Here is a Q&A with singer-songwriter David Jackson. He talks about his experiences in music.
Where did it all start for you getting into music?
I started writing in 1980 , I then formed a Christian rock band between 1980-1986 although I am not religious nowadays. I then stopped playing music and only started playing and writing again in 2017.
Who are your influences?
My ultimate hero is Bob Dylan, I am also a big fan of David Bowie and Marc Bolan. They all have written some incredible songs over the years. I don't try to emulate them but I put my lyrics first in a song as they also do.
With your music where do you tend to get your inspiration from e.g. how do you start your songs & what's your process?
I will sometimes have a chorus in my head for a few days or even weeks before I put pen to paper. I will then sit down with my guitar and play a few chords, then let the song form naturally. I tend to write my lyrics from my heart and hopefully this comes over into the finished song.
How important do you feel it is to listen to current music as well as music from the past?
It is very important to listen to a wide spectrum of music, both from the present and the past. I have a very eclectic taste in music literally from ABBA to Dylan, Bowie, Fleetwood Mac, Bring Me The Horizon and other heavy music. I also listen to acts like Ed Sheeran, Tom Grennan & Lewis Capaldi.
Do you feel it is important to watch other acts perform and to watch other live music?
It is very important to watch live music, you can gain a lot by watching performances and bring some things into your own performance. If I am doing a gig with more than one act on the bill I make sure I watch them as well.
Finally what tips do you have for anyone starting out when it comes to writing songs & performing live?
The main key to writing is to follow your heart. Don't try and force a song, if it's not there it won't work. Keep persevering and try something different if your current writing process isn't working. Most of all enjoy what you are doing and take pride in the songs you are writing.
Find out more about David at https://www.davidjacksonsingersongwriter.com
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