Music Connection spoke with renowned industry leader Randy Jackson, who was collaborating with Wix Music at SXSW by mentoring one-on-one with artists for daily workshops. In this interview, Jackson gives us details on his involvement with Wix and also explains what he looks for at SXSW.
Interview by Siri Svay
Music Connection: To start, what were your plans this year for South by Southwest (SXSW)?
Randy Jackson: We’re working with Wix on this workshop, where I’ve been mentoring a bunch of acts that have come through for the last couple of days. Some cool bands all from different kind of diverse musical backgrounds. Really cool and some interesting, cool talents.
MC: Since you are mentoring them, what kind of things do you guys talk about or work on?
Jackson: Work on the songs, what they’re trying to do, what they’re trying to do with their band, what they’re trying to do with their solo career. Some tips to try and maybe help them once I hear it.
MC: For those who aren’t familiar with Wix Music, can you tell us—from a musician/producer point of view—what it is and how it can benefit artists?
Jackson: Wix is where you go first to build your online site—to build your website. What also happens today—I don’t know, I’m sure most people know this—when you meet a label, you meet anyone of stature that’s gonna try and help you. They always ask, “What’s your online presence? What are your socials like?” Are there any people following you? Because it’s almost like a stamp of approval that whatever you’re doing is working on some level. So Wix is a way that every artist builds their online presence.
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They do it the best...It’s a worldwide thing. It’s cool and easy to set up. It’s so helpful. Most musicians—whether it’s to put together your EPK (electronic press kit) or trying to build a site—it’s the best way to do it. [And] it’s their 10th year anniversary. It’s big!
MC: So do they help artists build an EPK? Can you talk a little bit about that process?
Jackson: Yeah. So who are you, where are you from, what do you do, what are the dreams, what’s the bio? Cause most musicians when they first start, they have no idea how to do that. Now if they’re with a manager or you’re with a label, the label usually provides and does that, but if you’re a new and emerging indie artist, you have no idea what all that is or even building your online presence.
MC: Moving to SX itself, as a talent seeker, how do you think the festival plays an integral role in artists’ careers?
Jackson: It started as one of the greatest discoveries in the world. You get bands from around the world that come here hopefully to get discovered or to meet somebody or to network and help to further build their wares in the industry. So, it’s cool. It’s grown from its leaps and bounds; you got a lot more established artists here now but you’ve still got a lot of great, new, emerging talent. And if you’re somebody like me that loves emerging talent and new talent, this is the place to be.
MC: What kinds of things do you look for?
Jackson: Uniqueness, great songs, great musicality—just something interesting and different.
MC: What’s the best advice you can give to emerging, up-and-coming artists who haven’t had the opportunity to play at SXSW?
Jackson: Go to SX. [For] any emerging artists, play as many shows as you possibly can. Come to SX, get some feedback, see what people think. It’s about the people that don’t like you as well as the people that like you (laughs) cause the people that don’t like you, they may give you some ideas that can help to make you better. And it’s all about songs, songs and the best, better songs.
MC: Do you have any upcoming plans or projects coming up in 2016?
Jackson: Lots going on. I manage quite a few people: I manage chefs, writer/producers, major artists. Got a lot of branding and licensing work to do. Also film and TV, some upcoming TV shows and working on two films. Very busy in L.A. Got our own little factory!
MC: Diverting to film/TV, do you help place artists or do any publishing?
Jackson: I manage them, I manage a lot of artists on the film/TV side. We make a lot of TV. I have a deal with Endemol Shine Beyond. We are making two films, so this is in a producing role—I produce a lot of television, a lot of film.
MC: Is there anything that you want to plug?
Jackson: Make sure you get y’all’s Wix on, man. It’s the place you need to begin! Get it now! It’s free to sign up—it’s a free website, so sign on up. They’ll hook you up. Let’s go!
Photo by Jody Domingue
