Southern Soul, Retro Rock: The Jackson Slater Experience
On this episode of Local Music Somewhere, a young singer-songwriter with an old soul takes center stage. Rooted in the rich heritage of southern music, he blends blues, rock, soul, and funk into a sound that is both nostalgic and fresh. With a raw, raspy voice and masterful guitar playing, his performances channel the energy of classic rock, the depth of soul, and the grit of southern blues. Tune in as he shares his musical journey, influences, and passion for keeping the blues alive.
Jackson Slater: Live on Local Music Somewhere
Jackson Slater: Bridging Blues Tradition and Modern Roots Music in Charlotte
At rBeatz Studios, the latest episode of Local Music Somewhere welcomes Jackson Slater, a remarkable young guitarist and singer whose soulful blues-rooted style belies his years. Hailing from Charlotte, North Carolina, Jackson combines deep respect for blues heritage with a fresh, vibrant energy that makes his music feel both timeless and immediate.
Despite his youth, Jackson’s guitar playing shows a maturity that sounds decades older. He credits classic rock legends like AC/DC and Van Halen for initially sparking his passion for guitar, which soon led him to explore the blues greats who inspired those rock icons—B.B. King, Freddie King, and Chuck Berry among them. This journey into musical roots helped shape Jackson’s understanding that truly mastering music means studying not only contemporary artists but also the pioneers who laid the groundwork.
Jackson’s influences span a wide range of genres, reflecting the rich tapestry of American roots music. Beyond blues, he draws inspiration from soul and funk legends like Ray Charles, Otis Redding, and Joe Cocker, as well as Southern rock and modern trailblazers such as Derek Trucks and Chris Stapleton. This blend informs Jackson’s own playing style, which emphasizes melody and emotional expression over technical speed. His goal is to make his guitar “vocal” — communicating feeling and storytelling through each note.
Early Days
Early in his career, Jackson played with the band Southern Groove Machine, performing a mix of covers and original songs. This experience led to a key opportunity: competing at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee. Jackson reflects on his two trips to Memphis — the first focused on performance with the band, the second as a solo artist emphasizing networking, collaboration, and jamming with other musicians. He underscores the importance of getting out to shows and meeting people in the industry as crucial for growth.
Jackson also highlights the thriving music scenes across North Carolina. Whether in Charlotte, Asheville, or the Triangle area, these cities offer vibrant, supportive communities that provide a strong home base for artists. For Jackson, there’s no rush to bigger hubs like Nashville or Los Angeles; the local culture nurtures creativity and connection.
Philosophy about Music
One of the most compelling parts of the conversation centers on Jackson’s philosophy about music: technical skill alone is not enough. What matters most is authentic connection with the audience and genuine emotion. He believes that music’s power lies in its ability to communicate real feelings — that resonance builds a loyal following more than flashy technique ever could.
Continuing the discussion on Local Music Somewhere, Jackson tackles common misconceptions about blues music. Too often, people see blues as a niche genre confined to the Deep South, when in fact it has profoundly influenced virtually every style of modern music, from hip hop to country. They talk about artists like Kendrick Lamar and Chris Stapleton as examples of how roots music continues to evolve and remain relevant. Jackson calls for broadening the conversation about what “roots music” really means today, given how genres increasingly overlap and blend.
Charlotte Blues Society Involvement
Jackson also shares his deep involvement with the Charlotte Blues Society, where he holds the distinction of being the youngest member. Through educational initiatives like Blues in the Schools and organizing local blues jams, Jackson actively works to grow the genre and bring more musicians and fans into the fold. He praises efforts to bring bigger-name acts to the Charlotte scene alongside community-driven events, which help keep the music vibrant and accessible.
On the solo front, Jackson is crafting a sound that fuses blues, soul, funk, Southern rock, country, and bluegrass influences. He’s been performing acoustic shows across the region and plans to record an album in the near future. Fans can follow his journey and find show updates on Instagram at @jackson.k.slater.
The episode closes with a special live performance, where Jackson plays two original songs in the rBeatz studio — raw, heartfelt, and authentic, a perfect showcase of his growing artistry. The host expresses gratitude for Jackson’s inspiring presence and looks forward to more collaborations ahead.
Jackson Slater stands as a shining example of how tradition and innovation can coexist in roots music, bridging generations with passion, skill, and soul.
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