From Berklee to Bar Lubitsch: Jackson Trapp Finds His Groove
From Berklee to Bar Lubitsch: Jackson Trapp Finds His Groove
Late‑summer energy was buzzing through Bar Lubitsch as Jackson Trapp stepped into We Found New Music with the kind of calm confidence that only comes from an artist who knows exactly who he is. LA may be overflowing with musicians chasing their moment, but Jackson carries a different kind of presence — grounded, thoughtful, and quietly electric. With a debut album on the horizon and a catalog shaped by love, memory, and late‑night conversations, Jackson is carving out a lane that feels both intimate and universal. Before his set, we caught up to talk about the stories behind his songs, the Berklee roots that shaped his band, and the unexpected moments that inspired his upcoming album Stay True.
Where are you based out of, and what is your local music scene like?
I’m based out of LA — I live here. The music scene is great. I feel like this is the place to be if you’re doing music.
You’re playing We Found New Music tonight. What can people expect from your set?
You can expect a lot of my original music. I’d say I make feel‑good music, but it definitely has an edge to it. You might end up dancing a little if you’re feeling it — and if not, you can chill in the corner and vibe however you want.
Your song “Stay True” — what inspired it?
Funny enough, it came from a memory of hanging out with a friend on a late‑night walk. Out of nowhere he asked me, “What do you have to say?” And the first thing that came to mind was “Stay True.” The song is about what was going on in my life at that time. It’s also the title track of my debut album coming out in October.
You also have a song called “Four Years.” What’s the story behind that one?
I wrote that song many years ago, but only released it recently. It’s about my first love — the first relationship I was ever in. It’s about that feeling when you meet someone for the first time but it feels like you’ve known them your whole life.
“Brazilian Crush” — tell us about that one.
I moved to LA from New York about six months ago, so that song is about my New York love story. I have a lot of love songs, if you couldn’t tell. The line “she smelled like cigarettes and Brazilian Crush” — Brazilian Crush was the perfume she wore.
What was the very first song you ever wrote? How old were you?
I was in seventh grade — however old you are then. Unfortunately, I can’t remember the name or how it goes. I don’t have a recording or anything. I just remember it was in the key of A‑flat. That’s all I’ve got.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Steve Lacy. He’s one of my favorites — one of the goats for sure.
If the music of Jackson Trapp were a donut, what kind would it be and why?
That’s a great question. I think it would have to be something crazy. I have a lot of different stuff going on in my music in terms of genre and style, so maybe a maple‑glazed donut with jelly in the middle. Something unconventional with a lot going on.
You went to Berklee College of Music. What was that experience like?
It was great. When I lived in Boston and went to Berklee, I met a lot of my best friends — musicians, obviously — and now they live out here. We’re all still making music together. Everybody in my band tonight went to Berklee with me. It’s definitely been a blessing.
After someone hears your new album for the first time, what would you like them to remember most?
I’d like them to remember whatever special moment it gave them. If it created a moment for them, I want that to stick.
What’s next for you?
In the very near future — Tuesday, September 1st — I’m playing piano in New York City for my sister’s debut cabaret show. She’s in the musical theater world and is debuting her cabaret at 54 Below. I’m her musical director and piano player, so I’m excited to get in there and play with her. And I have many of my own upcoming shows in LA in the coming months.
Is musical theater in the cards for you as well?
Not at the moment. I would do some theater down the line. My mom is a singer, and my sister is a musical theater singer and actress, so it’s definitely in my family. It’s not really my thing as much, but I’d get into it.
In Conclusion
Jackson Trapp is clearly entering a defining chapter — one built on honesty, connection, and the kind of songwriting that turns personal memories into shared experiences. Whether he’s leading his band onstage in LA or playing piano for his sister’s cabaret debut in New York, Jackson moves with intention and heart. Stay True arrives in October, and if our conversation is any indication, it’s an album built to leave listeners with moments they’ll carry long after the music fades. Keep an eye on Jackson — he’s just getting started, and he’s doing it his way.
(Interview by Ken Morton – Photos by Karyn Burleigh of Rock Edge Photography)
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