Instagram: @daniel.jack.music
“Intricate guitar, loud vocals, emotional lyrics and a decent bit of fun”
Interview: We speak with Daniel Jack ahead of Next Big Thing
Your music has a distinct indie rock feel, but when you play at the open mic night you strip everything back. How does playing your songs acoustically change the way you reinterpret or reconnect with them?
Yeah that is right I feel like there is a massive difference when I play my songs acoustically they almost sort of become a different song entirely. My songs are mostly written with a full band in mind so when it comes to playing acoustically I have to sit and work out which parts I can fit in which is always a really fun exercise almost. A lot of my performance style comes from the fact that I play my acoustic exactly like an electric guitar so I’m still playing with all the energy I would plugged into an amp and trying to play as many parts at once as I can! In doing that I do end up having a completely different perspective on the song and it does end up sounding completely new. In terms of lyrically it also can sometimes make me reinterpret the story I’m telling and making it a bit more emotional by pushing the lyrics to the front rather than hiding behind a wall of sound. I love both versions of my songs and I feel like the acoustic versions are separate things from the full band songs, which is quite a cool feeling I think!
What’s been feeding your writing lately, whether it’s music, life, or the people around you, and can listeners expect those influences to show up in the songs you’re playing at Next Big Thing?
Yeah I think all of those things have been inspiring me lately. Definitely most of my writing comes from big life changes and the people around me. However I’ve been spending a lot of my time recently getting songs finalised to put together into a collective piece of work which is going very well! In terms of influences in general my main two influences are The Smiths and Bloc Party and they show up a lot in my music especially my full band songs where I can fully lean into all of my influences. In my acoustic versions you can still hear those influences especially in my guitar playing as I still play my acoustic as if it was an electric guitar which I think gives me a unique sound and outlook when performing acoustically… and a good amount of broken strings.
“I’m definitely on my way to developing the musical identity that I’m wanting”
Your sound sits in that sweet spot between the punch of indie rock paired with the vulnerability of a solo storyteller. How would you describe the musical identity you’re shaping right now?
Yeah I feel like I’m definitely on my way to developing the musical identity that I’m wanting. It is hard to describe but my musical identity is definitely rooted in indie rock guitar and emotional lyrics that try to paint a mental image rather than describe what’s going on… if that makes any sense. Intricate guitar, loud vocals, emotional lyrics and a decent bit of fun is how I’d like to describe my identity and music.
For anyone hearing you for the first time at this show, what’s the one thing you hope they walk away understanding about who you are as an artist and a performer?
Well I really hope people listening for the first time like my music and enjoy my performance most of all! I do try to let my personality shine through my performances and make it clear that I don’t really take myself too seriously and try to have a laugh. So if new listeners like my music and also get a feel for how I am as a person and sort of generate that bit of connection then that would be ideal!
Little Buildings has a reputation for spotlighting emerging talent, what does being part of this event mean for you at this stage in your journey?
It really means a lot to be asked to take part in this event. I am really really grateful! Especially at this point in my music journey. Getting an opportunity to showcase my songs and performance to a room full of new people in a venue known for supporting emerging talent is just perfect and I cannot wait!
Event Details
Date: 11 February
Venue: Little Buildings, Ouseburn
Music from: 7pm
Tickets: £4