Jackson Wells Named November “Best Vocalist Of The Month” With His Song "Never Gone”

Jackson Wells

Jackson Wells, a young pop/country singer & songwriter based in Nashville, TN, has won the November SingerUniverse “Best Vocalist Of The Month” Competition, for his performance of his song “Never Gone". This song will be featured on his upcoming 5-song EP, which Wells will release independently in January (2012).

“Never Gone” is a mainstream, midtempo pop cut which is a bit reminiscent of Ryan Tedder's style with his band OneRepublic. The song has a strong melody throughout, and the chorus has big arrangement due to the dynamic drum tracks and multi-layered vocals. "Never Gone" provides a fine showcase for Wells' clear, expressive lead & harmony vocals. This recording was skillfully produced by John-Mark Seltzer and Jon Maddux, with Seltzer playing guitar, bass and synth, Maddux playing guitar, and Wells on piano.

Wells, who is 17, was born in New York City, and then moved with his family to Los Angeles at a young age. He got an early start as a performer, appearing in musical theatre productions from age five. Wells grew up being inspired by listening to the Beatles and Stevie Wonder & Motown, and more recently to John Mayer, Sheryl Crow and rock band The Script. One notable experience he had was singing in the Children's Choir for a Josh Groban performance, at the Carousel Of Hope charity event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel.

When he was 13, Wells attended the Speech Level Singing Camp (hosted by top vocal coaches Seth Riggs & Dave Stroud), and he got the opportunity to perform in front of a large crowd with a pro band backing him. This performance gave him the confidence to pursue an artist career more seriously.

Jackson Wells with Sheryl Crow.

During the past two years, Wells has worked with producer/musician John-Mark Seltzer. "John-Mark scouted me, and he encouraged me to develop my songwriting," said Wells, who has since recorded and released two EPs. 'It's been great working in the studio with both John-Mark and Jon Maddux."

Wells wrote "Never Gone" in February (2011), and then he recorded it (with Seltzer & Maddux) at Coalmine Studio in Los Angeles. "I'm excited about 'Never Gone'--this song is in musical direction that I want to move forward with," he said.

Now living in Nashville, Wells is happy to be writing & recording new songs there, and to be performing live and networking. "I recently performed at the Bluebird Cafe, and I got the chance to play at the Writer's Round with a lot of talented writers. It was a great experience."

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