Singer-songwriter Jackson Harris Makes a Long Story Short

Everyone around me in middle school was starting to identify with certain groups like the football team or other academic clubs. I knew for a long time I enjoyed music, but I truly didn't believe I could do it for a career. But once I saw some of the reaction to my music, I was hooked. I've been addicted to music and writing songs ever since. 

In "Long Story Short," you talk about living life like you're dying. What's the most daring thing you've done recently? And what's at the top of your bucket list?

Well, the song itself is my response to this car wreck I was in a few years back. It was a pretty scary crash and I ended up without a scratch on me and it just made me value life that much more. As of recently I've looked into sky diving this summer as well as doing a safari of the African plains to see the beautiful country and wildlife. Oh, and obviously I want to sell out Madison Square Garden, too!

Tell us a bit about your time at prep school. What was it like attending Riverdale?

Riverdale was quite an experience. They're actually one of the top academic schools in the nation, and I respected that, but I was too involved with my music to care. I made many good friends there, and even some enemies. Growing up in the prep school world is NOTHING like Gossip Girl, however. It can be much better...or at times much worse. But that's where good stories and songs come from!

To make a long story short, how would you describe your music in one word?

Hmm, that's a tough one, but I would have to say "authentic" because I put my heart and soul into each song. And every song we do is one I've written and produced. So it all comes from inside of me. 

In your single, "Go Crazy," you're jonesing for a "phat beat" that'll get you up on your feet. What song or artist never fails to do the trick?

It's got to be either a fun Beatles tune...or the King of Pop Mr. Michael Jackson...or I'll blast some Kanye West! 

You grabbed a lot of people's attention with your cover of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' "Empire State of Mind." What about that song resonated with you?

I've always been a huge fan of Jay-Z and I feel even more connected to him since we both are born and raised in NY and like the Yankees. So I took a rap song that most people didn't think a young white kid from the Upper East Side could do and put my own twist on it. I think some people wanted to see of I could at least pull it off and I think it turned out pretty good! In the end I do these covers because I'm a big fan of the artists' music. 

We very much enjoy your exit from the cab in a blanket at the very beginning of that video. Has that ever actually occurred? 

Sadly, no, I haven't woken up in the back of an NYC cab yet... But who knows what the future holds! 

What does a typical NYC weekend consist of for you?

I love roaming around the city. I'll go down to Union Square and check out the local market, and maybe even stop by the guitar shop. I also love to go to good restaurants downtown and see a good movie every now and then. If it's summer, you can find me at Yankee Stadium! 

It's mentioned in your bio that you've told people you attended "UCLA: Under the Corner of Lexington Avenue." Out of curiosity, have you ever attempted to busk? If so, what was that like?

The city can be intimidating, so I respect and envy those musicians who can busk and really be free regardless of the traffic and people walking by! I may shoot my next video with some busking musicians! 

Lastly, what cool things can we expect from you in the new year?

A new album! Some new music videos! Lots of upcoming tour dates and Jackson Harris world music domination! And hopefully a happy and healthy year for all my friends and family.