Today we’d like to introduce you to Ben Jackson.
Hi Ben, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Having grown up playing drums and studying music at the University of North Texas, I moved to Nashville in 2008 with the aspirations of becoming a touring and studio musician. I toured with several major label country artists from 2009-2013. Around 2011, I began producing projects for some artist friends and fell in love with the process.
In 2013, I transitioned off the road to become a full-time studio musician and producer, a job I have been doing ever since. I built my current studio, East End Studio in 2019 to serve my needs as a producer, musician, arranger, and mixer. Since heading into production full-time, I’ve slowly built an artist roster that includes acts such as Sister Hazel, Brian Desveaux (of Nine Days) Tony Lucca, Aaron Watson, and many more.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think anyone’s road is “smooth.” Being in a creative industry means that you’re signing up for some guaranteed challenges. The first of which is that you are a sole proprietor, responsible for your decisions, the direction you steer both your art and your business, which risks you decide to take, how you handle challenges…really, everything.
The road is also littered with uncertainty. For me, realizing that touring wasn’t satisfying to me and that I would need to take a step back to go in a new direction was one moment of uncertainty, but there are countless moments each year where I find myself asking if I’m making good decisions, heading in the right direction, etc…
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I primarily produce records for artists and bands. I work with a lot of independent artists, which I genuinely love, as well as some signed major acts. A producer’s job changes based on the specific needs of a project and the artist. My approach to production is to help the artist find their voice and sound for the record we’re making and help them realize that sound on the album.
I think one thing that sets me apart is that my approach is very flexible within a reliable framework. I start by working with artists to establish their goals and use those goals to build the framework for the production, which includes song selection, genre/style, instrumentation, and sonic character. This comes together to become the “vision” for the project.
Once the vision is established, we have a framework from within we can be very loose and creative, while still having something to check against (the vision) to make sure the project is coming out in a way that meets the stated goals. It sounds pretty structured, but it feels very open and the artist can feel confident that they’re going to be proud of the record we make. This approach works across all genres and styles too, so it allows me to work with a wide variety of artists.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
There have been so many! One that comes to mind a lot lately is that every project is an opportunity to grow and learn. Another is it’s easy to overestimate what you can do in 6 weeks, but easier to underestimate what you could do in a year.
In other words, the journey is long and it takes time to develop a craft, career, and resume. Slow down, chip away every day, and when you look back you’ll see how much you’ve accomplished.
Contact Info:
- Website: benjacksonmusic.com
- Instagram: @benjackson.music
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070347502739&mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@benjacksonmusic1448?si=y0UvgyZzeVBs0C5S