Songwriter Interview – Stacey Jackson

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Stacey Jackson about her career, what inspires her music, and her new single; Flipside.

Tell us a little about who you are in everyday life.

I’m a singer/songwriter and tv presenter with four kids, a dog, married 28 years and I live in London. I spend a lot of my day juggling my career with the four kids, but now three of them have left the nest.

What was it that first got you into music?

I have been singing in bands since I was 15 back in Montreal and then later when I moved to New York and then in London where I have been living now for 22 years.

My dad designed packages and album covers when I was growing up in Canada and I loved go with him to meet the artists in the recording studio. When I was 11, I was on a TV show singing for a popular charity and I kind of knew from that moment on I wanted to record and perform.

How would you describe the feel of your music?

Positive, happy, poppy and should make you want to dance!

You have released your new single, ‘Flipside’.. tell us a little about how this single came about.

It’s a funny story – I co-wrote the song deliberately with an 80s vibe to it. I grew up in the 1980s and was very influenced by the sounds of that era.

The lyrics are about how it’s so important to you take care of “you” and love “you” and to take risks to live your best life because the people around you that love you and support you will only respect that.

But then I became the TV presenter for “Stacey Jackson in the 80s” on Spotlight TV for Sky and when the producers suggested to use a stock 80s record for the opening of the show, I said, “Wait… I may have something original that could work…” The rest is history — it was so ironic.

What does Flipside mean to you?

Empowerment, fun, living your life to the fullest and staying positive (as opposed to the flipside I guess!)

What is your creative process like when you are creating your music?

I love collaborating and especially being “in the room” physically. So “zoom writing” was not my fave to be honest.  Usually either I will, or one of my co-writers would come up with a melody or some beats, and when I feel it – a top line melody would come to me, and I’d hum it into my phone (so I remember it!)

Then I usually pull upon influences that have inspired me over the years (and I’ve lived through a bunch of awesome musical years!!) Then I write the lyrics last. I really need to feel the music first to get a sense of what I want to write about. I know some people who like to put the music to the words but I’m the other way around, I need the melody first before I write the lyrics.

Has there been anything along the releasing process that you would do differently next time?

I’m really chuffed at how the public have been responding to this record. It’s probably one of my most commercial tracks and it’s been so organic. Perhaps because it’s the opening of a TV show maybe?

I normally like to collab with some amazing DJs or dance music producers to get a bunch of remixes on my records to amortise the airplay. I always think that is a good way to go.

You have spoken about the challenges of being an older woman in the public eye.. what would you say to older musicians who are wanting to share their music but are feeling the weight of these pressures and challenges?

To turn what they think is a disadvantage into an advantage. Having lived through soooo many musical generations and genres I feel is an actual advantage to my writing. And staying fit of course. This industry takes a toll – especially if you are performing or touring. You’re only as old as you feel! So I’m a big exercise fanatic.

What would success in your music look like to you?

DJs in the clubs and on the radio play it, people sing along to it and dance to it and pop it into their playlists.

Is there any message that you would like to share with your audience?

Just to stay positive, keep fit, do what you are passionate about, never give up on your dreams and keep on dancing!

Where can people go to find your music?

All my music is available on all streaming and music download platforms. And they can visit me on all social media @staerox or subscribe to my youtube channel “Stacey Jackson” where they can also watch “Stacey Jackson in the 80s” on demand or visit my website staceyjackson.com

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