DETROIT – Detroit has a long, well-documented musical history. And as it continues writing its story of resurgence, there's a renewed push from a local artist to be a big part of the next chapter.
"Live music is just awesome. It connects with people no matter what age you are, no matter what background you come from. Everyone can connect to music," said Jax Anderson, the musical artists behind Flint Eastwood. "Being an artist that's able to create in this city is an awesome experience. It's an amazing thing."
She gathers a lot of her creative inspiration from the sounds of the city.
"Detroit has this certain vibe of collaboration that's been brewing, and a lot of passion that takes place. I feel like it has more passion than any other city I've ever been in. More than New York, more than L.A., more than Atlanta or Nashville. People really value that authenticity and that passion. People will follow something that's passionate and authentic more than something that's trendy," Anderson said.
I dropped by the recording studio recently at Assemble Sound to check out the collaborative process of a recording session. One thing was very clear: the spirit and hustle of the indie label is alive and well in Detroit.
"Song ideas can come from anywhere and inspiration can come at any moment. I start my process of songwriting with some kind of idea, a word or some kind of thought that I've been having. Just kind of base it off that," Anderson said.
She writes with her brother, Seth, and any other artist that happens to be in the building. Assemble Sound is all about musical artists working together across genres.
"We knock it out as quickly or as long as it takes to create a good song that we're proud of. We will try to have every single take as if it was the last take," Anderson said.
It was interesting and impressive watching Anderson and her recording crew collaborate to knock out parts of a new song.
"I want to create something that will positively effect their lives," Anderson said. "It's a great way to connect with people, and to really affect people's lives in a positive manner. As an artist I have a springboard to help people and hopefully that's what I do."
Flint Eastwood's new EP, Small Victories, is available for free on their website: FlintEastwoodMusic.com.
Upcoming show:
Saturday, Nov. 14, 8 p.m. at the Two James Annex
2442 Michigan Ave., Detroit
Get tickets here.