A Chat with Jack O'Neill: He's a Songwriter, After All

Curious Goldfish

Jack O'Neill: Sobriety, Songwriting, and the Journey of Jackopierce

In this episode of 'Curious Goldfish,' host Jason English interviews Jack O'Neill of the iconic acoustic rock duo Jackopierce. Jack talks about his personal journey to sobriety, his military upbringing, and his 35-year friendship with Cary Pierce, whom he met at SMU. He opens up about quitting his day job to fully embrace his identity as a songwriter and artist. Jack discusses the songwriting process for new singles like 'Airport Bars and Air Guitars,' 'Damn Good Son,' and 'Weight of the World,' and shares the challenges faced in the music industry. His conversation includes the dynamics of his partnership with Cary, memorable recording experiences with T Bone Burnett, and the importance of curiosity in life. Jack also reflects on his acting career and the improvisational nature of performances. The episode ends with an acoustic performance, embodying the essence of his musical journey and lifelong friendship.

00:00 A Life-Changing Decision

01:06 Welcome to Curious Goldfish

01:48 The Story of Jack O'Neill

02:33 Jackopierce: The Dynamic Duo

03:47 Jack's Solo Journey

04:55 A Personal Connection

06:01 Interview with Jack O'Neill

06:22 Life in New York City

08:16 The Music Industry Today

11:09 Creating New Music

15:49 The Impact of Streaming

24:17 The Art of Songwriting

25:22 Diving into the Lyrics

40:47 A Military Family's Influence

48:47 Introducing Gina: The Creative Process

49:00 Live Show Reflections and Inspirations

49:54 The Algorithm of Creativity

51:55 Weight of the World: Song Insights

53:11 Turning Scenes into Songs

56:08 Exploring Relationships and Life Lessons

01:03:02 Curious Goldfish: Podcast Insights

01:11:28 The Journey of Jackopierce

01:19:38 The Mexican Tune: Origins and Evolution

01:25:31 Concluding Thoughts and Performances