Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
My name is Jackie Minton and I’m a singer-songwriter from just outside of Dallas, Texas. Over the last decade, I’ve lived in four different states, and am currently pursuing music back in my hometown.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
My parents raised me on James Taylor and Shania Twain. I was always attracted to the intersection of acoustic storytelling and pop songwriting. I find my songwriting today tends to hold that acoustic root while exploring the soundscape of electric texture.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
Josh Garrels’ Home record had a significant impact on how I think about production. I remember the first time a friend played it for me while we were driving through the hills of southern California. The record as a whole feels simple and expansive. I have aspired to balance such extremes ever since.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
Every song comes about in its own way. I usually feel inspired by a lyric and melody together then go searching for the chords on guitar or piano from there. Once I figure out where it’s trying to go– I do my best to get out of the song’s way, which is easier said than done.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?
A cruel question! Each song has its moment in the writer’s heart. I’d have to say a song that has grown infinitely more dear to me over the years is a song I wrote in high school called “Fly”. I don’t think it’s the best song I’ve ever written, but playing it for family, friends, and strangers over the years has given me some of my favorite moments of life.
Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
I wrote “Fly” after getting home from running errands with my dad on a Saturday afternoon. As we pulled back in the drive, he looked up and said, “That’s a nice bird”. My teenager self probably rolled her eyes and replied, “that is a nice bird, dad.” I walked inside, grabbed my guitar per usual and the song just flew out of me and onto the page. I was holding a lot of insecurity at that time – everyone asks a 15 year old what they want to be when they grow up and I had no clue. So the lyric was a response to a burning question in myself and the spark of the moment … “How amazing it must be to fly the sky worry free, know it’s what you were meant to do.” You can listen to it on my album Earnest Voice.
Let’s talk about your latest music video “For Giving”. What’s the story or message behind it?
“For Giving” is a reflection on the nature of self-gift in love. For the music video we wanted to explore that theme in a playful way. The end result was so much more than I imagined when I began the project with Silver Lantern Studios. Their team did a fantastic job of turning me into the character of Red Riding Hood and crafting a fairytale world around her. You can watch it for yourself right here For Giving – Jackie Minton (Official Music Video)
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
My most shocking live performance experience to date was getting to open for a stop of Dermot Kennedy’s US tour in 2022 at the Clyde Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana – on 24 hours’ notice. Ha! I didn’t have time to be nervous between packing up my things, hopping on a flight and doing the show on 3 hours of sleep. I was running on pure adrenaline.
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
I love anything that has to do with words: reading, writing, calligraphy. Often inspiration from the books I read slips into the songs I write.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
If I ever had the chance to write a song with Madison Cunningham, I would have to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
Keep going! You never know what the future holds, but you don’t have to. It’s honestly much better that way. The most beautiful views in this journey have come when I least expected them, in places I would have never thought to look on my own.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
Yes, I’m working on a new project of songs titled Sagesse. We’re in the process of finalizing instrumentation and recording final touches. I’m hoping to release it as a whole before the end of 2024. Keep in touch and follow along with the journey by joining my “Little Letters” community at https://www.jackieminton.com/connect