's Cherry Bomb Records. The collaboration with Chris Pelonis began serendipitously after he discovered her performing at a hotel in Anaheim. The authentic, raw sound of the EP was a deliberate choice, aiming to capture the warmth of Carly Jo's live performances.
Interview:
Can you tell us about the unique blend of Florida roots and Texas blues that influences your indie rock pop/rock sound? How do these regional influences shape your music?
“I believe both of these states have their own unique take on “southern” music. Florida, being the fun, tropical, beach state, has inspired me throughout the years to keep an upbeat underline on stage. Even when I perform more ballad type songs, I feel like I need to bring that Florida energy and heat. I believe my start in music, playing live shows in Florida, has taught me to bring that heat wherever I play.
Texas on the other hand is so moody and has taught me to bring more pure raunch to my music. I’ve learned to dig into emotion in Texas. The musical roots go so far back here and you can really feel it in a music city like Austin, Texas. I’ve started using more lead guitar with a little twang thanks to influence from some of my favorite local and legendary Texas musicians like Gary Clark Jr., Sonny Wolf and Stevie Ray Vaughan.“
2. Securing endorsements from Gibson Guitar and Samson Technologies is a significant achievement. How have these partnerships influenced your musical journey, and what role do these endorsements play in your artistic development?
“These are some serious MVPs when it comes to my musical career. Companies like Gibson, Samson and others I’ve had the honor to work with in the past have really been a huge inspiration when it comes to moving forward on my journey as a musician. It can be extremely hard to make decisions when you support yourself via art and having these endorsements on the table really gives you confidence. You find yourself saying “hey, these people believe in me, so I need to keep on believing in myself and moving forward.” Also, the support with equipment really eases stress because the cost of wear and tear, when facing it alone, really adds up. They are able to replace equipment as well as adorn you with new products on the line. It's fun and easy to reciprocate however I can as an artist by playing and advertising their equipment in return for the many ways they help!”
3. Your music is known for its unique blend of influences. Can you share how your latest release, "Feel It," represents your musical evolution and the inspiration behind the song?
“‘Feel It’ is one that I’m very proud of because it came from a brutally honest place and received little to no whitewashing on my emotions. My producer, Eldridge Goins of Mixorama Productions in Austin, and I wanted to embody the tiredness a lonely life of playing late night gigs and spending hours upon hours in the studio brings. In production we were drawn to influences like the sounds of Sufjan Stevens and Regina Spektor, however, I also allowed things to come from a place that just felt like a newer me. A lot of times when you take songs to the studio they may drift a little and become quite different than the original idea but this one was and always will be so very true to the feelings I had at the time- the feeling of missing out as friends are getting married and having babies, making a beautiful life picture while I feel like I’ve had my nose in my music this whole time and have not achieved anything like that. Contrary to the song I wouldn’t change a thing because music is something I couldn’t avoid doing if I tried, but I love that we captured that experience and I get to share it with those who feel stuck in their ways sometimes as well. That’s what this music thing is all about.”
4. As a solo musician, how do you approach the creative process differently when working on a single like "Feel It" compared to a larger project like an EP or album?
“Usually when I’m trying to focus on a single like “Feel It” I get to spend a lot of time putting heart into the message in that song alone. This is great because focusing on the feelings surrounding one idea seem to bring you to a really connected place. However, when working on bigger projects I tend to think of the songs more as a collective image. I try to think of each song, whether an EP of 5 songs or a full album, as one big picture and how they can complement and sometimes reveal more about one another. Both mindsets are really fun ways to work in the studio.”
5. Collaborations often bring fresh perspectives to music. Have there been any collaborations with other artists or any plans for future collaborations that you can tell us about?
“I totally agree, I’ve learned that writing and jamming with others is a really great way to get new ideas flowing and add life into what you’re creating. I am also all for being a part of a supportive music community, and a lot of that comes out through collaborations. I have a great partnership and will soon to be releasing a song (hopefully in January, fingers crossed ) with a long-time friend/inspiration Ashley Dudukovich of the band Chasing Jonah. She produced and helped rewrite ‘Good Boy’ a song about a really bad relationship as a part of a new recording portfolio of her favorite local artists that she’s building. I was so honored to share mind space with her because our music styles are different as solo artists but the beautiful ideas we came up with together would never have come about without both involved. ‘Good Boy’ is rocking influences of Tracy Chapman and Colbie Calliat, some of my first musical inspirations, so I’m excited to be able to hopefully share it with you soon!”
6. Opening for iconic figures like Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, and Dennis Quaid must have been an incredible experience. Can you share some memorable moments from these performances and the impact they had on your musical journey?
“Yes, those performances were entirely profound for me. Sometimes I still have to convince myself that those things truly happened because it often feels like a dream. Some of my most memorable moments were actually made offstage, learning about the person behind the songs. Once, I got the pleasure of spending the whole day with Michael and Amy McDonald along with my producer, Chris Pelonis, to go house shopping along the Cambria Coast for what was to be the McDonald’s new vacation home. It was some of the most beautiful homes and neighborhoods I’ve ever seen. Afterward we all sat around a big dinner table at a nice restaurant and laughed at stories and memories just like family; that stood out to me so much. Here they are, as well known as they are, and they treat everyone like family. Each one of those performers you’ve mentioned is that way and I could go on forever but with that it was such a gift sharing time with them on and off stage.”
7. Michael McDonald contributed vocals to your 2019 EP, Au Naturel. What was it like collaborating with such a legendary artist, and how do you feel his influence added to the overall texture of your music?
