Ten seconds into the chorus of her single ‘Jesus, Brass Breaker’ and you'll be nodding your head. With an infectious melodic style and sublime hook, the Christian artist known as Bellany Jackson seems poised to vault straight up the charts.
Hartsville, South Carolina resident Bellany Jackson’s love of music runs deep. It shows in her unswerving movement towards her dream of Christian stardom and in her award-winning work that has compelled the critics to rave: ‘It is rare to come across an artist with such a combination of voice, versatility and songwriting talent, making this collection of outstanding praise songs by Bellany Jackson stand out.’ Unlike many of her contemporary artists, however, Bellany Jackson has an edge. Her music combines impassioned delivery with evocative melodic elements. Coupled with original lyrics and a memorable hook, her new single ‘Jesus, Brass Breaker’ is attracting fans across the globe. Recently, reporter Blake Wright caught up with this intriguing artist to find out more about her musical inspiration and plans for the future.
BLAKE: When did you first get that feeling that your music career was gaining momentum?
BELLANY JACKSON: When I asked the Lord to allow my music to cause many to receive Salvation, backsliders to come back to Jesus Christ, and after winning the Akademia Award.
BLAKE: Your song ’Jesus, Brass Breaker’ is receiving a positive listener response on radio. What was your initial reaction when you first heard your song playing on radio?
BELLANY JACKSON: I was in awe, I just heard it recently on one of the listed stations. I praised the Lord! I stopped and listened and began to praise the Lord!
BLAKE: What was the inspiration behind your debut radio single?
BELLANY JACKSON: The original song has three parts none with a consistent beat; when attempting to find music for it the cost of the almost 10 minutes song was so much I had to work more to pay for it. While working I asked another musician to place the entire song to beat which I had already sung completely out. The inspiration is that Jesus breaks brass, cuts iron, and destroys wicked yokes set up by the wicked and spiritually wicked. The song also tells of the strength and might of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and His Father God in that Jesus is sharper than any two edged sword cutting, marrow, soul, joints, and spirit. This song should bring consolation to the hopeless, strength to those in need of it, and a desire to serve the Lord.
BLAKE: It is often said that great art arises from difficult experience. Is there something in your life experience thus far that you would describe as the ‘catalyst’ or ‘fuel’ for your desire to create music?
BELLANY JACKSON: I have experienced many trying times in the past but my Lord and Savior has allowed me the strength to overcome and defeat my enemies. As the Word of God lets us know the realms of forces we experience and the war against us, most of the songs let me know before the adversity that the Lord would defeat all of my enemies and that I had power over them for which I give the Lord the Glory, Honour, and Praise.
BLAKE: How would you characterize yourself as an artist/musician? (Ex. Down-to-earth, serious, fun-loving, complicated…)
BELLANY JACKSON: I would characterize myself as being serious because as the Lord gives me the songs and I sing them. I am always conscience of the fact there is a heaven and a hell. The bible is our roadmap and our goal is to be a sheep and ready for the return of Jesus Christ.
BLAKE: What has your experience been like working with the other people on your team?
BELLANY JACKSON: It has been mostly a pleasure working with the musicians who provided music for the songs I've sung. It was wonderful being the one to suggest adding certain instruments such as the harp and strings to certain pieces. We also must realize the importance of music and how music played an important part in scripture.
BLAKE: Did you come from a musical background? Are there other musicians in your family?
BELLANY JACKSON: My paternal grandfather, Foster (Pen) Jackson sang with the group “The Friendly Four.” From a child I sang along with my sister and brother in church. As a child I was priviledged to take piano lessons and compete and also participate in the band playing the trombone. I completed four Art Summer Programs at Coker College through Hartsville Senior High School.
While attending Francis Marion University (FMU), in which I graduated in 1996, I sang with the Young, Gifted, and Black (YGB) Choir a few semesters.
BLAKE: What do you find most rewarding about being an artist? What do you find most challenging?
BELLANY JACKSON: I am grateful to the Lord for blessing me with this gift and look forward to winning many souls to the Lord and using the gift he has blessed me with worldwide without compromise.
BLAKE: Who are your role models in music?
BELLANY JACKSON: I love gospel/Christian music and the first gospel artist I saw perform live was Shirley Caesar at an event where Oprah Winfrey spoke as well. The songs have so much meaning and a moral behind them.
BLAKE: Describe your best or most memorable performance.
BELLANY JACKSON: My most memorable performance was when I recently performed at a Black History Event at Hartsville High School singing “Jesus Brass Breaker Part I.” This by far has been the largest crowd, but knowing it does not depend on a number. It was great to see and feel the support from my alma mater. The song is full of the word of God. I also performed on the Cruise Ship on the way back from the Bahamas my first time on a cruise ship ever.
BLAKE: What advice would you give to young, aspiring artists out there who are unsure and need guidance?
BELLANY JACKSON: I would give a young, aspiring artist the advice to be strong in the Lord and keep the faith.
BLAKE: What's next for you as an artist? Is there a new single in the works? If so, what can you tell us about it?
BELLANY JACKSON: There are a few songs in the making. I'm not sure yet if they will be singles or another album but I believe it will be another album. I can tell you that Jesus is all wrapped up in the music and there is a message and I pray when ears hear it they will be blessed, changed, and staying at the ready to serve, worship, praise, glorify, magnify, exalt, extol, esteem, lift up, and reverence the Lord at all times.
BLAKE: I look forward to hearing your new work! Thank you for letting us get to know you better as a musician and I wish you the best of luck and continued success.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXD9xFrU73oMNCJ_9iWsDKQ
https://youtu.be/P9_hoEIc-TM
https://youtu.be/0TqPxRiusNk
