True Jackson: Reclaiming the Narrative with Grunge Hooks, Pop Anthems, and "Crashout Girlie" Energy

The Artistic Evolution of True Jackson from Her Taylor Swift Inspired Beginnings to the Gritty Grunge Energy of the Icons Who Shaped Her Genre Blending Sound

From the sun-soaked streets of Los Angeles to the sweat-drenched stages of the Mercury Lounge and Le Poisson Rouge, True Jackson is carving out a sonic space that feels both nostalgic and urgently modern. Blending the raw, distorted textures of 90s grunge with the kind of soaring, anthemic pop hooks that demand a stadium-sized singalong, Jackson has quickly become a definitive voice in the New York DIY scene. After her debut “Paint Me” landed on Hulu’s Prom Dates and her 2025 EP RIP TRUE gave a sanctuary to the “crashout girlies” navigating the messy transition into their twenties, she’s proven that she isn’t just playing at rock stardom—she’s living it, imperfections and all.

Now, on the heels of her blistering new single “I HOPE SHE HATES YOU”—accompanied by a cinematic visual directed by Paris Berelc—True is ready to reclaim her narrative. Her upcoming Spring 2026 project marks a pivotal evolution from the self-doubt of her debut to a hard-won sense of empowerment, documenting the fallout of a toxic relationship and the resurrection of her most authentic self. As she prepares to take her high-octane five-piece band to Austin for a highly anticipated SXSW showcase at the Continental Club on March 18, we sat down with the indie trailblazer to discuss healing through noise, the influence of everyone from Taylor Swift to Courtney Love, and why it’s perfectly okay to scream your way through the growing pains.

What was the first album or artist that made you realize you wanted to create music of your own, and how does that influence still show up in your work today?

As a young girl, the first album that ever made me want to write music was Taylor Swift’s debut album. I saw her in concert and knew immediately I wanted to be HER. I cut bangs and got myself in songwriting lessons. As I grew up and started to take songwriting more seriously: Dominic Fike was an artist who inspired me a lot, his story to where he’s now, and his blend of pop, rock, and rap made me realize the door was open to so many genres and combining the ones I love.

“I HOPE SHE HATES YOU” is a bold, visceral title. Was there a specific “lightbulb” moment or a particular argument that sparked this track, or was it a slow-burn realization of needing to reclaim your power?

I came up with the title when I was sitting in my room feeling really unmotivated, all while in the midst of a heartbreak. I wrote this song in about 30 minutes, and it just poured out of me – every feeling, every tear, every time I wanted to punch a wall, I put that all in this song. Essentially, I made this girl anthem to reclaim myself and my power.

You worked with Paris Berelc on the music video—how did her directorial vision help translate the “toxic relationship” narrative into something visual?

In my past toxic relationship, I changed myself to become someone others wanted me to be and it left me feeling lost, small, and struggling to find myself. Through this past year of healing and finding my voice again, I found myself as the most authentic version of myself. This video shows that progression, from being the fake version of yourself, to starting to break past expectations, and finding your truest version of yourself. Paris helped me take everything I was feeling and translate it to the camera.

You describe your sound as 90s grunge rock production meets anthemic pop. Who were the artists on your mood board for this specific single?

Stevie Nicks, Courtney Love, and Gwen Stefani visually made this project what it is. I am incredibly inspired by artists like Role Model, Annie Dirusso, Indigo De Souza, Olivia Rodrigo, Lizzy Mcalpine, and Avril Lavigne, who are all artists that influence my current sound. As I mature lyrically, so did the depth of the sound, surpassing just alt rock and entering into a singer-songwriter realm as well, and working to blend those worlds together!

Your debut EP RIP TRUE focused on the transition into your 20s. Now that you’re graduating from NYU and heading to SXSW, how has your perspective on “embracing imperfections” evolved in this upcoming
project?

We are all messy, and our imperfections are what make us the best version of ourselves. This past year was filled with mentally exhausting and emotional moments, including lots of friendship losses, career challenges, and large changes. That being said, without these moments I wouldn’t be able to be the friend, sister, and artist I am now. I feel prepared to tackle SXSW and the real world outside of college, and I now know I have found confidence in myself — none of which would have happened without finding my power this year.

You’re an LA native currently finishing up in NYC. How do you think the “laid-back grunge” of the West Coast and the “high-energy grit” of the New York scene have fought (or played nice) within your music?

I think it offered me new areas to grow, I became a better artist by seeing so many new bands and different forms of rock. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to grow up in LA and grow up in such a DIY based music scene. Combining that with everything NY has to offer has helped me develop and experiment outside of my comfort zone.

When people finish listening to your music for the first time, what is the one specific emotion or message you hope they walk away with?

Life happens. It’s messy and it’s okay to be insecure – to mess up, to cry about boys or life or anything. I hope people walk away with a sense of validation. I am far from perfect and I try to translate that honesty in my music.

Being a featured artist at SXSW is a massive milestone. What can the audience at the Continental Club expect from a True Jackson set—are we getting a mosh pit or a collective therapy session?

I want mosh pit and therapy, screaming, crying, dancing, and yelling along while my 5 piece band including Angus Wayne, Jonah Bierman, Max Mendelsohn, and Mash (Matthew Ashman) rock out. My songs are deep but caught up in a catchy melody that makes you want to dance. I hope people can let go of everything and leave it all at the continental club with me!

Your bio mentions making music for the “crashout girlies.” How does it feel when you look out from the stage at Mercury Lounge or Baby’s All Right and see that specific audience screaming your lyrics back at you?

It is amazing! It fills my heart with so much joy- these songs are about real moments and feelings I’ve felt, and everytime I see people singing with me it reminds me that I’m not crazy! We are not crazy, and life is supposed to be messy because it helps us grow.

Having “Paint Me” featured in Prom Dates is a huge look for an indie artist. How did that placement change the trajectory of your career, and did it influence the way you write for the “big screen” of
people’s lives?

Honestly it was just a dream to have my song featured in a movie. Hearing my song on my TV was so exciting. It was my first release, and I feel like it established my confidence and my project in the world of music. 11. I have always found myself stuck in my head, struggling with the way I feel about myself, both internally and physically. I have shrunk myself down to make other people feel big, and the mission statement for this entire project is acceptance of that and regaining my power. It isn’t a straight line, but that’s what makes the moment you find yourself again so special. That is what this entire project is to me.

Outside of music, what is a hobby or passion that people might be surprised to learn you’re obsessed with?

Honestly, everything I do relates back to music. But I love taking film photos and editing videos, promo, music videos, etc. It has been a hobby I’ve had for many years.

Looking five years down the line, what does “success” look like for True Jackson?

Being able to do what I love with the people I love, and getting to tour. I want to sing my songs with everyone and be on the road, with an amazing show and with all my friends.