Jackson Baris a.k.a Producer JXPR: The Next Musical Visionary

Jackson Baris is not only a New York native but a Leo who was born August 11, 2002. Jackson also known as Producer JXPR has always been hungry to become the best version of himself. He is a critically acclaimed producer and composer who utilizes his understanding of sound to create amazing compositions that have even been sought after by Gary Vee.

• We had the opportunity to interview him ….Jackson, Welcome to Vocal Media !

What's your background?

I was born in NYC but I moved out to The Hamptons when I was 3. I’ve always been obsessed with exploration based systems, legos , magnatiles, everything like that. Even now I'm sometimes more into the gear aspect of music then the music itself. Everythings a toy.

My family was upper middle class, I was lucky enough to have the money to do everything I wanted, but we didn't go out to dinner 7 nights a week. It was a good balance.

After playing a bunch of sports I eventually zeroed in on baseball. It taught me how to have a real work ethic. Baseball is a huge psychological endeavour and I’ve definitely gained some grit from playing.

I didn't love school. My ADHD and ADD made it miserable but I realized that a great school meant great networking opportunities, so I worked my tail off to get into NYU. Most of my life is outside of school, I’m a graphic designer, proprietor of my own beef jerky company and self taught musician.

What does your work aim to say?

When people listen to my music, I want them to feel what I feel, It's as simple as that. Everything I write is almost like a narration, not of my life but one that I am trying to portray and it's up to my listeners to finish painting that picture. It's different for everyone.

With film score it's completely different. I’m actually trying to evoke certain emotions in the audience so they can step foot into the character's shoes. Every sonic move is dependant on the actions of the scene. I love to integrate soundscapes and score because then your not just listening to music, your listening to a complete atmosphere.

How does your work comment on current social or political issues?

Every piece of content I put out is an experiment. What I’ve noticed, especially in high school, is how unhealthy the relationship is between us and our phones. I think that teenagers especially are doing themselves a disservice by looking at instagram and seeing five of their friends sitting in on the beach in Cancun. How could you not be insecure about the way you live when you're seeing people post only parts of their lives that they want people to see? This was the reason I never wanted to be a cop (I have SO much respect for those who are - thank you). Police officers are seeing people every day, most of them on some of the worst days of their lives. This must have some sort of emotional toll. On instagram your seeing what people want you to see. It develops this fake envy, leading you to crave their fake life.

I think the way people view their social media audience is crucial to their hapiness. If Sally gets 200 likes on a post of her in a bikini, then gets 50 likes on a video of her explaining her new entrepreneurial endeavor, what's she going to post next? I think valuing engagement as anything else but data is so unhealthy. We are all guilty of this and the only way to make sure that you're 100% focusing on the type of content you're putting out is to value the engagement as a number and the making of content as the pleasure. If you're not getting likes, you aren't pushing to the right audience or you need to improve your content. It isn't personal. The “fun” shouldn't be in the likes, comments, or followers. It really should be in making the content.

Who are your biggest influences?

Garyvee has changed the way that I work. His content teaches me to love the chase. After all, what's the point in success if you can't enjoy the road? Most of the ideas I preach about have some sort of influence from him. I respect the hell out of that guy.

I’m a huge fan of 6lack. While he doesn't really influence my music itself, I can see his message and what he stands for. It’s real. I’m not too big on the whole misogynistic, cop killing, drug dealing message a lot of rap music presents. I still listen to it, but sometimes I'm sitting in my car like “What are these guys even saying?”. I can't relate to that, It’s all noise. Anyway 6lack came from Zone 6 in East Atlanta, the birthplace of trap. In his music he uses those revolutionary trap sounds to talk about his life, its genuine, its authentic, I love it.

Hans Zimmer & Justin Hurwitz are two awesome composers. I listen to his scores like people listen to Katy Perry. I don't always care for the lyrics, it's too overwhelming. When I’m listening to scores I can actually think, its not just stereo.

Its nice to have some “celebrity” influences, but I havent actually met them and feel that my life is more impacted by the ones close to me. My mom, who was a graphic designer in NYC, is so encouraging and accepting of everything that I do. Thats just the best feeling to know somebody is always on your side. Mali, my girlfriend, will sit in my studio with me and honestly her opinion is the only one I trust & value. She's the best.

How have you developed your career?

I try to be the guy who does everything. It's the only way I can keep myself engaged. If I’m not making music I’m designing graphics, if I’m not designing graphics I’m selling jerky, if I’m not selling jerky I’m playing ball. It's a perpetual cycle of excitement. I aspire to work with a startup by day and compose for films by night.

How do you seek out opportunities?

Network. Network. Network. You have to be able to go up to any person in the entire world and tell them who you are and what you stand for. No matter the person it should always be the same. Having one genuine message is all you need and social media is your vehicle to spread it. I try to max out my Instagram Dm’s every day. You can gain so much from just talking to people.

After releasing The Introduction, I sent an email to 150+ college professors. The ones who responded gave me great advice, I even got a placement. Putting yourself out there is so important. At first, you have to find your audience, your audience won't find you.

Another thing I always tell myself is that if its too good to be true it probably isn't. This keeps you on your toes, people love to talk and its important to be 100% certain of what your getting yourself into.

That being said I always value what people have to say and make sure they know that they have my full attention. You never know who your talking to...