This week’s spotlight is on rising actor and talented musician Jet Jurgensmeyer. Jet recently released his single “Falling Too”. His achievements extend beyond music, as he’s made a name for himself as an award-nominated actor with notable appearances include “Boyd” on FOX’s “Last Man Standing” and lending his voice to Disney’s “TOTS.” His commitment to philanthropy is showcased through his support of The Ryan Seacrest Foundation, which has raised over $15,000 for expanding creative outlets in pediatric hospitals.

Hops & Spirits: How do you balance both being a musician and acting? 
Jet Jurgensmeyer: I think growing up in this industry has really taught me how to balance everything from work, to family, to faith, to school. It’s all I’ve ever known and it really isn’t too much of a challenge for me anymore. Plus my family has really helped over the years with this as well. 

HS: What was it like being on Last Man Standing and working with Tim Allen? 
Jet: I always say,”What you see is what you get!” Tim is such a nice person and really treated everyone, including myself, with respect and dignity. I learned a lot from everyone on that show and really hope I can impact people in the same way they all did with me. 

HS: What music/artists did you grow up on? Or made an impact on you?
Jet: I’ve grown up listening to everything and everyone, from jazz and Frank Sinatra, to country with George Straight, to pop with Ed Sheeran. I try to find inspiration in everything. So I don’t confine myself to one genre, I listen to all genres, so I can write and release different types of music. 

HS: New single is Falling Too, what drew you to that song as you were one of the writers on it too?
Jet: When I sat down to write with Kyle, Pierson, and Brian, we just were trying to write some thing we could all relate to. Everybody has been young and falling for somebody, so I think this song really tells that story that we all understand.

HS: What can folks expect coming up as you build toward a new album/EP?
Jet: You can expect to hear inspiration from artists like Billy Joel to the Foo Fighters to Chris Young. Like I said before, I try to find inspiration everywhere. You’re going to hear songs that are my stories and my co-writer’s stories.  

HS: ENCORE QUESTION: You also work on giving back and have raised more than $15k for The Ryan Seacrest Foundation. Why is that so important to you?
Jet: Being able to help these kids forget about whatever they’re going through is one of the most important things I think anybody can do. As well as spending time with the parents and siblings of these kids, because they’re going through it just as much as the patient. I love being able to go in and play games, answer, questions, and perform for these kids all over the country. They need those smiles, and they need that energy, even if it’s just for a single song.