About
About “Battle Hymn of the Early Riser”
Jackson Emmer’s fifth solo album, Battle Hymn of the Early Riser, explores themes of family, parenthood, broken dreams and steady bonds. It is Emmer fully embracing his “tired dad” phase. The songs capture moments of tension and grace between generations, pairing levity with tragedy, and the stars with the dirt.
Co-produced by Nashville up-and-comer, Abigayle Oakley, the album showcases Emmer’s masterful writing through sparse and minimal soundscapes- often just one or two instruments accompanying Emmer’s signature vocal rasp. The recordings were tracked at Emmer’s home studio (a converted garage) in Santa Cruz, CA. Six of the twelve songs were written by Emmer alone. The other six are collaborations with some of America’s finest songwriters and acoustic music legends. Tim O’Brien, Jaimee Harris, and Tom Paxton all contributed co-writes for the record. Each song weaves around the theme of family, running the gamut from the playful “Dinosaur Bones” and “Mexican Cough Medicine” to the introspective treatise on fatherhood, “Dad’s Shoes.”
Growing up in both Colorado and California, Emmer describes himself as a “cultural mutt.” His parents are from Oklahoma, and as a teenager he stumbled upon their collection of Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, and Bob Wills records. This influence, paired with an irreverent and omnivorous love for modern music, has shaped Emmer’s sound. In the words of folk legend Tom Paxton: “Jackson Emmer has dropped a masterpiece steeped in tradition and as contemporary as next Wednesday. This bare-bones recording is proof that an authentically American voice has claimed its rightful place. Bravo!”
Inspired by the recordings of:
John Prine
Townes Van Zandt
Guy Clark
Willie Nelson
“Few are writing songs like Jackson Emmer.” – Rolling Stone
Jackson Emmer is an award-winning songwriter and folksinger from Santa Cruz, California. His 5th solo record, "Battle Hymn of the Early Riser" is out in June of 2025. The album explores themes of family, parenthood, broken dreams, and steady bonds. Emmer’s writing is often compared to the late greats of the 70's Texas troubadour scene – think witty and gritty, cheerful and lonesome, a poet bleeding while you tap your toes.
Emmer has performed at the Bluebird Cafe, Telluride Bluegrass Festival, and Club Passim. He has taught for Acoustic Guitar Magazine, Swallow Hill Music, and many other music camps. Bluegrass legend Tim O'Brien said this about Emmer's latest: "I chuckled, I sang along, and a few tears came. It's personal, universal, fresh, and hopeful. And there's steel guitar. Were you looking for more?"
Awards
2023 - Telluride Troubadour Contest - 1st Place
2023 - Rocky Mountain Folks Fest - Songwriter Showcase - 3rd Place
2023 - Kerrville Folk Festival - New Folk Competition - Finalist
2022 - International Songwriting Competition - Semi-Finalist
2022 - Colorado Music Business Organization - Winner - Songwriting Contest
2020 - “Best Albums of 2020” - Alpine Coda - Twangville.com
2020 - “Best Albums of 2020” - Alpine Coda - Terry Klein/Lonesome Highway
2019 - Songwriter Serenade - Semi-Finalist
2018 - Rolling Stone - “10 Country Artists You Need To Know”
2018 - Songwriter Serenade - Semi-Finalist
PRAISE for Battle Hymn of the Early Riser:
"I chuckled, I sang along, and a few tears came. It's personal, universal, fresh, and hopeful. And there's steel guitar. Were you looking for more?" - Tim O'Brien
"Jackson Emmer has dropped a masterpiece steeped in tradition and as contemporary as next Wednesday. This bare-bones recording is proof that an authentically American voice has claimed its rightful place. Bravo!" - Tom Paxton
“Jackson Emmer says it like you wish you could have. He writes from a truly unique perspective, both lighthearted and profound. Love songs for a life well-lived.” - Mike Devol (Greensky Bluegrass)
