A Conversation with Jackson Holte
Songwriting, Solitude, and the Craft of Music
There’s something about sitting down with a friend that just puts everything at ease. That’s how it felt when I sat down to interview Jackson Holte for The Heath Bar. Jackson and I have known each other for several years, and our conversation was not just about music, but about life, solitude, and the journey we both share as songwriters.
Jackson has always been a quiet force in the Americana-folk scene, a songwriter whose lyrics resonate with both intimacy and vastness—much like the landscapes he calls home. When we met, he was living in Montana, but now he’s based in the small, windswept town of Pinedale, Wyoming, where he works as a backcountry ranger. It’s a fitting backdrop for a musician who thrives on solitude and introspection.
During our conversation, Jackson spoke about his upcoming solo album, a project he’s poured over for two years. It’s a labor of love, featuring 12 tracks and the contributions of more than 30 talented musicians. The album, as he describes it, is the record he’s always wanted to make, but it’s not just about the music. For Jackson, the process itself—tracking live with his band, refining details over time, and even recording parts remotely—has been as important as the finished product.
“Tracking live is the only way to make music,” he told me, reflecting on how much the energy of playing together in a room shaped the sound of the album. But like many musicians, Jackson had to adapt to the times. Remote recording became a necessity during the pandemic, and while it’s not as magical as sitting in a circle with his bandmates, it allowed him to collaborate with musicians from afar.
As we talked, I couldn’t help but admire Jackson’s dedication to his craft. His day job as a ranger—working deep in the Wyoming wilderness, often alone with just a string of horses—seems to offer the solitude that fuels his creativity. For many, the idea of spending weeks at a time in the mountains might seem isolating, but for Jackson, it’s where he finds clarity. He described his days on horseback, riding through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, and how the rhythm of the work allows his mind to wander, ideas forming as naturally as the trails he follows.
That solitude is reflected in his music, which is often quieter, more introspective, and less hurried than what you might hear from other artists. “Movement is good for thinking,” Jackson said, explaining how time spent walking or riding can be a fertile ground for songwriting. For him, creativity isn’t something that happens on a schedule—it’s something that flows through the natural rhythms of his life.
It’s clear that Jackson approaches both his music and his life with an old-school dedication that’s becoming rarer in today’s fast-paced world. He’s in no rush to push his music out before it’s ready, and he refuses to let marketing pressures dictate his creative process. “I just wanted to make sure this album was right,” he said. “No rushing, no cutting corners.”
In a world where many musicians are constantly hustling for the next gig or social media post, Jackson’s approach feels like a breath of fresh air. It’s not that he doesn’t care about getting his music out there—quite the opposite. He’s spent over $12,000 on the production of this album and is well aware of the need to recoup those costs. But for Jackson, the music comes first, always.
Our conversation was a reminder of why I do what I do. As songwriters, we often get caught up in the hustle, the grind of gigs, promotions, and trying to make a living doing what we love. But Jackson reminded me that at the heart of it all, it’s about the music and the moments of connection that come with it.
After we wrapped up, I was left with a sense of gratitude—not just for the interview, but for the opportunity to reflect on my own journey through Jackson’s story. His dedication to both his craft and the life he’s chosen is inspiring, and it left me thinking about how we all need to find our own version of that quiet place where creativity can flourish.
Jackson’s new album is set to release soon, and I have no doubt it will be a powerful reflection of his journey through music and the wilderness. For now, I’ll keep playing the preview tracks he shared with me on repeat, enjoying the sound of an artist who’s never in a hurry, but always moving forward.
Stay connected for more stories and interviews at The Heath Bar. If you haven’t yet, give Jackson Holte a listen—you won’t regret it.