Talks About Gear, New Single Reckless Love, And Working With Legendary Musician and Producer Dale Schnettler From Prime Circle Fame

Interviewed by Duzzy Clayton

Photography by Devographic

Intro

Jackson Colt is the essence of 80’s Rock reimagined. Catchy chorus hooks, melodic riffs, and shredding solos echo through from the Golden Era of the Guitar. Raised on “Old School Rock”, Jackson combines a retro-retake with a modern fresh sound that booms through the ages for all target markets.

Vocalist & Guitarist Jackson Colt shares that ‘Reckless Love’ tells a story about “loving somebody who you are not meant to be with. The first verse depicts the beginning of the two lovers’ journey as being exciting and ignorant. The second verse contrasts this by showing the final stages of being miserable. The chorus acts as a rationalization that both lovers display in which they believe that the reckless nature of the love is normal.

The lyrics deal with the idea of challenging fate and the insanity that comes with trying to believe that everything is in place. The song begins with the lovers crossing paths on a one-way street which is a clear indication from the start that things aren’t meant to be. Someone is going the wrong way.

The song has a very upbeat classic rock style to it. This was done to convey the hopes for two lovers, while the lyrics act as the underlying truth/voice in our heads both are trying to ignore.

Recording the song with producer Dale Schnettler (Prime Circle & The DrumJ Experience) was incredible. We wanted to capture the classic rock sound through big harmonies while still keeping the bouncy rhythm. We also harmonized a few chords at the end of the choruses which was interesting as mostly single notes are harmonized.”

Photography by Devographic

Interview

Hi Jackson Colt, welcome back to Fanbase Music Magazine, the last time we spoke you were releasing Strangers, how did you feel that single did?

Thank you so much. I’m glad to be back. Strangers did really well. A lot of positive reviews and airplay. However, what makes me think it did well though is that people enjoyed it. People have commented that they related to the song and enjoy the music which makes me happy.

Can you tell us where you are from and what got into music?

I’m from the south of Joburg. I got into music through my parents playing old records of bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Grand Funk Railroad. I became obsessed with sounds, especially the guitar. I got my first guitar from a thrift shop when I was very young and I have never put the instrument down.

How would you describe your sound?

Jackson Colt is very inspired by classic rock. Everything from the 50s to the modern day. My music is heavily influenced by 80s rock mostly. Big choruses and guitar riffs and solos. I have tried to put a slightly modern twist on the music to make it not just sound like a copycat.

You have a band that is known as Jackson Colt, can you tell us who else is in the band?

Dean on Bass (he is actually a drummer), Matt on drums (he is a drummer), and the tallest man you’ll ever see: Piet on rhythm guitar. It’s a weird set up but I am so proud to be working with such skilled musicians who are family to me. I also have to mention Dale my producer and Devo my A&R/PR agent. They do so much for the band and are a part of the band.

Photography by Devographic

Ok let’s talk about the upcoming single Reckless Love, what is the song about?

The song is about loving somebody that you are not meant to be with. The relationship is toxic and it is definitely not working. We have all been through a relationship where you try everything to make it work but destiny or fate says otherwise. This song is about that. The insanity of trying to fight the impossible.

Legendary Drummer of Prime Circle and also now producer Dale Schnettler worked on the track, can you tell us what he bought to the table and how it was working with him?

Dale is one of the most talented musicians in the country. I grew up idolizing him and his band.

Dale always brings the “next level” to the table. He has ideas that I would have never thought of. He takes a song and adds the icing on top to make it something special. I am very lucky to have a mentor and a friend like Dale.

What was the recording process like?

It’s always fun recording music with your friend. There’s no pressure. We basically recorded the song in like two days. I feel like songs that you have fun with and truly enjoy the process are the songs that come out the best. The recording process was basically just hanging out with one of my closest friends.

When you wrote this track, can you talk us through the process, from start to finish, did you write lyrics or the melody first and how did it become the end product?

There is no recipe for writing a song. An idea can come from anywhere – whether it’s a lyric, melody, or piece of music. Reckless Love started with the chorus. I played the chords of the chorus and I just felt a melody and sang it. I also see colors when I write songs – so when I wrote the rest of the song, I had to match it with the color I saw for the song.

Can we expect an album soon?

Yes definitely! I have a few more singles to be released and a full-length album on its way.

Will you be playing live soon?

The band is playing on the 30th of September at Rusty Hook for Plushy Fest. Plushy is an incredible charity festival hosted by Hit Music. This year is in aid of the Lighthouse Baby Shelter.

It’s going to be an incredible event and if anyone has some free time, come enjoy a really awesome event and support a good cause.

Tickets can be bought HERE

Can you talk us through your gear, what instruments, and what brand of instruments you prefer?

I love Les Paul guitars. Ever since I saw Slash with his guitar, it’s been the guitar for me. My favorite brands are Gibson and ESP. Marshall Amplifiers are also my go-to amps. I use a Gibson Les Paul and an ESP Eclipse through a Marshall JCM800 for my sound.

Thank you for doing this interview, do you have any last messages for our readers?

Thank you for having me! I just wanted to say thank you to everyone who loves music. Without the passionate love you all have for music, this unspoken word that connects us all wouldn’t be around. Music is a beautiful way to unite people and I am so lucky to have met so many lovers of music and musicians on my journey.

Can you give us your social media?