“Days Gone”
By Nic Jackson, Melissa Kerry
Interview by American Songwriter
Nic Jackson is the American Songwriter Lights, Camera, Talent Promotion Live Performance winner with his song “Days Gone.” American Songwriter caught up with him to get the story behind the song/video.
Videos by American Songwriter
How long have you been songwriting and performing?
I’ve been singing since I was eight years old, and been writing songs since I was 13.
Why did you enter American Songwriter’s Lights, Camera, Talent Promotion?
Honestly, my wife is the one who heard about the contest and advised me to enter.
What was the inspiration behind your song, “Days Gone”?
The inspiration behind “Days Gone” was from a previous relationship that had a lot of ups and downs. I was in love with a woman, but it just felt like she made it difficult for her to be lovable. Whether it was starting petty arguments, or giving me grief about not being available for vacations because I’m always booked performing all over the place, this song was me crying out to show her how much I loved her and wanted a future with her. I was truly hoping that enough time spent with me would heal all of her wounds from her past, because it was obvious that she’d been mentally and emotionally damaged by whomever she’d been dealing with before me. I eventually realized that I couldn’t fix it, but this song was me at the end of my rope, trying not to give up hope.
Who are your all-time favorite songwriters and why?
My all-time favorite songwriters are:
Smokey Robinson (because of all the classics he’s responsible for; not only for him but for The Temptations as well as others).
Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys (because of the chord changes he would use and the melodies he’d come up with over them was very unique and unpredictable. I love the way his mind would work from a creative standpoint).
Stevie Wonder (because he has way too many classic masterpieces to be overlooked. Music of My Mind, Talking Book, Innervisions, Fulfillingness’ First Finale, AND Songs in The Key of Life. If he’d created just one of those alone, it would’ve been enough. His genius is the fact that he did it over and over again.)
Michael Jackson (because I believe my approach to songwriting is very similar to his. I love how he can hum a lot of his parts that end up being instrumentation later when the record is finished. His rough demo of Beat It is the best example of that).
Carol King (because she’s responsible for so many classics. Natural Woman is probably my favorite, but I love It’s Too Late as well as others).
Are you planning to release any new music this year?
Yes I am planning to release new music this year. I actually have a song called “Somebody To Love” that was a collaborative effort with a friend of mine by the name of Kevin Granger. I think the song will be ready for release in about a month or two.
What would you tell other artists who are considering entering the contest?
I would tell other artists who are considering entering the contest that if they believe in their songs, they might as well enter. I honestly entered with zero expectations. So it was such a pleasant surprise to learn that my song was selected! Thank you very much for that.
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