Meet Jackson Greer | Singer/songwriter and musician behind Walking Dolls

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

Hi Jackson, why did you pursue a creative career?
I’ve never really felt like I had a choice in the matter. Since I was a kid I’ve always been drawn to melody and soundscapes and poetic language. When my dad got me a guitar around age 13 I got hooked. I haven’t found anything else remotely as compelling since then so I’m sticking with it!

The thing that keeps me going is the moment of inspiration, which rarely fails to produce something interesting. And then at the end of the process when I get to hear out loud the thing I created in my head—there are very few things as fulfilling in my experience.

The path of an artist is not an easy one but I just continue to feel some sort of calling and existential imperative to create. As long as the inspiration keeps coming I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m currently releasing music as Walking Dolls, which was initially intended (pre-pandemic) to be a performing band. And it will be someday! I released Walking Dolls EP in September of last year (entirely recorded and produced on my own, in my bedroom) and I have a new single coming out in July.

My music generally falls within the realm of indie/alt rock, although like most artists I really prefer not to limit myself too much with genre. I have always been interested in writing and producing songs that are melodic but also take unexpected turns. There seems to be a lack of that mix of intrigue and accessibility, particularly in modern rock music, and it’s a void I think I can help fill. I am just at my core drawn to a great melody and always have been since I was a kid.

I’m kind of in love with all the elements of the music production process. Writing, arranging, performing, recording, mixing—they all require different mindsets but that variety is part of the fun for me. I also love that variety in the projects I work on. A few years ago I wrote an opera and staged a live performance with a choir, orchestra, and a band, and that’s something I’m very proud of, though pretty different from what I’m currently putting out.

It’s definitely been a long and sometimes arduous road to get to the point of actually releasing music, but it’s been worth it to achieve the quality of the work I’m producing now. If you really love what you’re doing, moments of discouragement will rarely win out.

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?
I live in San Pedro and absolutely love it. I sometimes feel like I have to hype it and prove to people that they should like it as much as I do, so my trip would probably be centered around there.

Busy Bee has the best sandwiches you can find in LA—I take everyone I can there. Angels’ Gate Park has the Korean Friendship Bell and the most incredible view of the harbor and Catalina Island. It might be my favorite place. And then there’s Cabrillo beach and the marine aquarium and a cool downtown. I’d probably take them to Catalina for a day too.

Outside of the harbor area I would probably show this person around the beach cities since I grew up in Redondo Beach and know the area very well. Torrance beach near Riviera Village in Redondo is my favorite beach in LA: pretty quiet and peaceful with water at a nice temperature and a little beachside snack bar. While there we’d have to go to Pedone’s Pizza and visit the pier. Old Tony’s is a nice kind of landmark bar on the Redondo pier that I always enjoy! Also the historic Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach is a great place to have a drink and hear some good live music.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve been blessed to have many people around me—my parents, brother, friends, and partners—who have kept me going in moments of self-doubt. It really is in large part thanks to them that I have completed some of the sometimes grandiose projects I’ve worked on and managed to follow through with my vision, which they have always encouraged me to be loyal to. I can’t imagine what I’d be doing if I didn’t have that kind of support around me.

Instagram: @walkingdollsmusic

Facebook: @walkingdollsmusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSgL4V30SzlaBeKe46Z1vFA

Other: Spotify: Walking Dolls https://open.spotify.com/artist/4UDcJE6lqJyb1ZYa0W2C5H?si=b1njzRSTQ-OGXO1A9SYIDA Bandcamp: walkingdolls.bandcamp.com TikTok: @walkingdollsmusic Can contact at jacksongreer@walkingdolls.com