Meet Steve Wilmot (Jacaranda) | Artist, Producer, Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Steve Wilmot (Jacaranda) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Steve, how do you think about risk?
I love and hate taking risks. I hate it for the obvious reasons like “what happens if I fail” and “maybe people will know I’m a fraud”. I love it because it’s the single most efficient way to propel myself forward. I often find myself agreeing to challenging situations before I’ve even considered how much work they will take or how terrified I will be. In my head, the bigger the stakes the more I have to gain. It’s awful every time, but there is a cumulative effect on my ability to know I will persevere. Now when I take a risk I have a near certainty that I will find a way to push through to the other side, because I always do. Looking back I can draw a clear line between risks that I’ve taken and career opportunities and advancements. I might not have a career right now if it weren’t for two or three enormous risks I took. I will always jump at an opportunity to be in way over my head, because I know I’ll ultimately be better for it.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a recording artist and producer I really need to bring something unique to the world, or else why do it? It took me a long time to realize that everyone in music has such wildly different histories. We’ve all been inspired by a completely eclectic collection of art for a lifetime. All I really need to do is tap into my bizarre taste and breathe it into my work. I’m excited that I even get the opportunity to be weird and vulnerable artistically. I got here by not giving up. It was not easy and still isn’t easy, but on some level I have no choice. I need to create and share with others. I think the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that you need to champion others. When your friends and colleagues are successful it should fill you with joy for those people. I find that the more positivity and generosity you display, the more you see. I just want my music and spirit to connect people, and it’s my mission to see that through.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You have to start any day in Pasadena with a breakfast burrito from “Lucky Boy.” They’re unbeatable. We’d get coffee at “Copa Vida” on the way to a long hike in the foothills. Afternoon drinks at “Agnes” would lead to irresponsible guitar purchases at the local pawn shop. Then it’s off to “Sushi Enya” where you don’t have to order, they’ll just serve you the best of the best, and your cup will always be full of sake. Repeat this process for five straight days.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are a lot of people responsible for my success, but without the relentless and unconditional support of my wife Rachael I would have never been able to continue to pursue a career in the arts. I am very lucky to have found such an incredible partner in life and all of my success is also hers.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jacaranda_real

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoyHFl9HAzt_fNdmnJnCF2g

Image Credits
David Tosti, Brody Harper