Composer and pianist Jackie Miclau was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. She started playing piano at the age of 5, citing her brother Dennis - also an accomplished musician, as an early influence.
Raised in a musical family, Jackie was immersed in the piano from the get go, with her parents instilling an ethos of hard work and discipline when it came to their craft. She recalls an intensive practice regimen growing up: “Our neighborhood was full of kids and many of them would be knocking on the window wanting me to come out and play. I was in tears because I wanted to join in like any kid, but it was time to practice. ”
It appears the hard work has payed off. Now a professional pianist and composer, Jackie Miclau is exerting her creative passions on the world. She is currently touring with the up and coming gospel, soul, and R&B singer-songwriter Liz Vice, and can be frequently found performing or collaborating with other Los Angeles area musicians. Before moving to LA Jackie spent a year playing in the Portland Columbia Symphony. “I just needed a new challenge. In Portland, I sort of knew everybody. I came to LA because I want to meet other musicians and pursue a career I love.”
Among the hectic touring lifestyle, Jackie admits there are challenges in chasing her dreams. “There’s a lot of uncertainty. You just don’t know if all this hard work is going to pay off or not. Dealing with the critics can also get to you.”
But beyond the fleeting outcomes that seem to plague the minds of many aspiring artists, there is something more important: the naturally therapeutic aspect of music- that keeps the fire burning in Jackie. “I feel better when I play. . . especially if I’m feeling sad or stressed. Music is an outlet.” When asked where she sees herself in 10 years she humbly answers, “Doing what I love, which is creating music and hopefully performing it for people.”
In describing her unique style, Jackie cites an eclectic array of influences, including soul jazz legend Gene Harris, innovative jazz funk composer Herbie Hancock, and the classical suites of Debussy, Chopin, Beethoven, and Mozart. Influences of house and electro have been cited as well, especially modern day icons Kaskade, Deadmau5, and Daft Punk. Alongside these influences, Jackie points to her extensive knowledge of music theory as an empowering yet properly wielded tool when composing. “Theory helps my creative process and... especially if you want to play jazz yeah, it comes into play. But I don’t let it control my playing.”
Jackie Miclau’s debut EP, “Merry Christmas”, was released in 2016. She is currently in the process of writing and recording new material, which will combine her love of classical music with the modern and dynamic beats of electro-house. Stay tuned.