When it comes to an artist on the rise, no one is doing it quite like Vandes Jackson – and his newest track, “Power”, released under Bentley Records proves it. When speaking on his latest release, the artist claimed, “Power simply excites me. From the kitchen microwave to the CEO. The project covers the various personal situations that require knowledge. Without knowledge, I’d misstep. I’m okay with being vulnerable with this particular concept because we commonly believe “knowledge is power“.”
Upon the release of “Power,” the artist sat down with Lambo to discuss his new single and the influence that Los Angeles has had on his career.
Hey Vandes Jackson, how are you! How has this past year been for you?
I’m amazing. This past year has been phenomenal for me musically! I’d go so far as to say it was my best year yet since making the journey to Los Angeles. So many resources and opportunities to truly spread my wings, and my brand.
How did you first get into music, what sparked the interest?
I was a noisy kid. I absolutely loved to beat on boxes, buckets, and tear up stuff. I’m often reminded by my mother and other relatives that I demonstrated a genuine interest in rhythm before I could even take my first step. Also, attending weekend church services with my grandparents catapulted me in the direction of pursuing music. I always knew my purpose was within music because of how it made me feel and how it positively changed those around me.
You’re from Chicago, which has a very diverse scene for music, how did you get to LA, and do you think your new area has impacted your sound in any way?
I was fortunate to attend The Chicago High School for the Arts for high school and had already been accepted into 5 of the best music conservatories in the country to study jazz and music performance. I decided to go tour independently, network, and gain more real-world experience that opened unlimited doors in the process of my development as a musician. Coming to LA was a dream I decided to act on just a few months before the pandemic was announced. I don’t regret the move one bit! Being able to immerse me here has been a snug fit in terms of musical influences. My sound has expanded in so many positive ways, and I’ve taken much more risks.
And now you just released your new project, “Power” under Bentley Records, what was your mindset going into this project?
Power simply excites me. From the kitchen microwave to the CEO. The project covers the various personal situations that require knowledge. Without knowledge, I’d misstep. I’m okay with being vulnerable with this particular concept because we commonly believe “knowledge is power“.
How do you think this project differs from your last? Do you think you approached it differently?
My last project was an initial stepping stone of establishing who I was as an independent producer-artist. This project isn’t to prove anything. I’ve done that. Approaching this project, I definitely wanted to shed light on certain dynamics of anxiety, and paranoia. Being a rockstar is a full-time job. I also didn’t want to do a full project without honoring one of my good friends Shelby Jones who was murdered in 2020. I find myself constantly evolving and changing things every time I approach a full project like this.
What’s next for you?
I’ve been in the studio working on tracks for some upcoming collaborations pending for the spring! Super busy getting things lined up for a great run at SXSW, and I also have a show at the legendary Viper Room in Hollywood Saturday, Feb. 26th. Really excited to see what’s next along this journey!
