Artist Advent Calendar - Day 1: Jaxson
Welcome to Next Wave’s Artist Advent Calendar, where we spotlight incredible artists leading up to the holidays! Kicking things off is Irish singer-songwriter Jaxson, whose heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies are pure magic. With a unique creative spark and an ability to connect deeply through music, Jaxson sets the tone for an unforgettable month of discovery. Stay tuned for more amazing artists!
NW: What’s the weirdest thing that’s inspired a song?
Jaxson: I was driving through the mountains on the back of a motorbike at the Chinese/Vietnamese border when a song suddenly came to me. I started writing it right there on the back of the bike!
Photo via Jaxson
NW: Who’s an artist you’ve recently discovered?
Jaxson: Amy Allen! I knew her as an incredible songwriter (she’s written for Sabrina Carpenter, Harry Styles, etc.), but I just discovered her own music, and it’s incredible. My favorite song of hers is probably ‘Reason to Forgive.’ Also, Leah Jane just released an EP, ‘Nottingham Drive,’ which I absolutely loved!
NW: What’s the biggest thing you learned about yourself this year?
Jaxson: I learned that I am exactly where I should be, and everything happens for a reason. I learned to trust the process and truly believe in myself!
NW: What’s the strangest place you’ve ever written or recorded music?
Jaxson: It was very strange to record a song in the same room where 50 Cent recorded ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’ and Lady Gaga recorded ‘Born This Way.’
NW: If you could collaborate with any artist right now, who would it be?
Jaxson: Wow! I think I’ll always say Bon Iver. He’s number one!
NW: What was your most-played song this year?
Jaxson: Holocene by Bon Iver!
NW: Do you have a favorite fan interaction from this year?
Jaxson: A very well-known Irish soccer referee came up to me after a show. I have an unreleased song called ‘The Dreamer,’ which is about believing in and chasing your dreams. She told me that when I was playing the song, she was reliving her early years when she was chasing her dream of becoming a professional referee. She eventually made it, but the song brought her right back to that time in her life. She approached me with tears in her eyes, saying the song meant so much to her. It was amazing!
NW: What’s a lyric from another artist that hits you hard every time?
Jaxson: ‘Strange words come on out of a grown man’s mouth when his mind’s broke’ - Zach Bryan ‘It’s the way the world rewards the ones who look it in the eye’ - Theo Kandel
Photo via Jaxson
NW: What song of yours do you feel proudest of?
Jaxson: My first release, ‘We Were Born.’ It gets me every single time I play it.
NW: Who’s the most unexpected artist on your playlist right now?
Jaxson: Fleetwood Mac or Bob Dylan? I’m not sure if that’s unexpected, they’re both legendary!
NW: Do you have a favorite holiday movie?
Jaxson: The Grinch!! Or Elf.
NW: Are you more of a ‘decorate everything’ or ‘less is more’ type of person?
Jaxson: Usually, I love minimalist interior design. I love a really white/gray room with very little going on. But for Christmas, I don’t mind decorations. Maybe leaning toward less is more!
NW: What’s the coolest holiday decoration you’ve ever seen?
Jaxson: I think the Rockefeller Tree in Manhattan was crazy to see!
NW: Is there a city you’d love to spend the holidays in?
Jaxson: I nearly ended up in New York one Christmas, but it’s so hard to be away from Ireland. It’s just such a special time to be at home, so Ireland will always take the number one spot!
NW: If you could invite any musician to your holiday dinner, who would it be?
Jaxson: I feel like Hozier would fit right in.
Find Jaxson on social media and stream him on Spotify
