Steven A. Jackson Jr. is a Chicago-based music producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and music obsessionist. Described by friends as a “distributor of musical tastes”, Steve has always had a special connection and understanding of music, that for most of his life was the primary way he connected with those close to him. He was the kid geeking out about old records, the guy at the party on aux–whether by choice or demand–and the friend with the impeccable new music recs.
But even though his curiosities led him to pursue chorus in grade school, the pull of sports and eventually partying swept Steve away from the thought of ever creating his own music, rather than just consuming it.
However, after being introduced to DJing by a roommate in college, Steve began his first foray into the creation side of music. Something that was intended to be a closeted hobby soon became a sidegig. Coupled with the experience of working as a stagehand at local venue Canopy Club, these experiences spurred the first inklings of the thought of pursuing a career in music, which led Jackson to host two philanthropic concerts at university. Even after that, he continued down the traditional path, getting his degree in Psychology and then moving to Rhode Island and San Francisco to work as a property insurance adjuster.
But in 2020, all that changed.
During the pandemic, Steve made the nerve-wracking (some may say “crazy”) decision to leave his job in Corporate America to move back in with his mom in Chicago to pursue a career in music. After years of running from his true calling, he pushed through the fear and self-doubt, trusting that he had something worthy to contribute to this world of music.
A tenacious businessman and artist, in less than three years on the Chicago music scene, Steve has forged a professional career for himself, lending his talents and perspective to an array of projects. Some highlights include:
Scoring the music for Chicago director Kevin Strader’s indie short-film Mojo, the winner of the Best Dark Comedy Film Award at the 2023 Portland Comedy Film Festival and Award Winner at the November 2023 Chicago Filmmaker Awards
Recording and producing two singles with Chicago artist Joseph Ozment, God Save the Queen (2024) and People Make Me Nervous (2023)
Recording and producing the R&B single Could U (2023) with Chicago artist Morgan Lee. This project also included the production and release of a corresponding music video, in collaboration with Golden Age Media
Capturing sound as a boom operator for a short film at Vagabond Conservatory
The release of his own EP under his producer name, Shonny Jones: a beginner’s mind
Mixing the audiobook Is it Night or Day? By Fern Schumer Chapman
Steve also can be regularly found playing flute and keys around Chicago in the band "Head", slinging the tunes for outside hangs with friends, and trying his feet at salsa dancing.
~ Daniella Smith
