Today we are chatting with Keegan Jacko! Welcome! Let’s dive right in – tell us all about how you got started and how you ended up where you are now!

I was never musically inclined as a kid but loved singing behind closed doors. I was often made fun of by friends and family because I would hum the songs on the radio to myself when I didn’t know the words. Later on that became very useful for remembering Melodie’s. At 21 years old I sang publically at a local karaoke bar in my hometown Lansing Michigan that just opened. This was shortly after an extreme sports accident that injured me pretty badly so I was looking for the next thing that gave me excitement at the time. I found it in singing in front of people. A year or so later I started hiring guitar players in hopes to play a real gig but found that nobody would stick around. I became tired of waiting so at 23 I decided to teach myself how to play. A year later I was signed to my first label and released my first single “night lights”. I was gigging all the time at that point but still wanted more out of this career so I moved to Nashville at 26 with nothing but $1,000 In my pocket, no friends, no plan and a dream. That was the beginning of the pandemic. Fast forward I was signed to another label (I am now independent) and have been fortunate enough to work with amazing writers and producers.

You have a new release coming out this month – super soon. What can you share with us about it? 

I just released a song “you could be mine” this month produced by Andrew Baylis (jelly roll’s team), co-written by Jack Fowler (jelly rolls guitarist & former sleeping with sirens guitarist) and Nate Milestain (restless roads guitarist). I was very happy with that release. My next release “IF I WAS YOU” is by far my favorite project so far. Co-written and produced by Brandon Hartt and myself. I met Brandon through a mutual friend of ours and since meeting we have made a lasting friendship both inside and out of music. He’s a very talented producer that I am happy to be able to work with. This new song has that rock vibe that everyone has come to love and I believe it’ll be a smash of a song to perform live!

When did you first know you wanted to become a musical artist? What was the first song you ever wrote?

The moment I was on stage and when I sang the first line of a cover song.. I saw the whole room turn around with a look of confusion, followed by a look of being impressed. That was the moment I knew.. I understand my image is not the industry’s normal, but it brings me great joy to see the confusing faces when my voice doesn’t match my look. My first song was “night lights” which to this day is still most of my fans favorite song.

If you could meet, play a gig, co-write a song, have dinner, have a drink with any band or artist (dead or alive) who would it be?  

I’ve been fortunate enough to meet many of my idols. There are two that I have not .. Luke Combs and Kane Brown. So Lukes his name has been next to mine twice now on radio promotions. They are by far my biggest inspirations. Kane for his background and story.. as it’s very similar to mine and our images. Luke for his music career story and vocal talent. I myself also started at an older age. If I could work with or sit down with either of them that would be amazing.

Between your very first performance and now, how would you say you have grown, as both a musician and an artist?

When I first started I was horrified. It was the scariest thing I’ve ever done. But now what used to be my biggest fear is now the only time I am at peace with the world around me. I am 100% happy when that mic is in front of me. If I never make it any further in this career… I was still happy every time I picked up that microphone.

What would you like to be remembered for in your musical career, when all is said and done, when future music lovers look for and covet your music, what would you like them to be looking for and remembering you for?

For never giving up.. always getting back up when obstacles come your way. For never listening to the whispering of people around you saying that you will fail. I’ve been told to my face multiple times “I’m not going to lie, I didn’t think you had it in you. But look at you now!” I want to be the example for those that doubt themselves that if anyone can do it..  you can. Trust me

Where can we find you on social media and listen to more of your music?

Instagram @keeganjacko_music
Facebook Keegan jacko music
YouTube Keegan Jacko
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