Jason Gould Weighs in on 'Dismissive, Mean-Spirited' Nepo Baby Conversation: 'I've Had My Challenges' (Exclusive)

Jason Gould, the son of legendary singer Barbra Streisand and actor Elliott Gould, has a thoughtful take on the recent nepo baby conversation.

Speaking to PEOPLE for this week's issue, on newsstands Friday, the singer-songwriter shared thoughts on the judgment nepo babies can face while making a career for themselves in the entertainment industry.

"It's so dismissive," Gould, 57, tells PEOPLE. "As if people who are born to successful people, in whatever industry that would be, that they get dismissed as nepo babies."

"It just feels so mean-spirited because so many people follow in their parents' footsteps, not only in terms of their professions, but it's just the way the world has worked for generations and generations," he continues.

Speaking from his own experience, Gould says he had to figure out how to individuate from his famous parents.

"Listen, I've had my advantages, but I've also had my challenges," he says. "So, I just look
at the bigger picture."

"I think there are ways that probably people think life is, that is not accurate," he says. "There's a lot of projection going on."

On March 22, Gould released his third EP, Sacred Days. Opening up about how he found his own voice, Gould always loved music from a young age. "I was always a kid who who would sit at the keyboard and come up with little melodies," he says.

"I do music for my own pleasure because I have a need to create and express myself," Gould says. "The pressure, it's really not there for me. I mean, I strive for excellence, but perfection doesn't exist. I am at peace with that now."

Of his new EP, Gould says he's happy his new music is out in the world. "I usually get a little anxiety before something comes out, because it's like your baby. I guess there's that natural fear of being judged. But you know what? I'm really not that insecure anymore about what I create," he concludes.

For more from Jason Gould, pick up the latest issue of PEOPLE, on newsstands everywhere Friday.