Interview with Jacky Rom, crime author and ex-music manager
The Power of Music: Inspiration, Challenges, and the Future
Music is more than just sound; it’s storytelling in its purest form. For me, every song tells a story, and when combined with the right music, that story comes to life in a way that words alone cannot achieve. As a storyteller, this connection between narrative and melody is what excites and inspires me the most.
I have always loved writing musicals, and my passion for the craft began at the age of 17 when I wrote my first one. Currently, I am working on a new musical called *Scammed*, which follows five people being deceived by the same scammer. The story takes the audience on a journey from London to Morocco, and with 19 songs, I’m thoroughly enjoying the process of weaving the story through music.
Streaming services and playlists have had a significant impact on my life. While I used to own my own radio station and loved curating different shows and playlists, I now only do a weekly radio show when I’m in Saint Martin. Unlike structured programming, we take a more spontaneous approach, allowing the music and conversation to flow naturally. Additionally, my podcast, Life of a Crime Novelist, has allowed me to engage with fascinating people, including top police officers, murder squad detectives, and even someone who survived being struck by lightning. These conversations often inspire my writing and storytelling.
One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in the music industry is simply being seen and heard. The industry is dominated by major players, making it difficult for newcomers to break through. However, the creative process keeps me going—telling stories through music is just another artistic outlet that I love.
During the COVID-19 lockdown, I kept busy by recording 18 interviews with people from around the world. With a producer in LA helping me find guests, I transformed my bedroom into a makeshift studio. The result was Jacky Rom Investigates, a series of interviews still available on YouTube. It was a whirlwind experience, but I thrived on the challenge of managing different time zones and engaging with unique individuals.
Lately, TikTok has piqued my curiosity. I started using it in May, but rather than chasing instant success, I’ve been building my audience steadily. TikTok serves as a great platform for showcasing my books, podcast, and other projects. With my background in directing, creating engaging videos has been an exciting challenge.
If I could bring back one musician for a collaboration, it would be Donald O’Connor from *Singin’ in the Rain*. Though he was primarily a dancer, he made everything look effortless, and I would love the chance to dance with him. My passion has always been musical theatre, and my love for it began when I was five years old. My grandparents took me to see *Fiddler on the Roof* at the Savoy Theatre in London, starring Topol as Tevye. That experience sparked a lifelong love for the stage.
Music’s impact varies from person to person, but for me, it has been transformative. It has inspired me to write musicals, songs, and poetry, reinforcing my love for storytelling. Sometimes, it’s not just about a song reminding you of a time or place—it’s about the power of words and melody working together.
Looking ahead, I remain hopeful for the future. My dream is to see one of my books adapted into a film or TV series, and I will never stop writing because, at my core, I am a storyteller. Technology, for me, is not salvation or destruction; it’s a tool for creativity. My latest children’s book series, featuring a unicorn named Eunice, was illustrated using AI, allowing me to produce stunning images without an enormous budget. I believe we should embrace technology wisely and see where it takes us.
Music, storytelling, and innovation are all part of my creative journey, and I’m excited to see where they lead next.
Track Listing
- Cracklin’ Rosie – Neil Diamond
- How Can I Be Sure – David Cassidy
- Starman (2012 Remaster) – David Bowie
- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (Remastered 2014) – Elton John
- Don’t Go Breaking My Heart – Elton John
- Je t’aime moi non plus – Serge Gainsbourg
- Hey Mickey – Toni Basil
- Careless Whisper – George Michael
- Science Fiction/Double Feature – Richard O’Brien
- Love Shack – The B-52’s
- Summertime – Ella Fitzgerald
- Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel
- I Just Called To Say I Love You – Stevie Wonder
- Starlight Express – Andrew Lloyd Webber
- A Musical – Brad Oscar
- All About That Bass – Meghan Trainor
- Music – Madonna
- Believe – Cher
- Guilty (feat. Barry Gibb) – Barbra Streisand
About the Curators
Phoenix
Hi, I’m Phoenix and I love to share my passion for music with others. I have been creating playlists since I was a kid, when I used to make mix tapes for my friends and family. Now, I use my skills and experience to craft playlists for various occasions, moods, and themes. Whether you need some upbeat tunes to get you through the day, some relaxing melodies to unwind at night, or some eclectic sounds to spice up your life, I have a playlist for you. I also enjoy discovering new music. I listen to all kinds of music, from pop to rock, from jazz to hip hop, from classical to electronic. I believe that music is a universal language that can connect people across cultures and backgrounds. That’s why I always try to include songs from different countries and regions in my playlists. My goal is to create playlists that are diverse, engaging, and enjoyable for everyone. I hope you enjoy my playlists as much as I enjoy making them. Thank you for your support!
