Actor, Producer, Singer/Songwriter Jackson Dollinger (Sydney to the Max, Life by Ella) has just released his next single entitled “One and Only.” The song was written, recorded, and produced by Jackson Dollinger in his home studio about a year and a half ago when he had just turned 14 years old. Prior to writing and producing One and Only, Jackson had written and released 6 other singles, including the hit songs “I’m Yours,” “Reflection” and “Take Me Back” along with writing and producing 5 Soundcloud exclusives. He released his first EP titled Social Isolation in January 2021.
On the acting front, Dollinger is currently working on several new projects. You can catch him in his recurring role as Gavin on the series Life by Ella now streaming on Apple TV+. He serves as an Ocean Ambassador for Footprint Foundation and adopted Surfrider Beach in Malibu for 2020 through Heal the Bay.
Photo Credits: Cathryn Farnsworth
Hello Jackson, great to catch up with you! Love your Instagram posts and how positive you always are. You’ve got a new song being released—what can you tell us about it?
Thank you so much! “One and Only” is an upbeat pop song about being by yourself and missing a person you felt complete with. The song can also be interpreted as a story about taking some time after a breakup and missing the feeling of being in a relationship.
Why do you think people are going to love listening to it?
Because the song is so upbeat, I think people will love listening to it. Personally, I love “One and Only” because of how dynamic it is. It is constantly switching up.
You wrote, recorded, and produced it all by yourself in your home studio. What’s your studio set up like? (instruments, DAW, etc.)
I am running Logic Pro X off of a 2020 MacBook Pro. I have Yamaha HS8 speakers and an Akai midi keyboard. I record my vocals on an Astin Spirit condenser microphone surrounded by a Kaotica Eyeball pop filter.
What tips do you have for other artists who want to create music and release music independently?
All you need is a laptop to get started. Nowadays, anybody can make music, it is just a matter of who is motivated enough to do so. Social media is also a great way to promote yourself as an independent artist.
You have a lot of fans thanks to your role as “Young Max” in Disney’s Sydney to the Max. What was your fondest memory about working on that show?
Working on “Sydney to the Max” was a life-changing experience that I’m forever grateful for. Everyday on set was a blast, but some of my fondest memories are hanging out with Cassidey Fralin, who played Alisha, and riding bikes around set with Ava Kolker, who played Olive.
And what was the most difficult or challenging part about your years on the show?
I didn’t get to play team sports because of my work schedule, and I really missed it.
Do you still hang out with your Sydney cast mates?
Yes! In fact, I just went to Cabo with Ava.
What is your favorite part about being an actor?
I love being an actor because I enjoy stepping into someone else’s shoes and bringing their story to life.
And your least favorite?
Sometimes it can be very long hours, and it doesn’t end when you leave the set because you may have another audition or more lines to memorize when you get home. I think people don’t realize how much hard work and dedication it takes to be an actor.
What has been your number one, ALL-TIME FAVORITE moment in show biz so far?
One of the highlights of my career was seeing myself on tv for the first time. The premiere of Sydney to the Max was one of my most memorable nights. Meeting Will Smith was pretty great too.
Who are your role models and inspirations?
Tom Cruise, Justin Bieber, and my parents.
What’s the most effective and positive way you have dealt with social media trolls and critics?
I really don’t give them any attention at all. I have so much going on in my life, 99% of the time I don’t even notice.
What advice do you have for influencers your age who want to be successful like you?
Being an influencer is not particularly my forte, but to any person that wants to succeed in their niche, my advice would be to surround yourself with good energy and don’t stop until you achieve your goal.
You are an activist for the ocean environment—why did this particular cause catch your attention?
I’m so grateful that I have a platform to share my passion and to advocate for the elimination of single-use plastics and ocean conservation. Single-use plastics are destroying our oceans, the planet, and the food chain. I feel that it is important for the youth of today to understand the short and long term impact of the ongoing use of these plastics in particular. As a surfer and someone who grew up spending my summers on Catalina Island, I have seen firsthand the impact of single use plastics on our oceans. That is why I am passionate about this cause.
If we asked your friends what your best quality is, what would they say?
Probably my sense of humor.
Favorite snack?
Pita chips and hummus.
Favorite holiday (and why)?
My favorite holiday is Christmas because it allows me to reconnect with relatives that I don’t see often.
Tell me something people would be surprised to know about you.
I am a straight A student and I’ve never gotten a B on a report card.
Tell me ONE food you REFUSE to eat and why?
Raw tomatoes are the ONE food that I will not eat. I love ketchup and marinara sauce, but I absolutely hate the taste of raw tomatoes.
What else are you working on or have coming up next?
Yes! I am currently working on a new Disney Channel show called “Pretty Freekin’ Scary” that is set to release in summer of 2023. I also was in a new Apple TV+ show titled “Life By Ella” that recently came out. Lot’s of new music on the way as well!
STREAM ONE AND ONLY NOW!