We recently featured “Title Dictates Behavior” by Jack R. Reilly and I wanted to take a moment to get to know him and his music better.
Jack, what attracted you to laid-back style you practice?
I just love the intimacy. Especially in a live setting. There’s opportunity for a real sense of connectedness to be felt, between the audience and myself. That’s what excites me, that’s what I love. I didn’t start with that in mind though. It’s something I’ve always felt, but haven’t had the ability to articulate until very recently. When I found the words to express this feeling, all of a sudden I found reason in all the art I love.
How long have you been making music? Have you been performing or sharing it with the public all that time?
Since about age 11. My first time playing live was when I was 12, playing In Bloom by Nirvana with my best friend and the house band of a Lawn Bowls Club in a small town called Kiama.
Who or what influences your writing and performance?
The two are linked. I love art that has been made with the motivation to establish connections between artists and audience. My day job is to teach children aged 3-5, and so much of that is about establishing connections. Being able to connect and relate to other people is one of the foundations for life and learning, and I think that making art is a beautiful way to do that. Those connections are made by openness, and I try to write as open as I can. I’m hugely influenced by writers that can feel open and honest while still putting forward a sense of awe, wonder and imagination about the world. There’s so many, Bruce Springsteen, John Darnielle, George Carlin, Kurt Vonnegut, Kevin Smith, Tim Burton, Louis CK, Elliot Smith, Morrissey, Joe Strummer, Conner Oberst, Sean Conran, Wil Wagner, Kevin Devine and so many more.
It seems all creative people go through rough patches or writer’s block of some sort. What motivates you to keep going?
Trying to relax. Trying to write without goals in mind. Playing with the only intention to play, really child like. Also practicing the things I feel I’m not quite as good as I’d like to be yet; like singing and vocal techniques.
Were you trying to accomplish something different or specific with this project – creatively or otherwise?
I really wanted to see if I could reveal things about myself to myself; through the prism of fiction. Everything on the EP could be taken from the perspectives of the characters of the films I’m exploring, just as easily as it could just be about me and situations I find myself in. It’s left me with a lovely feeling of identity and security in knowing there are other people who feel like I do sometimes.
What was the last song you listened to?
Lincoln Le Fevre – Get Drunk, See Bands
Do you prefer a certain medium for listening – vinyl, CDs, mp3, reel-to-reel, Pono,(lol sort of)?
Live is the best, others are all fine.
If you had to choose one place to host your music, would you prefer Spotify, Apple Music, Bandcamp, or … ?
I guess Spotify; I think I listen to that the most.
Do you ever feel as if your tunes are lost in a sea of music? What are one or two of the biggest challenges you face when trying to attract new listeners?
Maybe kind of, but I love music so I’m happy to just be contributing in some way. Drowning in a sea of music sounds like a pretty sweet death to me haha.
Are you playing on live stages, clubs, bars, the local town picnic, festivals?
My main focus is just finishing the EP, then I’m touring everywhere.
Do you ever stream your performances over the net? Where can music lovers see you perform?
I have done – there’s a cool vid here https://youtu.be/qOUqo3oAw4E
Where is the best place to connect with you online and/or discover more of your music?
Soundcloud or Spotify
Can you share an anecdote or tale of woe or inspiration like a story about an out-of-touch club manager, your favorite fan interaction, broken busses, or you know… just some experience in your musical journey you’ll never forget?
There was a really nice moment at the last show I played; where I unplugged my guitar and got down in to the crowd and had a little campfire sing a long. The tune I played was called My First Panic Attack, and there was a real feeling of presence and connection in the room. We were all sort of one for those couple minutes. That feeling of connection is my only goal, and we kicked it that night.
Lightning Round
What’s your favorite ice cream?
Half Baked
Dream vehicle?
the Bat wing
Sailing yacht, catamaran, bass boat, or kayak?
Nah
Place on Earth you must visit some day
CBGBs
Batman or Spiderman?
Are you seriously asking??
James Bond or Jason Borne?
Jason Bond
Bugs Bunny or Anime?
por qué no podemos tener ambas cosas?
Favorite beer or beverage of pleasure?
Vanilla Coke. (Sue me!)
Movie or book quote you are liable to drop at the wrong moment?
Fear and respect that escalator.
Left with a choice of one instrument, which would you keep?
Voice?
Any last thoughts? Shout outs? Words of wisdom?
Everyone should listen to Obscura Hail.
