THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with international singer/songwriter Samuel Jack.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
It began with my Dad’s blues collection and my mum’s love for country and folk music – that sort of progressed into me messing about on a piano that was in the restaurant I worked at in-between shifts. Fast forward a few years, after a stint with a college band, renting a local studio to record an EP – I was hooked.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
To me, music is an amazing communicator. It’s universal. I’ll never tire of connecting with people through music and words, it’s a beautiful thing. That comes alive on another level when performed live.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
To be honest the goal for me, simply put, has always been about surviving and making a living from my music. Waking up and being able to do what I love every day is the most incredible and fulfilling feeling ever… may it last forever, please!
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
I absolutely love touring and long for more. I certainly hope to be out playing the new album and I continue working daily on writing and new music. I have a fair amount of music featured in TV shows, mainly in the US but it’s another creative outlet I really enjoy.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
The Gold & The Glory is my first ever full-length album. Every song is truly very special to me. It’s definitely a reflection of who I am and the journey I’ve been on these last couple of years. Song wise it’s quite eclectic, as has been my journey…from uptempo bangers to heavy tear-jerking ballads, full of different vibes with a soul backbone.
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
I always say that getting the song is like catching magic in a bottle. I don’t have one particular go to process but more often than not I’ll be at the piano working out a nice chord progression before jumping into melody and lyrics.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
No. I always want to be as straight up and honest as I can in my music. It does exactly what it says on the tin.
Success, what is the secret to it?
I wouldn’t say I’m qualified to answer that right now, but I’ll let you know when I get there!
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I think the touring I did through Europe, and the writing of the album around America have been the biggest highlights so far. I love travelling and I feel very very lucky to have been able to do that.
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
I’m always writing, hopping around working with new people. I’m fortunate to get a lot of placements in TV shows, mainly in the US, which is another creative outlet I love. But right now it’s just about The Gold & The Glory, I’m working on some acoustic versions of some of the songs from the album.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself in a few years?
On Tiktok.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Tiktok. LOL. It’s hard keeping your foot on the gas as not just a songwriter, performer, and recording artist, but now also a social ‘content creator’. Sometimes I feel the art of songwriting comes second place to whether it could be a tiktok viral hit.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Sam Fischer and Amy Shark – absolute MEGA talents.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
It certainly has. Sadly, social media numbers are now the yardstick for measuring how ‘good’ you are as an artist. It’s just the way it is. To rise above the parapet, `you have to be running on all cylinders these days, it’s a full frontal assault – because quite simply everyone is vying for attention. That makes my connection to my own fans so SO important, they are the driver that keeps you going – growing your fan base is the hard part.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
Teach my dog to surfboard probably.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I love collaborating. With writers, artists, and producers. Everyone brings something new and different to the table. I’d love to get in a room with Cat Stevens, I’m the biggest fanboy ever, and Foy Vance is an all-time favourite writer/artist of mine.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Work hard, hone craft build a solid team around you but remember that these days, you can achieve loads on YOUR OWN. It all begins with the song.
A message for your fans.
You’re my fav’s forever, loveyoubye.
Any last words?
Be awesome to each other.
Website: www.samueljackofficial.com
Facebook: facebook.com/samueljackofficial
Twitter: @samueljackmusic
Instagram: @samueljackofficial
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