Meet Jackson Emmer | Songwriter / Singer / Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jackson Emmer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jackson, how do you think about risk?
Risk taking is where growth happens. Back in 2017, I was playing bar gigs all the time, usually Thursday through Sunday nights. My incredible wife suggested I only book listening rooms/concerts on the weekends, and not fill my time with gigs that wouldn’t lead to new fans. The decision to give up my bread-and-butter bar gigs was intimidating, but retrospectively it is the very thing that allowed me to drive my career in the right direction.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a songwriter, singer, multi-instrumentalist, and producer. I became a professional musician gradually. I got into the work because I just love music so much- I wanted to play it and become immersed in it at all times. Fortunately, I was never the best person in the room, and I learned a lot by chasing other, more experience artists. There is a tremendous amount of humiliation and failure in the music industry. Like professional comedians, you have to bomb a lot before figuring out how to interact with a crowd. It’s painful, but I was persistent. I held a vision of my future-self in my mind’s-eye, which keeps me going when things get dark. Things are often dark. I don’t let it bring me down.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I live in Carbondale, CO – the beautiful and stunning, middle-of-nowhere. A great day here would include: a morning hike of Red Hill, lunch at The Village Smithy, an afternoon dip at Penny Hot Springs, then dinner at Phat Thai. If you’re feeling adventurous, drive down to Willits after dinner for a concert at TACAW. They always have great performers, regardless of genre.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many people to thank for where I am today. My wife, Olivia, is incredibly supportive. Our marriage has kept me making music. She always lifts me up.

As for mentors, I should mention Trevor Wilson, Kitty Brazelton, John Kirk, Tom Paxton, John Lilly, Susan Gibson, and Mary Bragg. These are all songwriters, composers, and artists who were further along in their artistic journey than me, and yet they took the time to lovingly drag me up to their level. I always savor being in the room with people who are more talented or skilled than me. It’s where I learn the most.

Website: https://www.jacksonemmer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacksonemmer/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackson.emmer

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/jemmermusic

Image Credits
Photos by Renee Ramge, Olive & West Photography, and Jon Estes.