Meet Jason Goldman | Producer, Songwriter, Musician

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Goldman and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
As a musician, especially as a producer, songwriter, and jazz musician I’m always trying to come up with new and interesting ideas to use in music. This involves taking a ton of risk. Whether it be taking elements from one genre and combining it with another or improvising on a jazz song, trying to stretch my ears and my abilities, its a necessity for me.

While taking risks doesn’t always pan out, it stretches the mind and, often times, I will come upon a new idea that will lead me to another idea that leads me to something great. I think of risk as more of a long term process, an idea might not work at first, but it may make me curious enough to pursue it and hopefully be meaningful in the long term.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Being a musician in todays music industry can feel like you have several jobs. The truth is, you do! I am a music producer, songwriter, composer, arranger, saxophonist, audio engineer, and music educator. I do all of these things on a daily basis. They are all interconnected and essential for me to maintain a thriving musical career and for financial stability.

The path to becoming a successful musician is never easy. I am originally from CT and after I finished my undergraduate degree at the Berklee College of Music, I drove across the country to LA. Along the way I totaled my car in St Louis (it wasn’t worth much), rented a car to finish getting out here, and then had to crash at my friends house for a few months until I wore out my welcome. I remember only having 75 cents in my bank account at one point. As a musician you will do what it takes for the chance to pursue your art and that’s what I did.

Currently, I am a professor and chair of the jazz studies department at the USC Thornton School of Music. I am most associated with mega-artist Michael Bublé for my producing and arranging on over half a dozen Bublé albums for which we have won a Grammy, 2 Juno awards, and had 4 Grammy nominations.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
My favorite spots in Los Angeles are the Hollywood Bowl and the Greek Theatre. These are both fantastic places to see music. They just have a magical energy that is special to LA.

I love Mexican food and I would take anyone to a little hole in the wall called Yucas in Pasadena or the popular Poquito Mas in Burbank. I also am a huge fan of BBQ and I would recommend a place in Eagle Rock called Max City BBQ or Gus’s BBQ in South Pasadena.

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?
My parents – Linda and Lanny Goldman. I have always had their unwavering support throughout all of my musical endeavors. They supported my college music education and never questioned my professional music career path.

Website: https://www.jasongoldmanmusic.com

Instagram: @spicygmusic

Image Credits
Lauren Desberg for the 2 colorful photos