radioscreamer.com

Stacey Jackson might not be your typical dance diva, but this down-to-earth mother of four knows how to get a party started. Her latest EP, Live It Up, is a compilation of upbeat, feel-good dance songs that Jackson hopes will convey the mantra she lives by: “Life isn’t a dress rehearsal, you’ve got to live it.”

Jackson is refreshing and relatable, and her rapid road to stardom  catapulted her the number two spot on the UK dance charts. Over the last 18 months, her chart-topping single “Live It Up,” featuring rapper Snoop Dogg, has made a major splash in the dance scene. The somewhat unlikely pair bonded quickly, sharing similar stories about their children and their longevity, traits that are somewhat scarce in today’s ageist music industry. Jackson’s genuine demeanour is what persuaded Snoop Dogg to work with her.

“He loved that I’m coming from a different place,” Jackson says. “I’m not affected by the music industry. I’m mature, so my choices are slightly more business-slanted and I am totally open to working with people and having my music remixed and fattened up.”

Now based in London with her husband and children, Jackson manages to balance her hectic career with family life, two roles she would never want to give up. Described as a “grown-up Hannah Montana” by friends, her stardom projects a positive message to youth, particular ly young girls.

“My intention is to show that no matter who you are, how old you are, what you do, if you have a dream, you go and do it,” Jackson explains.

She certainly seems to be doing everything she’s ever dreamed of; not only was she seated between Lady Gaga and the Scissor Sisters on the UK Commercial Pop Charts, she is also a philanthropist. Teaming up with Music for Youth, a music education charity in the UK that provides access to performance and audience opportunities to children, Jackson raised over $30,000 by collaborating with young musicians. Her previous album, Upside Down, incorporated children from all over the country and sprinkled their voices throughout the tracks, allowing them to have the unique experience of being part of the recording process.

Jackson has only been back in the music industry for a few years now, but she doesn’t show signs of stopping anytime soon.

“What I always wanted my whole life is not necessarily a Grammy or an IDMA. I want my grandchildren to go to a club and be dancing to one of my songs, or listening to it on the radio,” she says.

Her ultimate goal is to have one hit that transcends generations and becomes “anthematic.”

“When my grandchild is at a wedding and they are playing “I Am A Woman,” or “Live It Up,” and it actually transcends, they are going to go, ‘That was my grandma’s song.’ How cool is that?” she exclaims.

Doors are opening for Jackson, who has her own record label and is interested in working with other popular musicians and DJs. She has also been approached by television production companies to star with her family in a reality show, but is waiting to see which path makes the most sense for her career.

“I’m not in the business of pimping my kids out,” she says.

Whichever path Jackson chooses to take, her passion and spunk are important attributes not just for her role as a mother but as an artist with dance-pop potential.