BSCkids got the chance to speak with Jackson Guthy who is currently on the Summer Break Tour with Big Time Rush and Victoria Justice. He speaks about being on tour and some of his “favorites”.
BSCkids: Jackson Guthy
So this will be the second time performing with Big Time Rush…what was one of your favorite moments with them from the last tour and what is it that you are most looking forward to doing while on the Summer Break Tour?
One of my favorite moments from last year would have to be on that tour with Big Time Rush AND One Direction on their first tour. I got to play in so many cities and meet so many fans and introduce them to my music. This year on Summer Break Tour, I’m looking forward to all the places I missed out on going last year!
Any town you are really looking forward to playing while on the Tour? What is your favorite song to perform live?
I’m definitely looking forward to Florida- I love the beach! My favorite song to perform live is “Pretty Lady”…which is my new single
One thing people would think is pretty crazy that you will have on your tour bus?
My fat English bull dog Cruz. Can’t go on tour with out him!
What has been your funniest fan meet and great story that you have had while on tour?
There was a girl balling crying at a meet and greet- I didn’t know what to do! Should I help her, hug her, or smile?!
How do you feel that YouTube has impacted the music business?
YouTube has given artists, like myself, a different platform and a chance to break through and show their talent.
You are also real lucky to get the chance to perform with Victoria Justice as well, how do you prepare to get the crowd excited for the artists when you are an opening act? Do you get nervous on tour performing in front of crowds?
I have a great intro to the set that pumps the crowd, and then I like to keep the momentum going before the next act takes the stage.
I used to get nervous but now it’s turned from nervousness to excitement. I love performing in front of my fans!
Who came up with the #JackPack name for your fans?
My fans. #JackPack is the best!
How do you feel you are different from the current singers out there, how do you make your own path?
As a music lover, I definitely have influences, but I write mostly from personal experiences. I don’t want to replicate what’s already out there- I want to make and maintain my own sound.
You have released a few singles this year, what would you say has been your personal favorite?
It’s definitely my new song, Pretty Lady.
When can we expect to see your EP? Where would you like to be in 5 years in your music career?
My EP should roll out in early Fall! I think more long-term than in 5 years, so I want to make sure I’m taking all the right steps so I can still be playing when I’m 70. If it takes longer than 5 years, it’s ok because I’m in this for the long-run!
How have your parents influenced your career, were they able to help you get started in the business?
I’m very lucky to have such supportive parents. They have helped me from a very young age to get where I am today.
Do you have an siblings? If so how have they influenced you?
I have a brother and a sister, and they have also both been for supportive to my career. Whether it’s coming to my shows or listening to some of my new music, they are always behind me.
Who is your favorite athlete and why?
Hands down: Kobe Bryant! GO LAKERS!
At only 16-years-old, Jackson Guthy has already captivated America on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, toured with Big Time Rush and One Direction, and joined forces with major label, Universal Republic Records. However, as far as the singer / songwriter is concerned, there’s still a lot more to accomplish.
“I want the whole world to hear my songs,” he enthuses. “Music is so powerful, and it’s inspired me for as long as I can remember. I want to share that feeling with everyone, worldwide.”
It’s an ambitious goal, but Jackson has been working toward achieving it since the age of four when his older sister lost interest in her piano lessons and he picked them up. At the encouragement of his parents, the Southern California native immersed himself in various instruments. Within a few years, he was already writing his own songs at an impressive and prolific rate. Soon, he began performing live locally and turning heads within the music industry. Shortly after his fifteenth birthday, his music landed on Ellen DeGeneres’ desk, and she dropped him a call—literally.
“She personally called me and invited me to perform onher show,” he smiles. “I was so excited. I didn’t even know what to think. It was my very first television performance, and it opened up so many doors for me. I’m beyond thankful for the opportunity Ellen gave me.”
His live rendition of original track “LOVING” enchanted audiences, and press and fans alike became enamored with the young performer. Opening the Big Time Rush “Better With U” tour alongside One Direction solidified him as a live performer. After returning from thistour in 2012 and delivering a jaw dropping performance at the legendary Radio City Music Hall, Universal Republic signed Guthy.
His debut single on Universal Republic, “One of These Days” fuses upbeat pop with a fresh swagger, and it’s the perfect introduction to his style. Guthy co-wrote the tune with Hot Chelle Rae’s Nash Overstreet and Brian Kennedy [Chris Brown, Rihanna] while Dewain Whitmore [Kelly Clarkson] produced it. Sailing from energetic handclaps into sun-soaked guitar, “One of These Days” makes for an invigorating and infectious anthem.
However, there isn’t simply one side to Jackson. His voice echoes with palpable soul on the piano-driven “Stop My World,” which is about “a girl freezing time for you,” and he channels a Motown falsetto for “I Got You.” “The music is really diverse,” he goes on. “It can be pop, alternative or even old school soul. The range is big and I never want to just do one thing.”
In addition, Jackson’s stamp is on every one of these songs as he always serves as writer or cowriter. “As a writer, you know if your voice will fit a song or not,” he explains. “I play instruments and I focus on writing. I’m not worried about dancing and choreography. If you’re a dude, you can listen to my music without being embarrassed. There’s something old school about it.”
Make no mistake about it, Jackson Guthy is the future, and he’s only begun accomplishing his goals.
“It’s about having a dream and thinking it can come true one day. No matter how unreachable your dreams seem, there’s a possibility they can happen. I feel like I’m proof of that.” – Jackson
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