“Working with Michael was like working with an old friend. He treats everyone so kindly, which I was very grateful for being as nervous as I was in the studio with someone like him. In addition to his contributions to my music, I sang backup vocals on his re-release of the song he and Carly Simor wrote, "You Belong to Me" which he released with the artist Buika. He was incredibly patient with me and asked so many questions on how I would like things to be, making me feel like a big part of the team. His vocal texture is so legendary and added an insane amount of warmth into the tonality of my songs he’s on. Just hearing it alongside my voice makes me giddy and evolves the song by invoking so much conviction into the lyrics. I’m forever grateful to have these recordings and to share them. It really was an experience that keeps me going.”
8. Your appearance on America's Got Talent in 2014 marked a significant point in your career. Can you reflect on that experience and how it shaped your approach to your music and performances?
“AGT was such a big turning point for me because it gave me a national stage to stand on, allowing me to access more people than I could have imagined who liked my music. After my first appearance I accumulated a much larger following on my social media and had support from a bigger audience than I’ve ever had. That change in support opened a lot of doors for other opportunities like future performances and collaborations. I remember being nervous whether it would go well but I’m so happy that I took that chance in auditioning. Alongside gaining a new following I also learned so much in performance-tech, like how to command the stage when working a huge crowd and vocal coaching to aid in confidence. I’m blessed to have that information moving forward to use in my techniques on any stage to come”
9. Being an Emerging Artist at Summerfest 2018 and performing at the 30A Songwriters Festival alongside renowned artists like Jason Isbell and Brandi Carlile must have been exciting. How do you prepare for such high-profile events, and what did you gain from these experiences?
“Big events like those definitely come with more than your average nerves. I usually try my best to turn those nerves into excitement, because that’s truly all it is. I tell myself it's only a symptom of how happy I am to be there and try to use it to power through into a good mental space. A big part of my preparing for those events, too, is practicing. It’s much easier to get through the jitters when you feel prepared for what you’re about to do. Visualizing is also a huge help before I hit a big show. In practice, I’ll literally close my eyes and try to experience the show before I get there; the sounds, smells, and songs. It sometimes helps take a little bit of the edge off when you walk out to the stage. I feel like these experiences are a goldmine of good when it comes to what works in your performances and who you truly are on stage. I’ve learned a lot performing for music lovers in those crowds and it has been a catalyst in my life to continue creating and trying to return to those places with something even more real to give.”
10. Opening a San Francisco 49ers game is a unique performance venue. How did this opportunity come about, and what was the crowd's response to your music in that setting?
“That performance was certainly one to remember! It came about through a former management team I was working with at the time, called JRNE Management. They had a close relationship booking events for the San Francisco 49ers Miracle Mile event and I of course said yes when they asked if I’d like to participate in 2015. It was such a lovely crowd, they were super hyped for the game and totally gave that game day energy we were hoping for. It could have been the beer but they accepted us like rockstars. At the end of the game, they even played my song “Oh Yeah” in the stadium as a way to thank the band and had us dancing on the Jumbotron, it was a hoot. Definitely a memory I’ll love and keep forever.”
11. Jeff Bridges featuring you on his Sleep Club website is a remarkable acknowledgment of your talent. Can you share how this connection was established and the impact it had on your career?
“The way I met Jeff was through my friend and producer Chris Pelonis. For a long time, Chris toured with Jeff Bridges and recorded his music accompanying him as his lead guitarist and band director. Although Jeff took a pause on his performing he still remains incredibly supportive of other musicians who inspire him. A few years ago, Chris somehow got Jeff to sit down and listen to some of the stuff we were working on and Jeff then agreed to come to a local show I was having that evening in Santa Barbara, CA. Ever since we’ve been acquainted it has been an honor to have his approval as a music maker. The Dude abides!”
12. Your EP, Au Naturel, released in 2019, received attention not only for its music but also for being produced by Chris Pelonis and Lost Coast Records, distributed by Jimmy Buffet's Cherry Bomb Records. How did these collaborations come about, and what was the creative process like for this project?
“I met Chris Pelonis of Lost Coast Records in such a random circumstance. I was playing at the Sheraton Hotel in Anaheim, CA as a part of the NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) convention that’s held there every January. I had long braids in my hair that I sometimes made a part of my stage-look at the time and that is what Chris claims first piqued his interest in my performance, as he waltzed into the wrong hotel by accident to then find me playing there. He stuck around for the whole show and afterward asked me if I’d be interested in coming to record that exact set I had just played at his studio in Hollister Ranch, CA. He had an idea that he wanted to make the songs sound exactly as raw and warm as they are on stage without over production. We used this idea as a guide throughout our time recording Au Naturel, always coming back to authentic sounds when we felt caught up. Chris was able to use a connection with a friend of his at Cherry Bomb Records to get their attention to the songs. It was a stretch but I was elated to find out they were interested in distributing for us. My friendship with Chris and Cherry Bomb is forever after all the hard work we put into these tracks and it all started with a mix up.”
13. Looking ahead, what can fans anticipate in terms of new music or projects from Carly Jo Jackson? Are there specific themes or directions you're exploring in your upcoming releases?
“Things to come are definitely something to be excited for. I have been trying to envelop new-found sounds and feelings into what I’ve been writing lately and it has inspired me to want to work toward releasing a potential full length album in the future. The songs recently feel matured, earthy, and true to my voice. I’ve also been exploring more sounds that compliment my tone leading me to being introduced to styles new to me that are all across the map. I’m excited to see what these new influences will bring and to share that. I’m also looking forward to traveling to California again in the new year for some performances so heads up to anyone out that way!”
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