Jackie Hollander is no stranger to California and European nightlife. As a Bay Area-based producer, her style was influenced by the gritty Oakland nightlife and the intricacies of European house music. With the support of her dedicated fanbase, she is able to tour around the country and showcase her art with fellow music lovers.
Right before her day two Shabang Festival set, I sat down with Jackie to discuss the importance of authenticity in this social media age, Oakland, and her slow-burn success story.
How did it feel when you realized that there was an audience supporting your career?
Jackie Hollander: It was so fulfilling. Just because I was self-taught and I thought it wouldn’t happen so quickly. I always wanted the slow burn, not one hit that really skyrockets me. I’ve really wanted to establish myself and take my time. It’s been so nice to be aligned with all these people and all of them backing me up. It really means the world.
I have noticed in the past artists that have that one hit, it’s hard to keep that audience after. It’s great that you’re able to sustain and continue to grow.
Jackie Hollander: Exactly. I met with some executives of a label. They said that every time they’ve seen someone have a hit on TikTok or anything, it’s so hard to build from that. You just have to continue chasing that high. It’s a lot of pressure. When I graduated from USC and started making music, I wanted to achieve that so badly. I was comparing myself. It’s been so nice to realize that this is my journey. I’ve always wanted the slow burn. It’s been really nice.
How have you utilized social media to propel your career?
Jackie Hollander: I’m getting comfortable with posting Reels. It’s very important as an artist to utilize social media. I never wanted to blow up on TikTok, I really want to be respected as a DJ and artist above all. I know, social media is important, but I do think it’s fleeting. I know in our day and age, everyone’s trying to have their social media moment. That was daunting to me. Recently I’ve been more comfortable with social media. But at the beginning, I wasn’t using it at all. Now it’s more so sharing things that are really authentic to me. I never want to come across as not myself. I think a lot of people present themselves so differently on social media, and I never want to be that way. Authenticity is so important to me.
You’ve said that you have a more European style when it comes to your music. But how has the Bay Area influenced your production?
Jackie Hollander: I grew up going to raves and sneaking out in Oakland to go to underground shows. That’s how I fell in love with dance music early on. I grew up on rock music, that is what I love so much. The grittiness of it and the darkness and intensity, that really influences all my dance music. I sat down and I tried to make a happy summer song and it never happened. All of that is so fueled by Oakland and my upbringing. I come across as a happy, chill person. But, I have a lot of emotions that I deal with, and I want my music and my sets to be a reflection of it.
Speaking of the rave scene, what was it like going to raves in Oakland when you were growing up?
Jackie Hollander: It was so much fun. I remember everyone was my age or older and they were so free. I was so into it. I was having the best time and everyone there was in the moment. It was something that I’d never experienced before.
Is that what you want to replicate in your shows? That freeing feeling?
Jackie Hollander: Yeah, I feel like that. At USC, myself and all my friends would go to the Shrine in LA every weekend. That was my joy and what I looked forward to. I love being in the crowd, actually experiencing who’s playing, and seeing everyone. That’s just why I love this music, it’s so freeing.
How has it felt to be able to perform around the country?
Jackie Hollander: Amazing. I always wanted to be a DJ, that was my goal since I was little. I fell into producing and making music because I reached a point of DJing where you can’t get farther unless you have your own music. I do love DJing, but now I’m so in love with the production. There’s truly no feeling that compares to making a song, playing it, and people loving it. That is my joy and what makes me so happy.
