Underground Press is excited to dive deep into the world of Jackson Colt, a band that epitomises the essence of 80's rock with a contemporary twist. With infectious melodies, electrifying performances, and a rich musical history, Jackson Colt is set to leave an indelible mark on the rock scene. Join us as we unravel the layers of their journey as they unleash their new single ‘Shake Your Body’.

Q: Jackson Colt, your journey began with influences from legendary bands like Creedence Clearwater Revival and Deep Purple. How have these influences shaped your sound and musical identity?

"I was raised in Rock ‘n Roll. It is who I am. It's all that I know. Growing up listening to classic rock has influenced my whole life. It's how I dress, how I look and how I think. When I write songs, the inspiration of classic rock feels like home. I am forever chasing those emotions and moments of my younger self listening to my parents record collection."

Q: Your latest single, ‘Shake Your Body,’ promises to infuse danceability with the raw power of 80's rock. Can you share the inspiration behind this track and how it represents your musical evolution?

"I deal with a lot of pain through music. I love to escape from my reality and get lost in music. I wrote this song because I wanted to share that feeling with everyone. The song revolves two worlds: the human world and the vampire world. The vampire world represents tapping into the music and leaving your pain and worries behind in the human world. Dancing to the music is how I envisioned the way people could transverse these two realms. That is where the 80s dance element comes from. The inclusion of such a contrasting genre to the song was intimidating at first but I liked how I could feel creatively free when working on this song. As a band, we learned that it's alright to experiment with new songs and being afraid that we are outside of our comfort zone isn't a bad thing."

Q: ‘Fallen Angel’ and ‘Echoes’ have garnered critical acclaim and international recognition. Could you delve into the stories behind these songs and the themes they explore?

"I like to write from personal experience. Both songs deal with subjects that many people face within their lifetimes. ‘Echoes’ deals with the idea of loss and Fallen Angel focuses on the on isolation and judgement. These themes are looked at in a gothic or fantasy way with placing them in a dark and supernatural setting. ‘Echoes’ follows the story of losing things that are precious to you and trying to accept that things will leave. ‘Fallen Angel’ follows the story of a lady who has been outcasted and judged by the same society that corrupted her."

Q: As a band, you've been described as torchbearers of rock revival. How do you navigate balancing homage to the Golden Era of the Guitar with infusing a fresh, modern sound into your music?

"Classic rock will always be the heart and core of the band's music. The modern sound or twist that is brought in is created by experimenting with different genres, ideas, production, and influences that are unique to each song respectively."

Q: Collaborating closely with Dale Schnettler, known for his work with Prime Circle, has been instrumental in shaping your sound. Can you discuss the collaborative process and how it has influenced your artistic vision?

"My first ever live show was a Prime Circle concert when I was very young. Dale signed some drumsticks for us, and we never forgot his kindness. He has been one of my heroes throughout my journey in music. When I started working with Dale about two years ago, my whole life changed. He has become one of my best friends and my mentor. Working with one of your heroes and learning from them is something that I cannot explain. It is so valuable as a newer band. Dale opened my eyes to so many new ways on approaching my songwriting and my playing. He is an integral part of the Jackson Colt sound. His lessons have forever changed the way I write and approach recording new songs for the band."

Q: From ‘Poison’ to ‘Angels of Rock,’ your discography is filled with diverse sonic landscapes. How do you approach songwriting and crafting your unique sound as a band?

"I have a strange way of writing songs. I have always seen colours or auras when it came to each song. When I write a song, the lyrics and music match the colour of the song. Every word, every note, and every melody. I might sound crazy but I'm chasing after colours when I write. I guess that's what gives the band our own sound and identity."

Q: Live performances are a cornerstone of Jackson Colt's identity. How do you translate the energy of your recordings into electrifying onstage experiences?

"You must tell the story of the song when you are on stage. You must invoke the emotions within the audience and bring them into the realm of the song. If they leave that world, you are losing them. We as a band want to keep everyone in our fantasy music-filled world."

Q: Looking ahead, what can fans expect from Jackson Colt in terms of future releases and live performances?

"We have a few more singles to be released and a few more music videos. After that, a full-length debut album. In terms of live performances, we will be playing the Summer Freedom Day Fest on the 27th of April, as well as a special venue to the band, AJs on the 25th of May."

Q: Jackson, you've mentioned your passion for metal music and artists like Alexi Laiho and Jeff Loomis. How does this influence manifest in your songwriting and guitar playing?

"I have a lot of respect for the metal musicians. It's a very technically demanding genre. I am a metalhead as well as being a rocker. As a musician there is a high admiration for the technical aspects of creating songs. I feel like everyone wants to write something that is impressive because it shows how hard you have worked practicing your instrument. As a guitarist, guys like Alexi Laiho and Jeff Loomis seem like they're not human. You don't practice for a day and nail what they're doing. It takes years to get there. I'm a self-taught guitarist so everything I have learned has been from watching live performances or listening to the song and trying to work out what was going on. When you hear guys like this, you have no idea what's going on and you want to be able to do that. I love incorporating shreddy/technical stuff into my solos. Not the whole solo but here and there - just like icing on the cake. I have spent years developing my own way of sweep picking, tapping and alternate picking from listening these legendary guitarists, but I still have so much more to learn from them".

Q: ‘Strangers’ and ‘Reckless Love’ explore themes of love and fate. How do personal experiences influence your songwriting, and what messages do you hope to convey through your music?

"I draw a lot of inspiration from personal experiences, and I like approach them with a gothic and supernatural way. I want to create another universe where listeners can travel to when they listen to the songs. Something movie-like but that deals with pains or joys that they could be feeling. If someone can escape reality through the band's music and find it therapeutic, and feel like they're not alone, then I know I have conveyed what I'm trying to say with my songs. Come celebrate your joys with us, come cry with us, come hang out with us in a different world with the songs".

Q: As South African artists making waves locally and abroad, what challenges have you faced, and what advice would you give to aspiring musicians?

"It feels like we are so far away from the rest of the world here in South Africa. Sometimes it feels like nobody can hear you from the other side of the world. But I've learned that if you sing your songs loud and proud enough, everyone will hear your voice. Don't ever give up. I know that it's difficult, but it's not impossible. Just keep on singing your anthems. Let them echo passed the oceans".

Q: In closing, what message do you have for your fans, and where can they follow you online and stream your latest single, ‘Shake Your Body’?

"Thank you so much to everyone who has supported us and kept the flame of rock and metal alive. This band exists because of all of you. You can listen to 'Shake Your Body' from Friday 15 March on all major streaming platforms and rock out with us wherever you go. Find all links at Linktr.ee.com".

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Jackson Colt for taking the time to share their insights with us. Their journey through the annals of rock history, coupled with their unwavering passion and dedication, is an inspiration to music lovers worldwide. Follow Jackson Colt online and be sure to stream their latest single, ‘Shake Your Body,’ releasing on Friday, March 15. Keep rocking with Underground Press for more exclusive interviews and music updates!

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