Jackson Colt presents his powerful new instrumental guitar track, ‘Monsoon,’ produced by the renowned rock musician Mark Haze. Accompanied by an enthralling music video, the song highlights Jackson Colt’s diverse guitar skills and creativity, seamlessly blending moments of calm and intensity to evoke the essence of a monsoon. It offers an immersive experience, reflecting the duality of nature and life.
At the core of ‘Monsoon’ is Jackson Colt’s ability to tell a story through his guitar. In his own words, "‘Monsoon’ is an instrumental composition centred around the lead guitar, designed to showcase various guitar techniques used to convey the story. Having played the guitar for most of my life, it’s the one thing I truly understand. I’ve dedicated myself to mastering the instrument, and with 'Monsoon,' I wanted the guitar to speak for itself.”
The track’s concept is deeply rooted in the Yin and Yang philosophy, reflecting the contrast between peace and disorder. The clean guitar sections symbolise the tranquil calm before the storm, while the distorted passages capture the intensity and unpredictability of the approaching monsoon. This dynamic interplay between serenity and turmoil mirrors the broader human experience of navigating life’s challenges. Jackson Colt adds: "The piece moves from peaceful clean guitar to intense distortion and back again, symbolising that after every storm, a brighter day follows. Just as in life, we face challenges and pain, but beyond the darkest clouds, there is always light waiting for us."
Jackson Colt employs a variety of guitar techniques, including multi-finger tapping, cross-handed playing, and over-the-neck methods. The meticulous arrangement includes sweep-picking arpeggios and alternate-picking lines, reflecting the chaotic winds and heavy rain of a monsoon. These elements combine to create an immersive sonic experience, with both the clean and distorted guitar sections contributing to the track’s dramatic tension.
‘Monsoon’ was inspired by Jackson Colt’s personal experiences, including a fever-induced delirium in 2021 that left him feeling as though he was trapped in the middle of a storm. This disorienting sensation provided the foundation for the song’s theme. Additionally, the track draws influence from traditional Asian music, adding an exotic layer of depth to the composition.
"I wrote the opening chorus riff while suffering from a fever, and in my delirium, I felt like I was caught in a monsoon. That feeling of being overwhelmed became the foundation of the song." - Jackson Colt
Produced by rock luminary Mark Haze, ‘Monsoon’ features a sharp production touch that elevates the song’s intricate layers. This allowed Jackson Colt to push his limits in the recording studio, resulting in a polished, world-class production that captures both the calm and the chaos within the track.
"Mark Haze is one of the greatest musicians in South Africa. I’ve been a fan since I first saw him on Idols. Working with him has been a dream come true, and his direction really pushed me to new heights during the recording process." - Jackson Colt
The visual counterpart to ‘Monsoon’ is an equally stunning piece of artistry, filmed in the natural setting of Rietvlei Zoo Farm. Directed by Keaton Ditchfield of Ditchfield Productions, the video mirrors the song’s themes of balance and contrast. Shot in two distinct visual styles, the video brings the Yin and Yang philosophy to life through powerful imagery and storytelling.
For the calmer, Yin-inspired sections, scenes were filmed by a serene river, with warm, soft transitions and gentle camera movements that reflect the tranquillity of the clean guitar passages. In contrast, the Yang sections were filmed on a high steel bridge and throughout a rugged forest, with dark, sharp transitions and intense camera work that convey the storm’s chaos.
"The video perfectly captures the duality of the monsoon … the peaceful moments of calm and the violent upheaval of the storm. We filmed the serene scenes by a river and the chaotic scenes on a bridge in the forest, using contrasting wardrobe and visual effects to highlight this theme." - Jackson Colt
The music video was a collaborative effort involving Freddie Fourie as the second camera operator, whose bold camera angles added depth to the video. Malice, who co-produced the video, played a pivotal role in wardrobe choices and location scouting. The attention to detail in the visuals, from the use of contrasting black and white outfits to the dynamic camera work, enhances the audience’s experience of the song’s thematic journey.
"Working on the video was an adventure. We wanted the visuals to reflect the contrast between calm and chaos, so we used different settings, outfits, and movements. Filming in nature made the experience even more special, and the whole team, including Keaton and Malice, brought the concept to life beautifully." - Jackson Colt
Jackson Colt is a South African rock artist known for his electrifying guitar work and his passion for revitalising 80s rock with a modern edge. Inspired by legends like Eddie Van Halen, David Gilmour, and Yngwie Malmsteen, Jackson Colt has built a reputation for delivering high-energy performances and creating music that resonates with rock fans across the globe. Since his debut in 2021, Jackson Colt’s singles, including ‘Poison,’ ‘Echoes,’ ‘Strangers,’ ‘Fallen Angel,’ ‘Reckless Love,’ and ‘Shake Your Body,’ have garnered international acclaim, captivating audiences globally.
With his latest single ‘Monsoon,’ Jackson Colt continues to push boundaries, blending his love for classic rock with a contemporary, dynamic sound that promises to captivate listeners everywhere.
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