me at my debut show in Austin on May 10, 2018.
It’s funny how a picture from almost a year ago can represent so much for right now. There are so many challenges to being a creative or entrepreneur...the hours honing your craft, having a vision for where you want to go and what you want to create, the business side of things, etc… but the biggest challenge by far is the vulnerability it requires. The ability to say this is a representation of me, what I like, what I believe in. Fortunately, I’ve learned over the years to push through that fear to try to find peace knowing that my identity is found in the Lord. I’ve found the confidence to just make music I like and I’m proud of and know that if I like it, others will too whether that’s tens or hundreds or thousands.
I’m proud to say that I’ve done that since I started Class Jackson and I unashamedly go back to my own music when I run out of new music to listen to because I love the sounds, the lyrics, the storyline. I created it with all the aspects that have me running back to the albums of The 1975, Coldplay, John Mayer, Bon Iver, Frank Ocean, and LANY.
“And when I have all those dreams in my head, I know it’s worth the effort, the sacrifice, my reputation, and everything to try to make it happen.”
But anyone who’s ever run a Kickstarter campaign could tell you that it tests your self-confidence, your willingness to be vulnerable, and honestly, whether anyone gives a damn about what you have to say and offer the world.
But I’ll tell ya, I constantly listen to the two singles for the next ep that are under construction and remember a producer who’s worked with Jaden Smith and Bebe Rhexa says how excited he is to hop on it and finish it up. I think of the week-long session I have planned with two of the best producers and humans I’m blessed to know. I dream of the choir of Austin friends I want to get together for some of the songs. And when I have all those dreams in my head, I know it’s worth the effort, the sacrifice, my reputation, and everything to try to make it happen.
And man do I want to make it happen sooner than later. I’ve got 8 more days to raise 95% of the funds needed to make it happen and finish everything this summer. I was gonna give up last night but decided to stick to the Johnny Tsunami way and go big or go home and I’m half way across the country from home for music so we’re going big!
So thanks to everyone who’s already given money to the project, everyone who is going to over the next 8 days, and everyone who’s shared it and spread the word. Even nearing $1K seems like a crazy amount of support, but Kickstarter is all-or-nothing, so I need a lot more to reach my goal. So, if you cared enough to read this, I’d super appreciate it if you could take 2 more minutes to go to my Kickstarter page and click the green button to back the project. Anything and everything helps! Thanks so much for caring about and joining me on this journey!
-Simon