Ourselves Podcast Why the music industry is rigged and how you can BUY a Grammy: Trevor Jackson explains all
Trevor Jackson is no stranger to the spotlight — but in this episode, he opens up like never before. From starring in *Grown-ish* and *Superfly* to dropping his most personal album yet, Trevor has seen every side of the industry. He shares how the machine behind music and film is built on money, influence, and perception — and why not having that machine can leave even the most talented artists overlooked. After going through a painful breakup and tearing his Achilles, Trevor found himself at his lowest — and wrote an entire album in just two weeks. He talks about being told he was "too clean" to be marketable, walking away from major labels, building his own company (Born Art), and reclaiming his freedom as an artist. This conversation dives deep into mental health, validation, self-love, creativity, and the hard truth about how things really work behind the scenes in Hollywood. If you’re a creative, an artist, or someone chasing something bigger — this episode will hit home. Trevor Jackson is creating on his own terms now, and he’s not holding back. This is the most honest, unfiltered, and inspiring version of him the world has seen.
00:00 Intro
01:39 Creative Collaborations and Directing
03:49 The Art of Music Videos
04:48 Creating the Greatest Breakup Album
07:39 The Creative Process and Challenges
19:34 The Shit List
24:26 The Journey and Inspirations
30:34 The Decline of Traditional Musicianship
31:21 The Art of Performance
31:40 The Drive for Excellence
33:06 Current Acting Projects and Future Plans
34:55 The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction
39:14 The Role of AI in Creativity
42:06 Personal Growth and Self-Reflection
54:30 The Importance of Therapy
56:51 The Power of Positive Self-Talk
01:00:35 The Power of Art and Creativity
01:01:19 Learning Through Video Games
01:01:36 Navigating the Music Industry
01:01:52 Signing with Atlantic Records
01:03:46 Challenges in the Music Industry
01:08:15 Born Art
01:09:55 Financial Realities of Acting and Music
01:18:09 Touring and Fan Experiences
01:21:17 Personal Goals and Legacy
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