Interview: Jackie Minton

Could you share the story behind your latest work and what inspired its creation?

“For Giving” was a song inspired by the force of encounter and the desire in the heart of every person to be ‘given away’ to another. The music video came about through a desire to collaborate with old friends from my time at film school. Having launched Silver Lantern Studios, the director Anton Wiedner invited me to consider which song of mine we wanted to craft a video for. “For Giving” was the obvious choice in my eyes, though I had little inspiration for what could go along with it visually. 

The night before our creative call, a comical thought came to mind. What if we set the story in a fairy tale? What if Red Riding Hood and the wolf had a more complex relationship than we were raised to believe? Thankfully my friends were crazy enough to ponder these questions with me and follow them through to their end. You can see how it all panned out right here

How do you approach the process of songwriting, and are there any specific themes or emotions you tend to explore in your music?

Life is so vast and dense, inspiration can be found absolutely everywhere. Every song is different, but my process is a mix of creativity and discipline. Coming up with song ideas is easy, setting a part the time and space to finish them is less so. “For Giving” is a prime example of that. I came up with the initial idea in 2020 and returned to it a few times over the next 2 years before it was finished. I tend to write about the inner movements of the heart, particularly in relationship, but not always from a romantic view. 

As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal?

I find in all things, whether making a friend or making new music, people really just want authenticity. The truer I am to myself and my experience, the more I am going to connect with the person in front of me. That doesn’t mean I can’t be creative with my experience, but the more I create from an honest place, the easier it is for someone else to enter in and relate it to their own story. 

What do you find most challenging about being an independent artist in today’s music industry?

It is difficult to wear all the hats. Sometimes I can get hung up on the details of an algorithm or the phrasing of a lyric. I can spend hours on a social post or days on a song. The details are the fun and the struggle as I navigate the industry, but seeing a work come from idea to completion makes it all worth it. 

Can you talk about your experiences collaborating with other artists or musicians? How does it influence your creative process?

Collaboration is everything! No man is an island and I’ve found it to be more and more true over the years. The best of my work comes from allowing others to breathe their creative life into it, bringing a different production perspective or visual idea. Working with other artists, whether they be photographers, producers, fellow musicians or directors, is my favorite part of being in this field. 

What role does technology and social media play in promoting your music and connecting with your audience?

Social media has become the town square of our age, if you will. Having my music there and being able to meet new faces in that space has been a gift in the journey. 

Are there any particular artists or genres that have had a significant impact on your musical style?

I grew up listening to James Taylor and Taylor Swift, a fair mix of old and new. These days I listen to more independent artists, though I nostalgically throw back to old favorites often. Currently, I am inspired by the work Josh Garrels, Leif Vollebekk, and Madison Cunningham. 

Indie musicians often have a close relationship with their fanbase. How do you engage with your fans and build a dedicated community around your music?

It’s true and it’s a gift! I consider my listeners friends. I keep in contact mostly through an email community called “little letters” that you can find at my website, www.jackieminton.com/connect

Could you describe a memorable live performance experience or tour that has had a lasting impact on you and your music?

Oh could I ever! In 2022 I had the opportunity to open for Dermot Kennedy during a stop on his US tour in Fort Wayne, Indiana. That night was quite the unexpected blessing— I did the show on less than 24 hours notice. He and his team were so welcoming. I was really touched by the support I found there and the friendships that came out of it. 

In an era of streaming platforms, how do you feel about the changing landscape of music consumption and its impact on independent musicians?

The streaming era is a curve ball for every artist and at the same time is a gift. I can see people listening to my music in Brazil, France, England, and all over— even though I am on the other side of the world. The ease of sharing music and connecting with new listeners is truly incredible. The difficulty arises in finding ways to fund new projects, in a time when the return on streams can be less than is spent on the production itself. It’s not impossible, it just requires a bit more creativity. You can find links to stream my music at www.jackieminton.com