Samuel Jack
UK-based Singer/songwriter Samuel Jack unveiled his latest single “Feels Like Summer” on June 14th.
Co-written by Samuel Jack, Lily-May Young and produced by Owen Thomas, “Feels Like Summer” is an anthemic summer pop record reminiscing about the good old times.
The lead single will appear on Jack’s upcoming album, which will be released later this year.
“There’s anthems, there’s ballads and there’s some heavy hitters. I listen to all sorts of music, but there is something about Rhythm’n’Blues, about Soul, about Gospel that just gets into my veins. The history of it all, the hurt, the pain, the joy, the sex. And when those emotions are delivered by a voice that really means it, i just feel like there can’t be a better way to express yourself”, expresses Jack.
Jack has has performed on international stages including Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party and Larmer Tree Festival, as well as sharing stages with the likes of Passenger, Jack Savoretti and Jake Isaac. His music has also received numerous TV placements on shows such as Shameless and Nashville, and landed features from prestigious outlets including Clash, Music Week and BBC Introducing.
“Feels Like Summer” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
I’m Samuel Jack , a singer/songwriter born in London, raised all over and currently living in England’s south west.
What's your story?
A long and complicated one but in short ; I discovered my love for music whilst living in South Africa where my father worked but it wasn’t until my late teens that I sat down at a piano or opened my mouth to sing. I led a somewhat nomadic childhood and travelled extensively - I went to uni, but dropped out. I’ve been up, down and all over place, and along the way music has been my constant.
You grew up in Johannesburg, any favourite memories from your time there?
Probably learning an old tribal song called “shosholoza” and singing it with my friends in the school yard.
How would you describe your childhood?
Confusing, interesting, difficult but full of love and adventure .
How would you define yourself today?
I’m certainly someone who knows who he is, and I’d like to think I’m honest, sometimes too honest for my own good I feel :)
When did your love for art and music begin?
It began whilst in the bath, singing along to ‘Graceland’ by Paul Simon and ‘Astral Weeks’ by Van Morrison, that and a load of BB King, James Taylor , Etta James, Nina Simone and Sam Cooke.
When did you start getting involved in the music industry? Could you tell us about your first experience in the industry?
I started getting involved in the industry when the college band I was in recorded our first few songs at a local studio to me - that’s where I met my first producer.
That was my first experience, of the creative side of the industry at least, but my first experience of the business side of the industry was probably the first time I had a conversation with my lawyer about contract stuff - I remember thinking at the time “oh wow, this is really it”.
How would you define Samuel Jack, the artist?
An artist full of soul, with every intention of singing songs about life experiences in a way broadly relatable.
"Feels Like Summer" is your new single. What's the story behind this song?
“Feels Like Summer” came about after I’d had a few beers with some mates at the pub, we were reminiscing about the good old times and it sparked so many good memories for me - it’s a song full of nostalgia and I hope it makes everyone smile as much as it does me.
When did you start working on this song? Who did you work with?
I started working in the song in my favourite studio in the south west and finished it in Los Angeles with my long standing producer Owen Thomas.
What do you like the most about this song?
I think mainly that it just makes me feel good. It’s not too heavy. It makes me wanna dance.
What do you want to accomplish with this single?
Spread a little summer joy, and above all else I just wanna connect with people.
What can you tell us about the artwork for this song?
The artwork is part of a series of photos I’m using through my releases up to the album.
What do you think of today's music industry?
It’s an amazing but perilous place. On one hand it’s harder than ever to cut through, on the other hand we have so many platforms now to share what we do as artists and there’s so much scope for collaboration, it’s quite an exciting time. It’s changing all the time.
What's the hardest part about being artist?
I think it’s finding a good work/life balance. Music is life and life is music of course - but I find it hard to not be ‘at work’. It’s so constant these days especially with social media being so important, you can’t take your foot off the gas for a second.
From all the experiences you've lived in your career so far, do you have a favourite memory?
Probably taking to the stage at Glastonbury. That was special for me.
What do you like the most about performing?
I think it’s the buzz. The thrill of it. Sometimes I worry that I can’t pull it off but something kinda just takes over when there’s a mic in my hand and I absolutely love performing for people .
How do you want to be remembered for?
Hopefully for being an artist that wasn’t scared to be honest, and as someone who wouldn’t settle for second best.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
More storytellers , singers, dancers and artists.
What biggest life lessons have you learnt so far?
To follow your gut instincts.
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