Spotlight: Jason Kirkness

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Spotlight: Jason Kirkness – A Journey Through Music and Passion

Jason Kirkness is no stranger to the country music scene, but his path to success is anything but ordinary. From small-town beginnings to making waves on national stages, Jason has crafted a career fueled by authenticity, passion, and a deep connection to his roots. In this exclusive Spotlight: Jason Kirkness interview, we dive into his musical journey, the stories behind his songs, and the moments that have shaped his artistry. Whether you’re a long-time fan or discovering his music for the first time, this conversation offers a closer look at the heart and hustle behind the man and his melodies.

What got you into music?

I took music for young children at 2 years old and then conservatory piano.. which almost got me out of music, lol. At 13 or so I got a guitar and couldn’t stop playing. I wanted to be Jimmy Page from Led Zeppelin, but I wasn’t great at guitar despite my hours of practice. I got into songwriting and I was hooked forever.

Who are some of the out of the box artists that influenced you or your sound people might not expect?

I’m in the top 1% of Smashing Pumpkins listeners according to Spotify and I love Stephen Wilson Jr.

You recently released your third studio album What Got Me Here. Can you tell us the story behind this album?

I wanted to put something into the world that was representative of all the things that I have been through, and each song on the album is specifically for a person, or time in my life. The songs all have different topics, and also, at the same time, are about the person I wrote them with, or were included because they were from a period that shaped me. It’s about the intense connections and feeling alive in the moment and really just wanting to live a real, visceral life. All that together is “What Got Me Here”.

What’s a personal ritual or habit that helps you get into the creative flow when writing or composing music?

I have a fairly disciplined mind and take notes on my phone immediately when inspiration comes. I have missed writing down ideas too many times thinking that because they were so good, I’d obviously remember them. When it comes time to have a writing session, I immediately get back to my notes to see which is drowning in inspiration that day and needs to be brought out for air.

How do you decide when a song is truly finished, and what’s your process for letting go of perfectionism in the studio?

It’s finished when that thing inside you says, “at long last” and as far as perfectionism, I feel really lucky to work with Sean Power at The Hilson Studio in Nashville as well as in my studio. Between the two of us, no one is watching the clock and we do everything until it’s the best version of the song in our opinions.

How do you think your music has evolved over the years leading into today compared to pass work like Life on The Road?

I don’t take myself as seriously and I have a very clear understanding of the music business as a whole. I’m here to do the thing that I wanted to do when I was younger and prefer working with people who share my vision, rather than being coerced into a situation where I do something because it might “sell”. I’m not saying that I’ve made any drastic departures in sound, but there is no friction behind the scenes and that has led to a lot of joy when it comes to creating music that I love and want to share with my fans.

What is the most interesting thing you’ve learned about yourself during your career?

I work best with people that I respect and admire, and have a lot to learn about patience.

You’ve performed in various settings - how does the atmosphere of a venue influence the way you interpret your songs live?

In a festival setting you go out and blow the roof off with as much production and theatrics as possible. In a small club, you dial it back and make an intimate evening for the people who are there to see you and make room in the show for fun and spontaneous moments for everyone who may be there for the first time.

How do you balance storytelling with leaving room for the listener’s interpretation in your music?

Every song becomes the emotional property of the listener and how it relates to their complicated and intricate set of circumstances and choices that are their own life. The only consistent message I like to send is to live your life on your terms. Make your own choices.

The industry has lots of ups and downs, what advice could you give to younger artists on navigating some of the harder times?

The industry is a very fickle thing and has no sort of central body. The entire music business is made up of a bunch of small independent businesses and people who care about music but also have chosen to make money off other people’s talent. The ebb and flow of the economics of consumer attention will always dictate where these small business owners put their own attention and their focus will always have to be rooted in survival and self preservation. Very, very, very few people ever get close to rich in music so you have to do what you love, and do it because you love it. The financial implication of that may mean that you will also do other things at the same time. There is no shame in being a full time musician and a full time something else. In short, watch your money.

What is one thing you think should be asked more in an interview that isn’t asked enough?

The question that you are ending this interview with is the only milestone that you should judge any artist by.. so that one.

Who plays you in the movie of your life?

Young Ethan Hawke plays young me, and Alec Baldwin plays old me

Is a hotdog a sandwich?

Call it whatever you want, it’s delicious and I’m down. The 4th Earl of Sandwich took all his meals between two slices of bread so he could eat handheld, and not leave the gaming tables. It’s not exactly the most noble of food but it’s perfect and I just had two for lunch with cabbage slaw, onion, peppers, banana peppers, mustard and Intergalactic Hot Sauce!!

If you had to introduce your music to a first-time listener what song is up first and why?

“Anywhere the Night Goes” is the one where most people “got” me.. so that one. Or “Whiskey Kiss” because it’s my favorite single/video.

What are some of the milestones you are looking to hit this year?

Tour!! and Australia part deux.

Last but not least, are you Happy?

Absolutely, emphatically and unendingly so. I have the joy of the lord and the joy of this life!

Spotlight: Jason Kirkness is wraping up and a big thanks for taking the time to check it out

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