In this conversation, Retired Marine and musician Mike Corrado interviews Jason Jackson, a talented jazz artist and former Navy musician. They discuss Jason's journey from military service to becoming a professional musician, his experiences in the Navy Band, and the challenges of navigating the music industry. Jason shares insights on radio promotion, the importance of persistence, and his musical influences. He also reflects on memorable performances and offers advice for aspiring musicians, emphasizing the need to use military time wisely and to be proactive in building a music career.Takeaways-Music has always been a part of Jason's life, starting from middle school.-He transitioned from a retail job to joining the Navy Band, which shaped his music career.-Jason emphasizes the importance of persistence in the music industry.-He highlights the role of radio promotion in getting airplay for his music.-Live performances are crucial for building a fanbase and promoting music.-Jason's musical influences include David Sanborn and Eric Marienthal.-He has performed on notable jazz cruises and festivals, showcasing his talent.-The transition from military to civilian musician comes with unique challenges.-Jason advises aspiring musicians to use their time in the military wisely for practice and growth.-He believes in the power of networking and building relationships in the music industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Jason Jackson and His Journey01:35 From Retail to Navy Musician04:51 Experiences in the Navy Band10:00 Transitioning to Professional Musician19:29 Navigating the Music Industry Post-Navy22:21 Radio Promotion and Releasing Music25:35 Persistence in the Music Business29:24 Building Relationships in the Industry33:40 The Comfort of Familiar Sounds34:43 Musical Influences and Inspirations35:43 Experiences at Jazz Fest and New Orleans36:39 The Transition from Military to Musician38:51 Memorable Performances and Unique Venues41:32 The Importance of Live Music and Connection44:34 Persistence in the Music Industry45:32 Navigating the Music Business and Promotion49:43 The Role of Streaming and Releases51:36 Dream Stages and Future Aspirations53:33 Songwriting and Melodic Development55:37 Advice for Aspiring Musicians57:22 Closing Thoughts and Future PlansFor more on Jason, please visit: https://jasonjacksonsax.comFor more, please visit: https://vettunespodcast.com/Recorded at Harmony Hill Studio, Shelbyville, TN: https://harmonyhillent.comFollow us at: @VetTunesPodcast