By: Lindsey Borders
Nashville transplant musician, Jameson Elder, who hails from Georgia began his music career as a young child. He started out with piano then gravitated towards guitar and hasn’t put one down since. Ever since he left his hometown of Atlanta to take his music career to the next level in Nashville, Jameson has been consistently writing songs and performing at various venues around Music City, Atlanta and other cities in the US. He will be bringing those tunes to People’s Fest held at Atlantic Station this Saturday, June 22, with the incredible headliner Marc Broussard, along with Sonia Leigh and Ben Deignan. His next EP, Where Beauty Remains, will release in late July. Until then, download your copy of his FREE single, “Pony Ride,” that will be on his upcoming EP.
Check out our interview with Jameson!
What was the recording process like for your upcoming EP, Where Beauty Remains?
I like to record as much live as possible! In my opinion, that’s the best way to capture the essence of a song and to get true performances. So for all of these songs drums, bass, and a guitar were recorded all together. From there it’s textures and layers that go on top. We recorded a big chunk of the album at The Smoakstack in Nashville, where I used to work. The song “Pony Ride” was actually one of the first songs recorded from start to finish at a brand new studio in Nashville called Forty-One Fifteen. To be able to say that my song was one of the first of many great songs to come out of that place is a very special feeling.
We decided to take a bit of an unconventional adventure while recording these songs too! The strings and gang vocals on “Beautiful Remains” and “Let It Go” were actually recorded in a house on the Chattahoochee River in North Georgia. We loaded an entire studio, instruments, and 6 people into 2 Subaru’s (it’s amazing what you can do with those things!) and spent a weekend tucked away with these songs. At that point I really began to feel like these weren’t just my songs anymore. These were songs that were being shared with my friends, and that will hopefully be shared with many more people in the future.
How was it different than your past recordings?
I think a lot of it comes down to understanding more of what I want to do as an artist. “Pony Ride” was the last song written for this record. I feel like that song points very strongly towards my musical instincts and really drew out a new part of my voice and guitar playing that I had yet to explore. I’m excited to do even more of that in the future!
What drives you to pursue music?
The fact that it’s the only thing that calls my name. There have been a couple of times where I’ve wondered if I actually wanted to make this a career, then I play a show, or go to a show, or hear a great song and I know that this is the road that’s laid out for me.
Who in music or film inspires you?
So many people! Honestly, right now I’m finding the most inspiration from a lot of other artists from Nashville, some of them are friends. I think there are a lot of us who are figuring out this whole music thing together and watching my friends find their voices and write all of these amazing songs is pretty incredible!
What would be the line-up for your dream gig?
Oh man, that’s a tough one… I think sharing the stage with Springsteen, Paul McCartney, or Tom Petty would be pretty incredible! As far as “modern” artists, I’d love to play with Dawes one day!
Fun Questions
What was your first album on vinyl, CD and/or cassette?
My first cassette that I remember was the Beach Boys Greatest Hits. I don’t talk about my first CD… It’s shameful!
Who was your first concert, and do you have a favorite?
I don’t remember what my very first concert was, but one of them was a Beatles cover band that my dad took us to. My favorite concert? How bout a top 5? Paul McCartney at Piedmont Park, U2 360 tour at the Georgia Dome, The Civil Wars at the Basement in Nashville with 100 other sweaty people, Bruce Springsteen in Kansas City, and Pearl Jam at Bonnaroo in 2008! (Other notables: Grace Potter at the Ryman and The Swell Season at Bonnaroo)
What are five albums or bands you wouldn’t want to live without?
Tom Petty, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles, David Ramirez, Ryan Adams. Every time I listen to music by any of them I’m inspired.
What’s your guilty musical or television pleasure?
I don’t know if it’s guilty or not, but I’m obsessed with Game of Thrones. Also, Justin Timberlake.
Follow and connect with Jameson: Facebook/Twitter/YouTube
Purchase tickets for People’s Fest below!
