Jackson Rohm is a veteran when it comes to the music industry. He has played 1,200 shows and has sold more 14,000 albums worldwide. His most recent album " Long Way from Moving On" is a country mix of soulful songs that shows fans a different side of Rohm.
How did you get involved with music?
I started playing guitar when I was in sixth grade and I kind of just played through high school in a little metal band back then. I fell into it seriously after I graduated college and got into law school and decided that wasn't for me. That was the day I broke the news to my sad parents that I was quitting law school and chasing my music dream.
Who are your musical influences?
I get asked this question a lot. I am going to see the Indigo Girls next week, Cat Stevens, Pearl Jam. I have been playing cover gigs for a long time so I am sure subconsciously I've had all kinds of influences.
With 1,200 shows and 14,000 albums sold, you have made the switch from pop to country. Why the change?
Who knows if it is a permanent switch? It was fun to do a country record. I had done four previously in the pop-rock genre and decided that I would give country pop a shot. It's been fun, but I still like my rock stuff. I kind of toy around a lot with my music. This next record might be Americana, we will see.
Your new CD "Long Way from Moving On" has many songs fans can relate to. What is your favorite on that album?
Well my favorite is usually not the favorite of all the fans. I kind of gear myself to the stuff that's different—a little bit more personal. My favorite is probably a song called "Don't Cut Your Hair," but that’s not the single. "The Old Me" and "Your Wife is Cheatin' on Both of Us" are probably the most popular tracks on that record. I always kind of gravitate to the ones that affect me the most personally.
Can you talk about the songs you will be performing for the Summer Concert Series?
I am going to do "Rio," one of my more popular songs. I have had that one out for many years now, as well as "Gasoline and Matches" and also "Four on the Floor."
What do you like most about performing?
It's just fun to be able to have someone come up to you after the show and say, "Wow! I really enjoyed it." I don’t think most people that work for a living get that kind of instant gratification. The clients come up to them and nag them for a great show and to write songs they can relate to, so performing is a rush for me. I love it.
How did you end up in Cleveland?
I went to college at Miami of Ohio, I am originally from Buffalo, New York, and I had a lot of friends here and it kind of fell in the middle of the places I play most: Chicago, New York and Cleveland. So it made a lot of sense for me to come to Cleveland and live. It has been a great home base.
Where is your favorite spot to perform in Cleveland?
That always changes. I have been looking forward to performing at Beachland Ballroom. It is a great room and I have seen a lot of my favorite acts perform here. This is my first time here so it might be my favorite.
Where is your favorite spot to relax in Cleveland?
Tremont. I live on the West side so it's nice and easy for me to get to.
