Toronto Alternative Artist Marshall Jacklin Shares New Single, “Jonathan”
Toronto-based alternative artist Marshall Jacklin has unveiled his latest single, “Jonathan.”
A complete musician, Jacklin writes, produces, performs, and records all his material. Honouring his wide cultural upbringing, a gift from the neighbourhood of Rexdale where he grew up, this is singer-songwriter music with a textured, shifting backdrop. Elements of jazz, hip hop, country, and indie rock glide together, building a layered musical bed for lyrical storytelling of the mundane, often ignored moments where true and sustainable growth actually happens.
Following two live recordings in the summer of 2023, Jacklin released his first official single on November 23rd, 2023. A complete reworking of the emo classic Came Out Swinging by The Wonder Years, the song was featured on various well-known blogs.
During his formative years, Jacklin performed alongside rising Canadian acts Aysanabee, Ten Kills The Pack, and Jeremie Albino. He has opened for Ontario indie legends Dizzy and Chastity as a member of the band Native Other.
Quote From Editor:
“‘Jonathan’ is a soul-stirring anthem of rediscovered love and bravery, capturing the profound impact of finding someone who sees you as you are. Marshall Jacklin’s heartfelt lyrics remind us that true love defies judgment and reignites the courage to embrace who we’ve always been.”
First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m Marshall Jacklin, an alternative artist from Toronto. My work blends modern production with narrative writing, focusing on themes of connection and redemption.
Tell us a bit about your recent release.
“Jonathan” is about disappointment. Failure can be so painful that it makes us stop wanting altogether. The line between acceptance and defeat, between persistence and masochism, is difficult to navigate.
This is a character song. Still, like the speaker in “Jonathan,” I wish to find the courage to want again, to cultivate desires worth enduring for, going beyond merely scratching an itch.
Musically, the piano arrangement draws from my love of the album Nina Simone and Piano! and vocally from ANOHNI’s speed-shifting vibrato.
How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?
I work in a variety of ways. Changing my approach helps me stay engaged and discover new ideas, rather than relying on ingrained patterns. For “Jonathan,” I collaborated with my younger self. The initial lyric was written over 10 years ago. I then reworked it and created a new piano arrangement around it earlier this year.
Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?
I will have a single coming out in early fall called “The Enveloping Narcissism of Loss.” It is about struggling to be an open and decent person while dealing with personal pain.
Following this release, I’ll begin sharing the first few songs from my debut album, “Your Hands – From Mine”, which I am very excited about!
Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?
I hope to have many turning points as I continue to create! With this past release, I feel I’ve gained the confidence to be bolder in my artistic choices, not worrying about whether things are “correct.” I’ve found freedom in letting my own tastes guide me, rather than trying to figure out what a listener might want (an answer I will never truly know!).
Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward. What upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?
Tara Kannangara’s EP Extraordinary People is fantastic. Also, if you’re in Toronto, you should check out Eye-Duh Kho’s live electronic music performances—they’re truly great.
Connect with Marshall Jacklin:
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