Meet Malcolm Jackson | Percussionist, Composer, Producer, and Educator

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

Hi Malcolm, what’s your definition for success?
For me, I would define success as being able to sustain myself and my loved ones while still able to enjoy myself and life without major difficulties and setbacks. I prefer my success to be manageable with longevity.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My music, in any medium, is defined by my experiences and to attempt to present a perspective that brings joy the listener. I’m most excited when I am in the process of creating, being able to construct works that myself and those I collaborate with can execute with the intention of presenting our best selves for others to see and to showcase the growth of the craft.

To get to where I am today professionally, I would say was not the easiest to get to. But honestly, part of it is the stubbornness of being set in my professional goals, while still being open-minded to the different perspectives that allowed for me to recognize that what I was being introduced to and observing will benefit me later, assisted with overcoming my challenges to be at the level I am on today. A major lesson that I’ve learned from my stubbornness is to deviate from the planned path sometimes. The travel may be harder, but the result will take you farther. And another lesson is to pace your steps; don’t rush the process to get to your goal. There are plenty nuggets of knowledge and experiences that I have with me that I have yet to explore, but knowing that I am equipped with it and can still apply it to my endeavors allows for me to take on the continuous challenges that I face as I continue on my professional journey.

To know me and the story I present is to understand that I want everyone to enjoy life, even with the difficulties we encounter and face. And to enjoy life, for me, means to be open to the possibilities around you, allow for your experiences to build and guide you, and to fulfill and sustain the joy you’ve created for yourself.

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?
A bestfriend visiting? Well, I’d hope that they’ve packed well because while we’re in a city that a car is a necessity, there are a few places that I say that we can ditch the car and walk.

For food spots:
Mo’ Better Brews, Lucille’s, Alfreda’s Soul Food, Crumbville, and Rado Market.

To venture:
The Buffalo Bayou Park, Hermann Park, The Houston Museum of African American Culture (HMAAC), Art is Bond, The Menil Collection, The Houston Fun Plex, Project Row Houses, and a group adventure at the Strange Bird Immersive.

For shows:
The DeLuxe Theater, White Oak Music Hall, The Ensemble Theater, Eldorado Ballroom, and The Miller Outdoor Theatre.

Other areas.
The Flat, Axelrad Beer Garden, Kinokuniya, and Bedrock City Comics

One major area that I find special is just meandering around downtown from late afternoon to late at night. There’s a certain calmness that covers downtown while being able to find some nice spots to hangout and jam for a bit.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are many encounters and experiences in my life that I recognize that propelled me to where I am currently, and where I am going next. But the most notable would be my family, from the ones I was born into, to the ones that I’ve bonded and connected with. Without their knowledge, their experiences, and their nurturing guidance, I wouldn’t be on the path I’m on now, being able to do and accomplish what I’ve done so far and will continue to do.

Website: mpinfinite.com

Instagram: @mpinfinite

Twitter: @mpinfinite

Facebook: @mpinfinite

Youtube: @mpifinite

Other: mpifinite.bandcamp.com