Ever Metal Interview with Jackson Colt
Ever Metal Interview with Jackson Colt
Hi Everyone! Welcome to a sort of EMQs with South African Hard Rockers, Jackson Colt. Huge thanks to their Lead Vocalist/ Lead guitarist, (and band name generator!) Jackson Colt, for taking part.
Could you please introduce yourselves individually and describe your roles in the band? Additionally, could you provide a brief overview of the band’s history?
I’m Jackson Colt and I’m the lead vocalist and lead guitarist. Matthew Safi is the drummer. Dean Gerber plays bass and backing vocals. Piet Snyman is the rhythm guitarist who also does backing vocals.. The band started in 2020 playing the underground scene here in Johannesburg. We released our first single in June 2021 while gigging relentlessly through the circuit. In 2022, we started working with Dale Schnettler as the producer of the band, and this led to 2 singles with both making the Top 10 on Darren Scott’s show. ‘Just Plain Drive’ and ‘Echoes’ reached the number one position and topped the charts for a few weeks. 2023 saw the band continue to release new music which started reaching a global audience and international charts as well. This marked a new adventure for the band as we started playing more festivals here in South Africa
What was the inspiration behind choosing your band name?
It’s sort of a Bon Jovi type of thing. My name was catchy, and the band seemed to really like it. A lot of people on the underground scene also seemed to like and remember the name when we started out. I thought about changing it, but the band was insistent on keeping the name. I think it’s one of the very few times where the rest of the band likes the lead singer’s name for the band itself more than the actual singer does.
Which country or region do you hail from, and can you give us an insight into the metal/rock scene there?
We are from Johannesburg, South Africa. There is a smaller Rock and Metal scene here compared to the rest of the world, but we know how to rock. We have some very passionate rockers and metalheads who are dedicated to the genres and their growth here.
What is your latest release, whether it’s an album, EP, single, or video?
It’s a song called: “Shake Your Body”. It was released on the 15th of March and the music video for the song is the next scheduled release for the band.
Who are some of your greatest musical influences?
80s Rock and Classic Rock bands. I grew up with bands like Def Leopard, Van Halen, Skid Row, Whitesnake and many more. Personally, one of my greatest influences is Eddie Van Halen. I have a few tattoos that are dedicated to him. There is also inspiration drawn for other genres such as Gothic Rock/Metal, Modern Metal, and even Classical Music.
What initially sparked your interest in pursuing music?
I grew up in a family that loves rock music. There were always records playing in the house. Bands like Deep Purple, Grand Funk Railroad, Creedence Clearwater Revival. I loved hearing the music and the sounds that they were creating. I loved the guitar. All I’ve ever wanted to do with my music is to try to capture that feeling I had when I was young listening to those records in the house.
If you could collaborate with any current band or musician, who would be your top choice?
Def Leppard. I know all the songs by heart. I am a really big fan of the band. They are also at the top of my list for bands I would love to see live. I would love to learn from my heroes.
If given the opportunity to perform at any festival worldwide, which one would you select and why?
Wacken Open Air. A lot of my favorite bands have played there. I would get the chance to see my favorite bands play as well as to play alongside them. For a South African band, it’s very rare to have the chance to perform alongside your international heroes.
Can you share the most unusual or memorable gift you’ve received from a fan?
A business card. It was at a festival where we were one of the headliners here in South Africa. A very special lady gave me her business card while I was on stage. She is the leading lady in the music video for ‘Shake Your Body’. I still have the business card. It was a very memorable gift because it was the start to a story that I’ll be discussing in a future song.
If you could convey one message to your fans, what would it be?
Thank you for keeping the flame of rock and metal music burning bright. Without the rockers and metalheads like all of you, bands like us and so many more wouldn’t have the chance to make our music and share it with all of you.
If you had the chance to resurrect one deceased rock star, who would you bring back?
Eddie Van Halen. It was always a dream of mine to have seen him play and to have met him.
What aspect of being a musician brings you the most joy, and conversely, what aspects do you find challenging?
I love having the chance to share my music and my art with everyone. I find it challenging with the way that the music scene has tried to distance themselves from Rock and Metal. Like they’re afraid of guitars and real drums. We lose out on so many opportunities. But I am grateful to the people who still support Rock and Metal, to the shows, Devographic and the media houses like Ever Metal and many more who continue to fly the flag of Rock and Metal. Our music will never die no matter how hard the mainstream tries to silence us.
If you could change one aspect of the music industry, what would it be?
The fear they have for Rock and Metal music. Just because it’s heavier, doesn’t mean it’s bad. There is something beautiful about real instruments and I feel like many people are missing out in some good bands that they’ll never hear about.
Could you name one of your all-time favorite albums?
Van Halen’s album 1984. I have it tattooed on my forearm.
What format do you prefer for music consumption: Vinyl, cassettes, CDs, or digital downloads?
Vinyl. I grew up with my parent’s collection.
What has been the most memorable gig you’ve played to date?
We played live on the radio for Darren Scott’s show ‘Just Plain Drive’ Top 50 songs of the year. We came second as he was counting down the top two, we had to play our song ‘Echoes’. It was unique and professional because we had to follow cues from the Mix FM team on when to start.
If music wasn’t your career path, what profession would you have pursued?
Before I started my journey in the world of music, I wanted to be a vet and help animals. I have always loved animals and I have rescued many animals that I’ve adopted. I didn’t have the scientific mind for medicine, and I would never have been able to put any animal down. So, I thought I could still help animals with my music career. I am a firm believer in Animal Rights.
If you could host a dinner party and invite any five people, who would make it onto your guest list?
Eddie Van Halen, Jim Morrison, Joe Elliot, Elvis Presley, and Bob. I don’t really know who Bob is, but he makes a really good blueberry pie.
What are your plans for the future of the band?
This year is focused on the upcoming singles, music videos and eventually the album. After that I would really love it if the band could tour overseas. We want to show our music all over the world. Just constant touring until we start with the second album.
Here’s a bit of a British inquiry: What do you call a round piece of bread commonly found in the UK … Bap, Barm (or Barm Cake), Batch, Bun, Cob, Muffin, Roll, or Tea Cake?
This is a trick question. They’re all the right answer. I remember some family members visited the UK a few times and they were telling us how Rolls (what we call them in South Africa) have different names around the UK. My favourite is Bap.
How do you utilize social media and websites to promote your music? Could you provide links to your platforms?
In today’s world, the internet allows you to connect with listeners from all around the world instantly. It’s a vital tool to grow your audience.
- Stream ‘Shake Your Body’ from Friday 15 March > https://linktr.ee/jacksoncoltRock
- All Links https://linktr.ee/jacksoncoltrock
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/JacksonColtRock
- Instagram https://instagram.com/jacksoncoltrock
- Bandcamp https://jacksoncolt.bandcamp.com
- YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@JacksonColt
Thank you for your time. Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A very big thank you to Ever Metal for having us here. We appreciate the support you have given us and the support you give to the Rock and Metal scene.