Jackson Vincent is one of the most unique artists on the scene at the moment, as displayed in his haunting EP, Normal Tension. If you like your music experimental, then make sure you check it out if you haven’t already!

By Jane Howkins

You recently released an EP titled Normal Tension. What can you tell us about the EP?

Normal Tension is my second EP but my first to be made not entirely independently. It was distributed by They Might Be Royalty Records and was co-produced and engineered by ALBNOPNDA. I began writing the EP around August 2021 and kept writing for it up until production wrapped in May 2022. It really served as an outlet for me to discuss some pretty heavy experiences I had in that time frame. A lot of people point out the somewhat subtle misery present in the lyrics, and to an extent they’re right about that. But sometimes you have to make the most of the challenges you face, and I just so happened to write this record about mine.

Where can Normal Tension be purchased and how has the reception been so far?

Normal Tension is available on all major platforms and can be digitally purchased on my Bandcamp site. The reception has been more pleasant than I could have ever imagined, and I will forever be grateful for that. People around the world have really seemed to be enjoying and connecting with these tracks and that’s such a beautiful thing to witness as an artist. This EP comes from a really vulnerable place in my mind and to see people embrace it with such kindness is absolutely wonderful.

Have you released any singles from the EP?

Yes! Leading up to the release of the EP this summer, we released the first track, Roving Soul, as a single. Roving Soul was the first song I wrote for the EP and it had been appearing in setlists before recording sessions for this record had started. That song made its live debut before I had even signed to TMBR for the project. Happiest, the second track on the EP, really took off with fans too. It was definitely a favorite as soon as the EP was released. In response to the popularity of Happiest, Nihar Makwana of MK Photographic and Drew Mayberry of Mayberry Media followed me around in New York before a show in August and filmed a music video for the track, which you can check out on my YouTube channel!

Are there any plans to release a full length album?

Definitely! Nothing is set in stone at the moment, but I never stop writing. I wrote all throughout the production of Normal Tension and have continued writing since. There are dozens of ideas for Jackson Vincent songs waiting to see the light of day. Every project I release is bigger and more ambitious than the one before, so a full-length album could definitely be coming in the not too distant future.

Has the pandemic hindered your work much?

The first real Jackson Vincent release was the single Heaven in October 2020. I had been playing in bands and writing music for a few years pre-pandemic, but I didn’t start really pursuing this solo project until a pretty tough time in the pandemic. Getting started was definitely rough. Live performances were rare when I released my first few tracks, in fact I didn’t make my live debut performing solo until August 2021, so a little under a full year after releasing the first Jackson Vincent songs. Getting to meet people in the scene was definitely hindered by the pandemic. Slowly but surely, I’m making my way around now. I suppose good things come to those who wait!

You’re based in Philadelphia. What is the local music scene like where you are?

Philadelphia is really a unique scene. It’s such an art-embracing city and that can be really nice sometimes. There are plenty of venues and artists in Philly so there’s always something going on. One day you could be playing on stage for hundreds of people and the next you’re in the living room of someone’s college dorm playing for twenty people. There are so many people to meet and work with, which is great. There’s music everywhere here in Philadelphia and there are plenty of people eager to listen to it, so there’s never really been a time where I released music and felt like nobody listened to it. There are always people here that will find it.

Your music is really unique sounding. What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?

I’m absolutely obsessed with Bon Iver. Justin Vernon’s music is what made me want to be a serious musician. At the start of the pandemic I’d lock myself in my room and just listen to For Emma, Forever Ago on repeat. Justin’s vocals are some of the most beautiful sounds I have ever heard. Elliott Smith is another big influence. A lot of his songs are so soft yet so powerful. You can really feel his emotion in every song he sings. My whole thing is “music for ghosts,” that’s how I’ve described my sound. I said that with the film A Ghost Story by David Lowery in mind. It’s an absolutely beautiful work of art and my favorite film of all time. I always imagine my songs playing in the background of some of the scenes in the film.

Lately I’ve been listening to the album The Weatherman by Gregory Alan Isakov a lot. There’s something really beautiful about his music. His voice, his guitar playing and his songwriting are all amazing.

Do you have any plans to tour in the UK?

Touring in the UK is one of my biggest goals as an artist. At the moment, there are no plans for that yet. I’m currently in my last year of university here in Philadelphia, so I’m bound to my home for a few more months. But in due time I’m sure I’ll come perform in the UK!

What can people expect from a Jackson Vincent show, and why do you think people should come and see you perform live?

I never perform a song the same exact way twice. Each performance is unique and beautiful in its own way. The purpose of a Jackson Vincent show isn’t to play exactly what you hear on the records, the show is an opportunity to connect. I don’t like the typical performer/audience dynamic. If you’re at my show, even if it’s just for the night, we’re friends. We’re experiencing the music together and we’re finding meaning in the lyrics together. My goal with my music is always to remind the listener that they’re not alone, that at least this one person out there may have felt a similar way to you even on your worst days. Seeing me live is the best way to connect and really get lost in the music. The outside world doesn’t really exist when you’re at a concert, and mine are no exception.

Any last words for the fans?

Thank you! You all mean so much to me and I truly would not be here without you. Your love and support keep me going! I hope to see you soon!