Music Heals
Singer • Songwriter • Guitarist • Bassist • Audio Engineer • Producer
About Jackson
Most likely the law of attraction has led you here because you too love music. For me, music is everything; it's a healing and driving force. Surf around and learn more about me and my life. You can read all about my early diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes and my battle with HS (Hidradenitis Suppurativa). In 2018 I gave a TEDx talk about HS; that's on here too. I talked about it on American Idol and most recently was filmed for a documentary by Positive Exposure. I've always been really open about what I've gone through with my conditions. I use my experience and the hardship I've gone through to fuel my music.
I am a singer/ songwriter/ musician/ producer/ engineer. I am working toward being a full-time touring and recording musician. I am incredibly lucky to be able to pursue this career, and to have endless support from my family and so many musical mentors. Check out my music page for my most recent releases and the events page to come meet me in person. Thank you for visiting :).
I wrote, recorded, produced, mixed and mastered my first album April of 2024. It was inspired by Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago" as I too was recording it in a cabin, alone and processing heartbreak. I highly recommend listening in a comfortable place with good headphones ;)
You can stream "High & Low" wherever you listen to music.
Music
Jax Plays Dead
The music of the Grateful Dead has been filling my ears for as long as I've had ears. My folks lost count of shows somewhere around 100 and it's the honor of my lifetime to perform this music.
The clip below is from 10/24/25 at The Alcazar Theatre in Carpinteria, CA. It was a double show- first set was my originals, second set Dead. It will be released in it's entirety soon.
Audio Engineering • Production
I’m a recording and mixing engineer with over 9 years of experience helping artists turn ideas into fully realized songs. I studied audio engineering and mixing at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London and specialize in creating recordings that sound polished, powerful, and true to the artist.
My studio features high-end gear including Universal Audio preamps and a wide range of instruments ready for your session—full drum kit, acoustic and electric guitars, basses, piano, mandolin, banjo, lap steel, and more.
Whether you need vocals recorded, a professional mix, or help developing a song from the ground up, I’m here to help you create music you’re proud to release.
Upcoming Shows
Solvang Festival Theatre
Sat April 11
A star studded lineup for a celebration of US Air Force Search and Rescue heroes.
Click the event name for tickets!
Ventura Dead Night
FfWinchesters Grill
Thurs April 16
6:00 - 10:00
Jackson will be playing bass for the weekly Dead night at Winchesters in Ventura. Come boogie for a free show!
Jaden Lehman & Friends
Townhouse Venice
April 29 - 8:00PM
Jackson will be playing guitar and singing for Jaden's show in LA featuring originals from his upcoming album "Roots," and old favorites. The event starts with a trash cleanup steps away from the venue on the beach!
Click the event name for tickets!
The Bellotti Brothers
The Venice West
Saturday May 2nd
12:00PM - 3:00PM
Jackson will be playing bass and singing with the incredibly talented young Bellotti Brothers alongside Duffy on drums and Mike Russeck on keys. Free show!
FfThe Crowne Plaza - Ventura
Friday May 29 - 12:00PM
Jax Plays Dead will kick off this incredible festival with a stacked double drumming band. Following him on the day are Lebo and Stu Allen.
Click on the event name for tickets!
El Capitan Resort
June 6 - 3:00 - 7:00
Jackson is stoked to return to El Cap with his full band to play originals and classics at this beautiful outdoor venue.
Tickets available soon.
Rincon Mtn Winery
Rincon Mountain Winery
Saturday June 13
6:00PM- 8:00PM
The Jackson Gillies Trio will play at this stunning venue for a 2 hour set- tickets will be limited and available soon!
The Santa Barbara Zoo
June 10
Jackson plays bass and sings with Ladyfinger- a Grateful Dead/JGB cover band. We are stoked to be at the SB Zoo stay tuned for more details!
The Crowne Plaza Ventura
Sunday June 21
12:00PM-4:00PM
Free show outside at The Crowne Plaza in Ventura! Should be a beautiful day of Dead music.