Jackson
For Jackson, music is a place. A safe space to explore and connect with his emotions, culture and heritage.
Jackson's musical journey began in Taupō, where the sounds of Luther Vandross and Anita Baker, courtesy of his mother's playlist, formed the backdrop of his childhood.
His high school years in Auckland were pivotal, exposing Jackson to a rich tapestry of musical genres – from brass ensembles and concert bands to rock, pop, and hip-hop. The school's music department became his sanctuary, a place where creativity thrived without judgement.
Music in high school for me was kind of my retreat. I could go to the music rooms and practise, and sing, and play songs, and not feel any judgement from anyone. That was where I started to learn how to write songs.
During this time, a mentor emerged, shaping the course of Jackson's future: "My music teacher pushed me to study at university. He said, 'If you have the passion and the interest to study music, then go for it!' And so, he is definitely one of the reasons that I chose to study at university. I'm really, really grateful for him to be that kind of guiding force."
Now, as a student in the School of Music, Jackson approaches songwriting as an art of storytelling, deeply rooted in his identity and heritage. "When I'm writing songs, you're not only telling stories, you're talking about family stuff, you're talking about history, you're talking about your lineage. And that carries a lot of mana for me," he explains.
When I'm writing songs, you're not only telling stories, you're talking about family stuff, you're talking about history, you're talking about your lineage. And that carries a lot of mana for me.
Reflecting on his journey, Jackson offers this advice to aspiring music students, "Don't worry too much about it. There will always be rough patches, but you will make it through. And you'll make it through by leaning into the community around you. Some of the friends you make in your first year will turn out to be your closest friends for life."