(S3 Ep9) You Dig? Eric Jacobson

You Dig? with Steve Wiest Rising Stars Series #1 — Eric Jacobson: Trumpet, Hustle, and the Real Music Life What does it actually take to build a life in jazz today? Trumpeter Eric Jacobson breaks it down: • Treat yourself like a complete musician (not just a player) • Develop multiple income streams • Be consistent, visible, and persistent • Believe you have something unique to offer 👉 This is the real blueprint — not theory, but lived experience. ______________________ In this inaugural Rising Stars episode of You Dig?, Steve Wiest sits down with acclaimed trumpeter, composer, and entrepreneur Eric Jacobson to explore what it really takes to build a life in jazz today. From Milwaukee to Chicago and beyond, Eric has carved out a thriving career performing hard bop, releasing original music, teaching, and building a sustainable artistic life — all while staying true to the music. This is a conversation about: 🎺 Craft and voice on the instrument 💼 The real business of being a musician 🔥 Persistence, mindset, and survival ❤️ Family, mentorship, and purpose If you’ve ever wondered: “Can you actually make a living playing jazz?” — this episode answers it. ________________________ 00:00 Welcome to You Dig? — Rising Stars Begins 00:25 The Rising Stars Series 01:29 Meet Eric Jacobson 02:31 Savannah Bananas, Man Caves & Full Disclosure 04:21 Shapes vs Notes — Finding the Sound 05:49 What Is a Rising Star? 07:30 Always Be a Student of the Music 10:48 How Do You Make a Living Playing Jazz? 13:20 Do Musicians Need to Do It All? When to Delegate 15:44 Eric’s Recordings & Origin Records 16:40 Persistence & The Big Picture 19:11 Eric’s “Yodas” — Mentors & Influence 22:38 Midwest Scene vs East/West Coast 24:59 We All Have Something to Offer 28:08 Sampler Platter — Eric’s Music 30:24 “Survival” — Composition & Story 33:17 Support the Music — Buy Eric’s Albums 34:24 “Three of a Kind” — Family Inspiration 37:07 Writing From the Heart — Paul McCartney Insight 37:51 “Onward” — The Affinity Trio 39:40 Nobody Expects… The Dig You Inquisition! 41:50 Jeff Coffin’s Legendary Fanfare 42:12 Dig You Inquisition Begins 50:22 What Is the Meaning of Life? 51:12 What’s Next for Eric Jacobson? 53:12 Final Thoughts & Ryan Davidson 55:50 Sign-Off — Dewey D & Fred _____________________________ Links from this episode: Eric's Website https://ericjacobsontrumpet.com/home Origin Records: https://originarts.com/ Eric's Music: https://ericjacobsontrumpet.com/music Eric's Jazz Method Books: https://ericjacobsontrumpet.com/jazz-...