Songwriter Interview – Jackie Minton – Case Of Lonely

On The Table Read Magazine, “the best entertainment eBook magazine UK“, singer songwriter Jackie Minton shares how a lack of community inspired her new single, Case Of Lonely.

Written by JJ Barnes

www.jjbarnes.co.uk

I interviewed Jackie Minton about her life and career, her new single, Case Of Lonely, and her creative process.

Tell me a bit about who you are.

My name is Jackie Minton and I’m a singer-songwriter from the United States in Arlington, Texas. Over the last decade, I’ve lived in four different states, and am currently living in France, teaching English while I continue to make music.

When did you first WANT to write music?

I started writing music around the age of 11. I remember the night my parents gave my brother and I a guitar to share. I hogged it and made up a numbering system to write with the strings before I had any clue how to play.

What was your first piece of music released, and what inspired it?

My first project to release publicly was an EP called Searching for Now, which I released just after graduating from high school. Looking back, it really is a collection of “coming of age” songs if you will.

The title track is about trading worry about the future for living the present moment. This theme continues to come up in my songwriting.

What was your latest music released, and what inspired it?

My latest single, “Case of Lonely” is the final single from my album Sagesse due out in November of 2024.

I wrote it after returning to Texas, after spending four months abroad. After being away for so long, it took a while to find my community again. The song was a fruit of that time of loneliness. I hope that it helps others that find themselves in a similar season of solitude.

Focusing on your latest piece of music. What were your biggest challenges with Case Of Lonely?

There honestly weren’t too many hiccups with this song. I wrote it in the fall of 2023, recorded it in February of 2024, and released it within a year of writing it. Most of my songs sit on the shelf much longer than that. The production process was smooth, thanks to my producer Zach Sandquist, based in Nashville, Tennessee.

What are you working on right now?

I’m wrapping up the final details for Sagesse, my album on the way. I’m looking forward to getting this new music in your hands!

Do you keep to a theme with your music, or just go where the mood strikes?

Each song has its own story, but it’s all coming from the same heart.

What is your favourite piece of music you’ve recorded, and what do you love about it?

Impossible to choose… but I do really love the final track of Sagesse. The song is written from the perspective of Mary Magdalene and is titled “Magdalene”. It is fairly stripped back with a guitar picking foundation. The first time I heard the string section come in with a gentle piano line written by my producer Zach, I just about keeled over. I think this is my best work to date, and that is thanks to my collaborators.

Do you find other people’s music inspires you? Who do you listen to most?

I’m a fan of Josh Garrels, Madison Cunningham, Leif Vollebekk, and so many others. I appreciate artists that speak their mind and can pull that off with lyrical rhythm and musical authenticity.

Do you record and produce your own music, or pay musicians and producers?

I can make a demo, but I’ll never be able to replace the magic of working with a team. I’m blessed to get to work with the folks that I do.

What instruments do you play?

I play guitar, piano, a bit of ukulele, and my voice of course. I’m a novice at harmonica, as well.

Do you like performing live, or does it scare you? Where can people watch you?

Performing live is one of my favourite things.

Is your music available to the public, and where can people listen to it?

You can find my music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube and pretty much anywhere music is found online. You can find all the links on my website https://jackieminton.com

Are you able to make music full time, or do you have a day job?

Writing, recording, performing and teaching music is my full time work. However, for a season, I decided to take up teaching English in France part-time to expand my horizons.

Are your friends and family supportive of your music career?

I’m blessed to have supportive parents and an encouraging community. I can’t imagine doing what I do without their generosity and encouragement.

What’s something you never expected about writing music? What have you learned that surprised you?

Writing is easy, making time to write is not. I’ve learned that to write necessitates making and guarding the space to write. Surprisingly, prioritizing writing is often the most difficult piece for me. It’s easy for me to spend my time on other tasks that feel more pressing. I have to remind myself that writing is the reason and habitually return to it.

Have you had any experiences that really stand out because of your music?

My most unforgettable performance experience was getting to open for a stop of Dermot Kennedy’s US tour in 2022 at the Clyde Theatre in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I had less than 24 hours’ notice, so I didn’t have time to be nervous between packing up my things, hopping on a flight and doing the show on 3 hours of sleep. I was running on pure adrenaline and was honored to be his pick for the show.

Do you have any important events coming up we should know about?

The album Sagesse is due out before the end of 2024. Stay in touch for upcoming shows and releases at https://jackieminton.com/connect.

What is the first piece of advice you would give to anyone inspired to write music?

Write! Make time to write and guard it with your life! Your work is sacred and so important. You’re the only one can say what you have to share with the world.

Pop all your music, website and social media links here so the readers can find you:

Keep in touch at…
https://jackieminton.com/connect
https://www.instagram.com/jackieminton/
https://twitter.com/jackieminton
https://www.facebook.com/jackiemintonmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@jackieminton7
https://www.youtube.com/c/jackieminton
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jackie-minton/1071093056
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1ejrpYAvYz394fSaHWgGdv?si=QugYy9_KTNS7cu8IWXQUkA&nd=1
https://soundcloud.com/jackie-minton

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