Photo by: Ismael Quintanilla
Penchant - Some common synonyms of penchant are leaning, proclivity, and propensity. While all these words mean "a strong instinct or liking for something," penchant implies a strongly marked taste in the person or an irresistible attraction in the object. a penchant for taking risks.
Becoming an artist is penchant. Don’t you have to be penchant to pursue a lifestyle and career with no guarantees? I have worked with many artists that didn’t understand the risks involved. However, the upside to succeeding was too great to pass up. Unfortunately, the downside to failure prevents artists from continuing their dream of making it big in the music industry. I have stroked egos with quotes and epithets to keep them on the path of success. Even despite the challenges that they would face. Each one needs a push out of the dark hole of failure
Despite the talent of artists such as Jackie Evenson, a lifestyle of glory and fame will not be easy. Nor will it just be handed to you. I had an opportunity to speak to this musically inclined artist. Being penchant, is a how I would describe her. Along with all the terms defining her amazing talent.
ABOUT JACKIE VENSON
Heralded as one of “Austin’s rising stars” by Rolling Stone and “an Austin legend in the making” by Forbes, Jackie Venson has established herself as one of the most commanding performers to come out of Texas. An Austin native, Venson has shared the stage with icons like Gary Clark Jr and Melissa Etheridge and even performed with Alanis Morissette and Lainey Wilson at the 2023 CMT Awards and in 2024 Venson was selected to perform as part of Rolling Stone’s Future of Music showcase.
Venson’s breakthrough album Joy received critical acclaim upon its release in 2019, and while the pandemic stood in the way of touring plans for the next year, Venson nonetheless found new levels of fame with her livestreaming presence throughout 2020, which led to her landing the #9 position on Pollstar’s Top 50 Livestreamers list for the year and a booking on the legendary Austin City Limits Television Season 46.
Acclaimed by greats as diverse as Vernon Reid and Michael McKean, Venson continues to evolve as an artist, whether it’s on Texas blues focused albums like Love Transcends, the eclectic electro-funk and rock of Ghost in The Machine or the mesmerizing soul and R&B of The Love Anthology. With her passionate commitment to exploring diverse sounds and styles, Venson’s artistry is only going to continue to grow.
INTERVIEW WITH JACKIE VENSON AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE
Guitar Thrills: Hi Jackie. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to interview with me today.
Jackie: Thanks for having me. I’m glad to be part of the conversation.
Guitar Thrills: Referring to the word penchant, how accurate is that word in describing you?
Jackie: It’s a good fit. There’s something in me that’s always pulled toward music. I didn’t choose this path because it was safe or predictable — I chose it because it’s the only thing that ever-made complete sense to me.
Guitar Thrills: Are there any of the words that you would use that define your stage personality and approach to music?
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Jackie: It might sound a little contradictory, but I think it could be described as focused, expressive, and electric. When I’m on stage, I try to create a space where people can feel something real — whether it’s a rush, connection, or just a moment of peace.
Guitar Thrills: There is a lot of pressure that artists put on themselves to make it big within the music industry. Do you believe it is self-induced or are there other factors involved?
Jackie: It’s both. A lot of it comes from inside — from wanting to prove something to yourself or make good on your potential. But there’s also outside pressure — how the industry works, how fast things move, how visible everything is now. It’s easy to get caught up in it if you’re not careful.
Guitar Thrills: Do you feel the pressure to succeed as an artist & did you ever have another strategy to ensure your success?
Jackie: I’ve always felt a responsibility to keep going, especially coming from Austin and being part of such a strong creative community. My strategy has been to stay consistent and keep evolving. I try to focus on the work — writing, practicing, performing — and let that speak for itself over time.
Guitar Thrills: As a talented artist, who were some of your biggest influences?
Jackie: Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck had a big impact on how I approach guitar. Stevie Wonder and Nile Rodgers taught me about the power of groove and songwriting. Growing up, I was really into Disney cartoons like The Lion King and Broadway musical movies like Evita. That sense of melody and emotion with complex arrangements shows up all throughout my music.
Guitar Thrills: Did playing the guitar come natural to you? How often did you have to practice playing guitar before it became second nature?
Jackie: Yes and no — I had to work for it but when I first picked up the guitar it felt natural. I started on classical piano and made the switch near the end of college. But I practiced day in and day out, usually about 6 hours per day, and eventually it started to click. Having the foundation of piano and that discipline of practice gave me a solid foundation when I began on guitar.
Guitar Thrills: Do you have a particular style that is untouchable? A way that you play the guitar that no one else can replicate.
Jackie: I think everyone has their own voice on the instrument. For me, it’s about blending different styles — blues, soul, funk, rock — and making something that feels honest to me and what I enjoy. I’m not trying to be untouchable; I’m just trying to sound like myself.
Guitar Thrills: What is the one thing that makes you different from other guitarists?
Jackie: My goal is always to serve the song and tell a story, and I think that mix of discipline and freedom gives my playing a unique voice.
Guitar Thrills: Do you believe that a particular brand of guitar gives you an edge over other musicians?
Jackie: When it comes to guitars, my edge comes from a combination of how connected I am to the guitar — is it comfortable and does it inspire me to create, and does it do the technical things I need it to? I’ve played a lot of different guitars, my current guitar, made by Iconic Guitars, perfectly marries those ideals.
Guitar Thrills: Are there any limits to what you can accomplish?
Jackie: I don’t see limits — I see steps. There’s always something new to learn, something to improve. As long as I’m open to that, I feel like I’ll keep growing.
Guitar Thrills: What projects are you currently working on?
Jackie: I just released The Love Anthology, which explores love in all its emotional stages. I’m also touring right now, and I’ve got some collaborations in the works. I stay busy, but it’s the kind of busy that feeds me.
Guitar Thrills: That is awesome. Thank you for interviewing with me today. I will continue to follow your career and look forward to what you accomplish next. Please keep us in the loop of any upcoming shows, or releases that you have in the works.
Jackie: Will do. I appreciate the support, and I’m always happy to share what’s next. Austin raised me, and I carry that spirit wherever I go.
A RECAP OF WHAT YOU MIGHT HAVE MISSED
