Singer-Songwriter Christopher Jackson Beats Writer’s Block in Sublime “Only You”
When inspiration seems far away, sometimes all you really need to do is look no further than the one you love. Kingston, ON singer-songwriter Christopher Jackson chronicles that moment of divine realization in his new single “Only You,” available now.
“I was going through a period of ‘writer’s block,’” Jackson recalls, “And could not come up with any music or lyric ideas. I was feeling stuck and frustrated until my partner Nicole told me to snap out of this funk and just write whatever I’m thinking about. I chirped back ‘the only thing I’m gonna write about is you.’ That line sprouted the single.”
The result is three minutes of sunny, seventies-inspired roots rock, ready-made for swaying under the stars or skipping down the street. Jackson showcases his talents as a multi-instrumentalist on the track, playing acoustic guitar, bass, drums, and vocals. Kingston, ON’s guest musician Spencer Evans accompanies him on the piano and clarinet.
“The feel of the song was influenced by an old Pink Floyd tune ‘San Tropez.’” Jackson says. “The theme is about overthinking the process, and trying to find something to write about when it was in front of me the whole time. My beautiful woman.”
The single is the first off of Jackson’s debut album as a solo artist, coming off of a twenty-five-year career singing and playing in cover groups, session recordings, and venue house bands. Jackson has built a reputation as a well-rounded and engaging performer at his popular “Chris Jackson & Friends” Friday night show at BluMartini in Kingston.
“This album encapsulates events and experiences in my life over the last few years,” he says. “The sudden stillness of the pandemic in 2020 gave me an opportunity to dig deep to expose my authenticity and release things from the past. There are songs about love, pain, and loss; about successes, failures, ownership; and about growth and sobriety. There wasn’t a concept or genre I was chasing. These songs came out naturally, reflecting what I was going through at the time.”
Co-produced and engineered by Paul “Doc” Halladay, the album is sure to cement Jackson’s status as a solo artist. Music lovers and hopeless romantics alike, rejoice!
Listen to “Only You” below and learn more about Christopher Jackson via our mini-interview.
Care to introduce yourself?
My name is Christopher Jackson. I am about to release my first solo album on May 1st. I have been playing music my whole life. My first love was the drums. When I am not playing music, I am an Educational Assist working with students who have special needs in the Limestone District School Board.
Tell us about the process of writing “Only You.”
“Only You” came to be when I was experiencing writer’s block. That went on for a while. My partner Nicole was the inspiration that got me out of that funk, and the song was born.
What’s it like being a musician in Kingston, ON?
Kingston is filled with many talented musicians and wonderful venues to play. I am lucky enough to have a residency gig every Friday at the BluMartini. I have been doing that for almost seven years now. I am very fortunate to have a loyal following here in Kingston.
Who was the first Canadian artist to blow you away?
I am a huge fan of “The Band.” I love their vocal harmonies and rootsy sound. Being a drummer/singer I named my youngest son after Levon Helm (knowing he is the only non-Canadian in the group). My mind was blown the first time I saw “The Last Waltz”. I still get goosebumps to this day when I watch it.
You’ve been making music for a while now, what’s one piece of advice you can offer to those starting out?
If I have any advice, I would say be authentic. Don’t overthink it. Let it happen naturally. When you force it that’s when you run into trouble.