Jay Bovino has spent four years touring the world as a key songwriter and guitarist in ARIA winning, indie-pop act Sheppard.
But behind the scenes, Jay has become more than just one of the world’s most sought-after musical collaborators, recently unveiling his debut single, ‘Get You Alone’.
Co-writing ‘Geronimo’ – which went #1 in over 20 countries – was just the start for Jay, who has spent his time travelling the world in hotel rooms, studios and backstage. ‘Get You Alone’ is his step out from the shadows. Written in Mexico and Brisbane and recorded during sessions in the US and Australia, ‘Get You Alone’ features Triple J favourite Sahara Beck.
Jay shares five festivals he and his Sheppard band mates have experienced.
1. Rock In Rio (Brazil)
Capped off 2015 by playing to the biggest crowd in our careers; 100,000 strong, right before Sam Smith and Rhianna. The stuff dreams are made of. Plus we opened the show with a cover of Rage Against The Machine's 'Bull's On Parade'. The teenage me was wetting himself!2. Nos Alive (Portugal)
Unforgettable experience. Partly because it was the last show of a five-week festival run through Europe last year, but mainly because we played at the sunset slot right before Mumford & Sons, and I got to join the crowd of 60,000 afterwards as a fan and scream my lungs out to one of my favourite bands (who gave us a shout out mid set, like it couldn't get any better).3. Wilderness (England)
Awesome festival out in Oxfordshire in the English summer. We've played there twice now, once in 2012 and again in 2014. It’s the perfect festival for flower children out there; it’s in the middle of the wilderness, so much greenery and nature. More about the arts in general, than music specifically. They have it all: live music, woodwork classes, Socrates lectures, kayaking. Great family festival.4. Oppikoppi (South Africa)
First international festival we ever played. Three hours from Johannesburg, in the middle of nowhere. Basically a giant, dust bowl. Campers would bring their own decorated couches to the campsite. Such an eclectic crowd. Being so unique, and also our first international festival makes it one of the most memorable tour experiences.5. Lollapalooza (USA)
This festival is a lot of fun. Smack bang right in the middle of Chicago's CBD, it's quite surreal being in the thick of it and looking out and seeing the skyscrapers. Almost felt like the apocalypse, especially when a storm rolled in and they had to evacuate the festival. Thankfully we had just got off the stage!'Get You Alone' is available now.
