Scottish singer-songwriter Jack Stark has released his captivating new single As Feathers.
Jack’s distinctively powerful baritone is at the forefront throughout. It soars effortlessly over intricate guitar twangs and tightly woven harmonies, creating a sound that is undeniably poignant as a result. Fans of the likes of Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes will feel at home here. Talking about the single, Jack explains, “As Feathers is about having to let go of something special, especially if you feel as if it’s become such a huge part of you. If it means becoming who you’re really meant to be. Because maybe along the way you both forgot and became contained by the relationship which has become dry and mundane. We could be better.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jack Stark about the new music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I can’t say anything really attracted me to the genre this single is finding itself in. I do always start off with an acoustic guitar and then build the track from there, I think that’s especially because the acoustic can be played in nice, little, subtle ways that help me flush out any lyrics I can’t quite make out yet in my head.
How long have you been creating and sharing your music with the public?
I released my first EP which was titled “Our Winter” back in 2016. It was a short record I wanted out so that I had songs that people could recognise at live gigs. You can’t listen to it now, but I do have physical copies.
Who or what influences your playing and/or writing? Also, what motivates you to keep going?
I think a lot of the time I begin to write is when I don’t get the opportunity to speak or act out who I am within a scenario that’s important to me. It’s like there’s a part of you you’re forced to shut out, though it won’t let you, it’s dying to be heard somehow and writing music is the only way I know how to have that part of me heard. What motivates me to keep going?.. maybe simple stubbornness. I don’t like unfinished projects.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
The basic idea was to find a sound that matched me as a person. I wanted it to sound like it was recorded by people. I think a lot of the time records are made to sound too polished and very clean and it has always taken away from me personally an experience into that artist’s personality. I like hearing what’s in the room, nothing feels more lame to me than seeing sound-proofing on the walls, if I ever find myself in places like that. That’s why after going through three producers we settled on recording the guitars for ‘As Feathers’ in my wooden hut and the vocals in my bedroom. There’s all sorts that can be picked up on if you just let the mics with the rooms do their magic naturally.
What was the last song you listened to?
Contaminated by BANKS. That whole record is unbelievable.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyls. I think it will outlast cd’s, though I think tapes will have its comeback too!
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I actually don’t have a preference for one of the streaming services. I use Spotify most of the time just out of convenience.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract listeners to your music?
Cost. If you could fund the marketing then you could make sure that everyone who would like your music would hear it at some point whilst scrolling through their social media. I would say another big challenge that I’m doing much better with this time around is not getting so worked up about how the record ‘is doing’. Getting DMs from various people talking about how my music has helped them means way more than a million potentially empty streams. I put out a small record called ‘Star of the Abeles’ recently after the single release and the overwhelming response I’ve had from just that has been startling, despite still having the ‘<1000’ mark next to all the songs on that EP so far, it means so little.
Do you gig, tour or perform? Do you ever live stream? Where can music lovers see you live?
Unfortunately I have no upcoming plans for live music at this moment. Soon as venues open up again I’ll be planning my own gig hopefully in the summer time once the full record is out and enough people have heard the music.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more of your music?
Instagram is now where I put all the content relating to my music! Anyone can find me there at JackStarkOfficial. I’m looking forward to hearing from you all!
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Have a complete and utter blast this Christmas despite the goings-on and go into the 2021 absolutely swinging! Thanks everyone for the support so far and thank you Indie Music Discovery for having me.
