With his debut solo single, 'Spades', freshly minted, Brisbane musician Jack Bratt is ready to embark on the next chapter of his music career.
The 2019 Grant McLennan Fellowship award winner that he says still "feels bizarre", Jack has kept busy these past few months working on new material with another single planned in July and his debut record in the works for a release next year.Here, he discusses a move to New York he still plans to make happen, a scary encounter with a crazy farmer in the French countryside, his out of body experience with Red Hot Chili Pepper's Chad Smith, and his phobia of moths.
Late last year you were the winner of the Grant McLennan Fellowship and you've recently released your debut single... how is the solo career tracking despite the restrictions we're all facing at the moment?
It's actually been great; I've had a lot of time to write and also focus on the release of my single and spend a lot more time promoting than I would otherwise.
Obviously, I had some plans I was excited about. I was supposed to play a show at the Viper Room last month, and I was also due to head to New York in a few weeks which won't be happening now, but it will all happen eventually.
Have you had time to process, in the short time since, that you are a Grant McLennan Fellowship winner and what that means professionally?
It still feels bizarre. I pick up my award and make sure my name is still on there and there hasn't been a mistake.
It's really been the biggest honour and the highlight of my musical career to be among such a long line of musicians who have received the award. I feel like I'm a part of a really important legacy.
What's been the best reaction from a family member or friend when they discovered you had won the Fellowship?
My mum and dad were at the awards night in December, and they were just overwhelmed and very proud. It was so special to be able to share that with them.
Part of the prize is getting to relocate to New York; given current circumstances, do you still see yourself wanting to live in New York at a future time given their COVID-19 plight?
Yes, of course the plan is 100 per cent to still get to New York as soon as it's safe to do so.
Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to take a little longer than here in Australia for things to level out and get back to normal. But it will pass, and I'll be heading over as soon as possible. I'm really excited.
You recently released your debut single 'Spades'; it's a catchy ear worm; reminds me of Vulture St era Powderfinger, or early Speedstar; how have you found the reaction it has received?
It's been extremely positive overall; it's been great interacting with people from all over who have resonated with the song.
The artwork for the single really encapsulates the current global feeling as we deal with the social distancing restrictions; what's the history, story behind the image?
It really does now that you mention it, but I already had it picked out before all of this started. Maybe it was some sort of strange premonition.
The artwork was done by a brilliant artist called Tommy Inberg from Sweden. I stumbled on his work and got in touch with him to ask if I could use that particular image for the cover; it just captured my feelings about the song. But we are going to be collaborating together more in the future.
Is this the first step of more new music from Jack Bratt in 2020; if so, what can we expect?
Yes, absolutely. There will be another single out at the end of July and hopefully an album released next year some time.
You've been a session musician and producer for many years as well as being part of the bands Blonde on Blonde and Golden Age of Ballooning; how are you finding the move into the spotlight as your solo career takes shape?
It's strange because I've always been in bands and have loved the band experience. So being on my own and creating and releasing music as a solo artist is quite daunting, not having anybody else to share the burden with.
I read recently that you had a chance encounter with RHCP's Chad Smith last year; even getting to jam with him – that must've been a wild night, right?
It was indeed! I don't think I've ever been so shocked, and excited, to look up from my guitar to see one of my heroes standing in front of me. Luckily for me, he's an amazing guy and was just great to hang out with. Playing with him was surreal, a very out of body experience.
Have you used your iso time to learn any new, non-music skills?
I haven't got to the part of isolation where I'm trying to learn a new skill, just lots of writing and playing guitar and trying to get outside and exercise a little. But I'm sure it won't be long before I'm learning Spanish and baking.
Do you have any phobias?
Moths. I can't explain it, but I'm not a fan. I know it's stupid.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
Mexican, it's pretty much the only thing I can cook without setting my apartment on fire.
The scariest scenario you've found yourself in?
I did a road trip through Europe with three of my friends about six years ago; the trip of a lifetime.
We drive from Berlin all the way to Portugal and then back up to Norway, but along the way we stayed at an Airbnb in the French countryside with what turned out to be a very crazy French farmer who we were pretty convinced was going to murder us.
His behaviour was just bizarre, and he started showing us his weapons that he used on people who didn't agree with his point of view. I don't think any of us slept, and we couldn't drive away from that place fast enough.
Your favourite app at the moment is?
Spotify. I'm discovering so much new, great music at the moment. It's pretty phenomenal to have all the music at your fingertips at any given time.
