Meet The Artist: In-Conversation with Jackson Mathod
Jackson Mathod is a London-based Trumpeter, Multi-Instrumentalist and Singer that’s musically influenced by the likes of Submotion Orchestra, Christian Scott and Miles Davis to name a few. Jackson has been in the session’s musical circuit for a few years now, playing for high profile artists like Stormzy, Jevon and Jordan Rakei. Jackson Mathod plays with a genuine love for Jazz music and his ability to convey truth and emotion in his solo and collaborative work is astonishing. Jackson's music has been featured on top Spotify Editorial playlists such as 'State of Jazz', 'Jazz UK', 'Jazz-Funk' and 'Jazz Club', and has also been featured on BBC radio 6music, Jazz FM, BBC radio London, Worldwide FM and Soho Radio. He represents himself with honesty and dignity and he is certainly one to watch out for heading into the future.
Luckily, we had the pleasure of interviewing Jackson back in April to chat about his musical roots, future plans, day-to-day activities and how and why he got into making Jazz music! Here’s what came of the conversation:
Hey, what’s up Jackson! Would you be so kind to introduce yourself to those that don't know?
JM: Hey my names Jackson Mathod and I’m a rising jazz artist from London!
G: Nice to chat to you as always Jackson!
So, how would you describe the music you make for those who don’t know?
JM: I make danceable Jazz music that is fun and upbeat. I try to make music with freedom; that doesn’t take itself too seriously!
G: Nice, I feel like that approach gives you lots of creative freedom and expression.
How did you get into making music?
JM: Making music has always been something I’ve wanted to do but hasn’t come naturally to me until the past couple of years. So, I guess I got into making it through writing sessions with other musicians. I’ve always been one for learning by doing so it’s just a matter of doing it as often as you can!
G: Yeah, I’m exactly the same man. I only really learn once I put the practice into action. I’m definitely a pro-active learner as well!
What does your music-making process entail?
JM: It either entails me sat at a piano or messing with samples on Logic. Half the time my music starts with an initial idea that pops into my head. I’ve really found that following these little ideas feels super organic and a natural way to write my music. It’s lead to the majority of ideas on my album!
G: That dope man, it definitely makes your music sound unique and special and I can really hear that... You can usually tell when a producer has come up with an idea from scratch. It just has that extra soul and melody.
Could you describe a day in the life of Jackson Mathod?
JM: In my normal working life, it’s just chasing that next gig and playing as often as I can but in this new lockdown life it’s either practicing, learning, creating, or just playing video games and achieving sod all… Each day is an opportunity to do something new but it’s important we take a break from it all. The constant demand from social media can be so draining… move at your own pace!
G: For sure, but you also have to be careful about that rut you can get yourself into from playing too many video games. I spent about 2-3 years in that dark place, and believe me, it’s not fun. So, for me, it’s all about balance and moderation! But hey, everyone’s different…
What’s your opinion on the current state of UK Jazz scene?
JM: I’d say it’s a vibrant scene with lots of great artists but there’s room for more! I feel like there’s a whole new wave of artists that are going to be coming through over the next few years and it’s exciting to be a part of it!
G: I’m loving the current state of the UK Jazz scene but it’s just a shame how unappreciated and overlooked a lot of it is! The main reason why I started this platform to bring Jazz and Hip-Hop music back to the forefront of the UK music scene.
For those looking to get into listening to more Jazz music who would you recommend?
JM: I’m a big fan of Jordan Rakei as he just seems to have it all! Can’t go wrong with Blue Lab Beats and a couple of new acts I’m really excited about; Don’t Problem, Raffy Bushman, Gabriele Pribetti and Space Ghetto. There’s some serious talent on the scene!
G: Jordan Rakei is a good one, as I feel like his music is so accessible! Also, be sure to check Jackson’s stuff, his music is next level!
What genres do you listen to other than Jazz?
JM: Pretty much anything that isn’t heavy metal to be honest haha I try to keep my ears as open as possible. You never know where inspiration can come from!
G: Yeah, I’ve never been big on heavy metal myself. I kind of get why people like it, but it’s just not for me! Although I do hear some crazy guitar solos on heavy metal tracks every now and then and just think “god damn this is crazy!”.
What’s been the biggest/proudest moment of your journey as a musician up until now?
JM: I think there’s two big moments for me. One is Glastonbury 2019. I was fortunate enough to play for the big man Stormzy on his headline set that year which was a real bucket list tick. That year I also managed to do a show of my own music as well so it really was a special one for me. The second big moment was making the decision to take down my old music and start again. In 2019 I actually released some music under a different name but it wasn’t something I felt truly represented what I was about. So back end of that year I decided to take all the music down and completely reset. This then tied in with the pandemic gave me a real opportunity to find out who I am as an artist and the kind of music I want to do. So yeah, I’m really glad I made that decision because I feel like I’ve finally found music that is a true representation of myself!
G: Yeah, your growth in the past year has really been something to admire! Really proud of you man. It just shows that, if you work on your craft, and put in that extra effort something will come of it.
How do you motivate yourself to create on those days where you’re just not feeling it?
JM: In all honesty if i’m not feeling it I will take a break from it. I’ve found that if I’m forcing something it doesn’t give me the best outcome. Leaving something is quite often a great tool in creating. You can come back on a different day with a completely different mindset and completely change the landscape of what you were initially creating.
G: Yes, I’ve learnt this (the hard way) to! Also, getting outside, whether it be for a run, walk, or cycle always helps! It completely resets the mindset and gives you time to re-calibrate!
Top 5 brass players of all time?
JM: Miles Davis, Freddie Hubbard, Chet Baker, Wynton Marsalis and Roy Hargrove…. there’s way too many though.
Do you think covid-19 will have a long-lasting impact on live shows and events, or do you think everything will slowly go back to how it previously was over time?
JM: It’s a wait and see thing for me. I’ve always had the feeling that when live performance is given the green light again the boom will be massive. I think short term the key is going to be getting systems of testing in place so that we can start to have packed out venues again. You can’t keep having live performance with everyone sat down and not dancing. LET THE PEOPLE DANCE!
What next for you as an artist? What can we expect to see from ‘Jackson Mathod’ heading into the future?
JM: Basically, just releasing loads more and continuing this artistic journey I seemed to have landed myself in! This debut album marks the start of so much more music from me so I am so excited to just release more, collaborate, write and perform! I feel like the music I write belongs on stage with an audience having fun so I’m crossing everything that gigs can really make the comeback we all need!
Where can people find you (socials, website etc…)?
JM: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jacksonmathod
Twitter - https://twitter.com/jacksonmathod
Bandcamp - https://jacksonmathod.bandcamp.com/
Thanks man, it was a real pleasure catching up with you, and I look forward to chatting with you again soon!
Thank you for reading this article! If you enjoyed the content be sure to bookmark the website, and follow us on Instagram & our other socials to stay up-to-date with all of our latest content. Be sure to follow our Spotify and Soundcloud for fresh playlists and new music releases:
vibe rating ~ Instagram | Spotify | Soundcloud