Jackie Moontan brings more to his art than traditional artist qualities because he displays showmanship and storytelling talents together with his unique originality which loves theatrical presentation. Jackie presents himself through vibrant satin clothing while his stage presence attracts viewers alongside his preference for kitschy aesthetics.
The audience sees Jackie performing with extreme movement before witnessing him either express uncontrolled shouts or roll out of the performance area. His onstage performances deliver unpredictable sequences yet he remains a perceptive artist who performs crooner songs combined with pop and funk and soul elements that express both ridiculous and universal themes.
Jackie presents “The Dark Side of the Tanning Bed” as his new album which merges humorous elements with reflective content. The new concept album based on Jackie Moontan’s fictional story traces his fictional character’s ascent through life while he battles human wants and desires alongside vanity’s pitfalls. The album presents a complex sonic experience through its barroom atmosphere and soulful saxophone melodies which deliver both comedic moments and deep social insights.
This interview explores how Jackie creates his music while examining his distinct style influences together with the unpredictable making of his most recent album. Jackie Moontan brings you on an exciting adventure through his vibrant and turbulent and deeply emotional world.
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The title “The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed” suggests both humor and potential social commentary. What inspired this particular concept for your new single?
I think it’s important to approach things with humor. At least for me, that’s how I keep my head afloat in this torrent of misery.
Your artist name “Jackie Moontan” paired with this track title creates an interesting thematic connection. Was this intentional, and how does it reflect your overall artistic identity?
Everything I do is intentional. The character I play is called Jackie Moontan and he’s a moon man. This album highlights the downfall of Jackie, caught in the web of human desires and obsessions.
Can you walk us through the creative process behind “The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed”? Were there any unexpected turns during its development?
Every process of creation has unexpected turns. It’s the beauty of it and it’s also what keeps you on your toes. This album has been written over the course of a couple of years. There’s been a pandemic, a recession and some personal drama. It has been delayed quite a few times. But it’s here now and that’s all that matters.
The Album title suggests a play on Pink Floyd’s iconic album. Does the album draw any musical or thematic inspiration from classic rock?
I’m madly in love with classic rock, and vinyls. I wanted a grand title and imagined it across a vinyl sleeve in big, broad letters. I also love concept albums, which you’ll find quite a lot during that era of music. So yeah, I chose to make a concept album with a continuous story and a grand sounding title with an old school artwork and photo as an hommage to the records I love.
What message or feeling were you hoping to convey through this single?
Love doesn’t rule the world, unfortunately, but it’s that glue that keeps it all together.
How would you describe the sonic landscape of “The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed” to someone who hasn’t heard it yet?
It’s a bar, a bit romantic and a bit sleazy. The neon is flickering and in need of repair but the stage floorboards are immaculately polished and there are old red velvet theatre curtains surrounding it.
There’s a lonesome singer with a glass of scotch in one hand, singing his song of longing center stage. Every once in a while a saxophone cuts the smoke heavy air with it’s wonderful warmth and weight. An old couple kisses again and after the singer has cleared the stage, everyone leaves early, somehow happier than they were before.
Did any personal experiences influence the creation of this track?
Even though the character of Jackie is fictional, the sadness and the madness is all mine.
The title suggests a certain irony or cultural critique about beauty standards. Is this something you intended to explore in the song?
I write the lyrics, you do the interpretation. There’s definitely more than one thing to read between the lines.
How does this single represent your evolution as an artist compared to your previous work?
On my previous EPs I played most of the instruments myself, on a midi keyboard. It gave it a bit more of a bedroom pop feel. For my first album I wanted to highlight the wonderful musicians that accompany me on stage, so I went for that band sound.
Were there any specific musical influences or references you incorporated into this album?
There’s quite a few influences. From the aforementioned classic rock over to soul and funk music. I love James Brown, David Bowie and Parliament Funkedelic. This music moves me. However I’m very careful to not let the influences shine through in an obvious way and make my music predictable.
What was the most challenging aspect of creating or recording “The Dark Side Of The Tanning Bed”?
Getting up in the morning. You won’t believe how hard that is when you’re living through a full on depression and you have to function somehow.
Is this single part of a larger project or concept you’re developing?
Yes, world domination.
What has been the most surprising listener reaction to the song so far?
I saw panties fly off a woman once. It was quite a sight to behold.
What’s next for Jackie Moontan after this release?
I’ll probably become a broker. There’s money to be made there, I heard.
