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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nJackson Laird, Photo by Maggie Adams<\/sub><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n Jackson Laird was born and raised outside of Baltimore in the 2010s. Both of these influences are clear in his music. His father showed him Prince, Michael Jackson, and the Bee Gees, and pop culture introduced him to Harry Styles and Sabrina Carpenter. Both of these influences are prevalent in his music. He came out strong with his first single, \u201cHandsy,\u201d in 2024, and he\u2019s been delivering consistent quality ever since. His sound is polished and dancey. His most popular song, \u201cMicrodose,\u201d is reminiscent of Malcolm Todd, but my favorite is \u201cVenom.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n He grew up sports-oriented and didn\u2019t really get into music until he came to American University, where he played house shows. His local success motivated him to leave to pursue music. He\u2019s found success through promoting his music on TikTok, and, similar to this new age of musicians today, he broke out alone: no label and few friends in the scene. This has motivated him to support emerging artists like his opener, Leo Lav.hop, at Songbyrd. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Leo Lav, Photo by Maggie Adams<\/sup><\/sub><\/p>\n\n\n\n Leo Lav is from upstate New York, but his songs contain some great elements of modern country. He was raised by a professional jazz guitarist and has always been surrounded by music. His most popular song was his first-ever release, \u201cI don’t wanna think about you.\u201d It\u2019s raw and honest, and Leo\u2019s voice is low and powerful. It\u2019s surprising. My favorite song by far is his new release, \u201cTemporary.\u201d Throughout his discography, he\u2019s playing with different sounds, but \u201cTemporary\u201d sounds solid and authentic. Leo\u2019s personality is magnetic and genuine. He radiates honesty and kindness, and I think it bleeds into his songwriting. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both artists have loose ties, in one way or another, to Georgetown. Jackson Laird attended American University, and Leo Lav attended Fordham University. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Both artists put on a great show. They took advantage of the intimacy of the venue and interacted with the crowd. Take a listen to both interviews linked below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.georgetownradio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/image-12.png\")
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