Today we’d like to introduce you to Jason Whitmore.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’ve been playing the saxophone since 6th grade band and thankfully never stopped. I didn’t really have any significant influences to choose this particular instrument. I just thought it seemed like a cool thing to do at the time and frankly, I wasn’t very good in the for a while. It wasn’t until high school that it finally became fun and I enjoyed practicing that I decided that I would make this my career so I’d never have to work at a “normal” job.
I played my first paying gig at age 18 and worked my way through college playing in various bands and teaching lessons. Around 1996, I left my hometown of Houston to further my career on the west coast. In San Diego I worked with several bands playing mostly original music and then in by the mid 2000s I started performing live alongside DJs and I’m pretty sure I’m the first person to bring a horn to the electronic dance music scene out here.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
When I found my way into the electronic dance music scene it was a fairly natural progression. I had a lot of friends who were DJs, club owners and promoters so the personal connections were there. There certainly was and is still to some extent challenges in convincing clubs that they needed more than just a DJ for entertainment. Thankfully the scene has gradually been catching on and seeing live musicians alongside DJs is not so uncommon as it was.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
First and foremost I am a musician, a student, lover and creator of all things music. I enjoy playing in any musical setting where the musicianship is good and we’re creating music that inspires some emotion in people. Like a lot of artists I don’t love being categorized especially since I love playing all styles and of music but that being said I’m definitely most known for playing electronic dance music alongside DJs. It has become the niche that I’ve focused on for over 15 years or so and I really enjoy it.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
When I was in college I remember playing in jazz band next to some really amazing players who became my friends, roommates, mentors and even source for gigs. I lived in a house back in college with a couple of musicians including a great friend/sax player Kelly Dean. There was always music being played in our house and other musicians hanging out and jamming. Sometimes when Kelly would get a call for a gig and he wasn’t available he’d refer me for the gig. I guess the advice here is to surround yourself with people who inspire you. Find a way to be around people who are better than you so you are constantly challenged to elevate to their level.
Contact Info:
- Email: jason@jasonwhitmore.com
- Website: jasonwhitmore.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jasononsax/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JasonWhitmoreSax
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/jasononsax
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jasonwhitmore1
Image Credits:
Billy Economou
