George Jackson – “I Listen To A Lot Of Hip-hop (Old School And New)”

George Jackson of MG Select is a DJ, remixer, and music producer who specializes in the dance music genre. After college and then a brief teaching stint, Jackson left the school system, and became the label head for Silk Entertainment (owned by Steve “Silk” Hurley). It was there that he learned the executive side of the business, as well. There was also a creative opportunity for Jackson, as he remixed Ann Nesby’s rendition of “Lovin’ Is Really My Game (George’s Deep Lovin’ Dub)”. He also assisted Hurley (as assistant engineer), on the remix of “Soul Shakedown” by Bob Marley, which was released on Koch Records (Canada) and Silk Entertainment, and then GRAMMY nominated for best remixed recording.

As one of the featured producers on the Chicago LP and DVD, Jackson joined forces with many other Chicago house music hit-makers (past and present) which formed one of the greatest house music collaborations of all-time. His production of “Another Day” (featuring Xaviera Gold) can be heard on the Chicago LP on S&S Records. Also, he remixed “Wastelands” by Hippie Torrales, George Mena and singer Robin Reed, which was released on Universe Media – UK.

Throughout the years as a DJ, Jackson has had residencies and regular guest spots in the Chicago area, at clubs such as Zentra Nightclub, The Prop House, and Red Dog. He has also DJed at Sidecar Cafe, Tom’s Hidden Lounge, The Upstairs Lounge, and more. Outside of Chicago, George has premiered alongside CeCe Peniston and DJ Eddie X for Pride 2007 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He has traveled overseas playing in Australia at Tankclub (Sydney, Australia) and Chevron Nightclub (Melbourne, Australia). He has also played in Sheffield, England as well. George is at the top of his game and not slowing down one bit. check out the exclusive Q&A below.

S&S: What’s your style of music? How do you describe it?
George Jackson: My style is soulful vocal house. It feels like classic disco with a pop feel. Sometimes it feels like uptempo R&B.

S&S: Who or what was most instrumental to you when it came to music?
George Jackson: My parents were the most influential people to me. I got my love of harmonies from my dad, who always listened to and sang 50s doo-wop music. My love for soulful ballads came from my mom. I also played alto sax in concert band, marching band, and even orchestra in school. I developed a very strong musical work ethic when I played in the Tennessee State University marching band.

S&S: What drives you creatively?
George Jackson: Usually in the morning, if I’m well rested, I hear melodies in my head and then I’m ready to work; especially if it’s a night after I’ve been out and heard some great music.

S&S: How much does your audience influence you and your music selection?
George Jackson: My audience is EVERYTHING to me. I was a regular guest DJ and promoter at Zentra nightclub in Chicago, for years. My nights were very successful because I knew exactly how to please them.

S&S: What artists or genres do you listen to when you’re not working?
George Jackson: I listen to a lot of hip-hop (old school and new). I also love R&B. I really love Jill Scott’s & Ke-Ke Wyatt’s voices. Their voices sound like beautiful instruments.

S&S: Do you have any favorite memories of growing up with your family?
George Jackson: My favorite memories were spent at my paternal grandparents’ home at Christmas time listening to my grandmother play and sing gospel songs at her piano.

S&S: Is there anything you would like people to know about you?
George Jackson : There are a couple of things: 1. I have been married for 20 years. 2. I’ve been in the music business since 1991…when I co-managed my first R&B group. I’ve been around for a long time.

S&S: Are there any charities you are working with or excited to tell us about?
George Jackson: I’ve done a lot of charity work through the years through my fraternal organization. I’ve also coached youth football for years. I am currently not involved with any charities at the moment though.

S&S: Are there any questions that you wish people would ask you?
George Jackson: I wish people would ask me to collaborate with them on projects more. Every now and then I’ll hear something that I feel could go to the next level, production-wise.

S&S: And on the flip side of that, are there any questions or references you wish people would stop asking or using?
George Jackson: Not really.

S&S: What artist(s) have you been the most excited to work with?
George Jackson: I can’t even front…working with CeCe Peniston was incredible! I actually worked with her on a couple of songs. However, one of them, “Love Don’t Take Over“, is the one that actually came out on my label in 2014.

S&S: Are there any artists that you dream of working with on a collaboration?
George Jackson: I actually spoke with Faith Evans about doing a project with her. She’s currently pushing her album, so I’m not sure how soon that collaboration could happen. Still, it’s a dream for me.

S&S: What can we look forward to next from you?
George Jackson: I am so happy to be working on my first album! I’m laying scratch ideas down right now. I have about 7 tracks in progress. I really like the direction that I’m going. With music currently taking a retro sound, I touched on a particular retro sound, on a few tracks, that I haven’t heard anyone jump on yet.

S&S: What legacy would you like to leave?
George Jackson: I want to show people that faith, passion, and consistency can fulfill dreams; and I would love for it to show through my music.

Q&A By: Shannon “Skip” Syas – S&S Chicago

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