Q&A: Jack Panther
Wellington-based queer indie-pop artist Jack Panther has just released his latest dark & heavy single “Sleep”, teaming up with UK producer Ian Barter who previously worked with artists like Amy Winehouse, FKA Twigs and Paloma Faith.
He chats to us about his debut EP “this dream i had” dropping very soon, as well as his biggest influences, his favourite NZ tracks right now and more.
We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far, from when you first started singing!
Kia Ora! I got into music first through writing. Although I’ve been writing since I was around 14, singing’s actually quite a new skill to me. I began university to focus on production, playing the keys and writing, then left university somehow singing too. It’s been a wonderful journey for me so far, often stepping outside my comfort zone and experimenting. I think I’ve been really lucky in that sense.
We think your latest track “Sleep” is absolutely incredible, with such vulnerable and raw lyrics. Can you tell us about what this track is about and what inspired the concept of it?
Awh thank you so much. Yeah it’s actually quite a vulnerable track for me to release, especially as a single. The track’s a slow burn, written as a diary entry from a trip to Dubai to see this guy I was seeing at the time. I had never been so anxious in my life during that trip. All of these red flags just hit me in the face and I couldn’t sleep. Things got progressively worse the more I found out. In a way “Sleep” is about a heartbreaking, hellish experience, but a very important chapter in myself that’s fuelled me to work harder, write better and stand stronger.
What were some of your main highlights working on your debut single “This Dream” and how exciting was it to finally release the song into the world?
I had two main highlights from this track, both from dream collaborators of mine - the co-producer Ian Barter and working with the music video director, Charlotte Evans.
This project especially was so surreal, I admire both of them so much. When I received the first video draft from Charlotte I actually cried, I was so proud. That being said, 2020 has just been such an up and down year, I was beyond excited to release it but also very very nervous.
We’re so excited to hear more of your music! What can you tell us about your upcoming tracks and will they be a similar sound to your current songs that are out?
I’m soooo excited too! I’ve got an EP “this dream i had” coming out Nov 13th and I’m so excited to show yet another side to my writing. Although each track sounds very different, I think something that leds it all together is my writing. I wrote all of these tracks within 9 months, I think it shows a lot of growth and development I did in that time.
Who are your biggest inspirations in music, and biggest influences on your sound?
I have a huge range of influences, from Amy Winehouse to Arctic Monkeys to King Princess and most recently Joji. On my upcoming EP it was influenced by the likes of Julia Jacklin, Harry Styles and The Japanese House.
Lately I’ve been listening to a lot of lofi R&B and trap-infused-pop like Joji - I’m excited to see what direction this pulls me in for 2021!
If there’s anything you could change about the current music industry, what would it be and why?
As an upcoming solo managing artist I’ve gone through the ups and downs it brings. There does need to be more support from the industry to nurture and develop upcoming artists. I’m so glad that the industry have acknowledged this and put together programmes like SongHubs and the Producer Series. I still do think however there’s a lot of work to do.
Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?
CRYSTAL - “The Chase”, Womb - “Here We Bend (To Smell The Dirt)”, Eli Superflyy - “Stuck Like Glue” and Belladonna - “Kiss Me”.
What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?
I love how progressive we are as a nation. We talk about difficult subjects that aren’t afraid to make us feel uncomfortable. It’s a huge strength of ours.
I also love Waiheke Island, it’s my second home. Growing up I’d be on the island for months every summer. It’s something so nostalgic to me and even now I appreciate it in a more serene way.
What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt in your career so far?
Patience … Hard work, patience (again) and never be afraid to ask for help! People are there and able to support you, sometimes you just have to look a little harder.
Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?
You’re so loved. No matter who you are or where you are from, you are loved. People in this world still have a lot to learn but don’t forget the power of your voice. Kia kaha x
Make sure to keep an eye out for Jack Panther’s upcoming EP “this dream i had” coming out November 13th, and keep up with him on Instagram (@jackpanthermusic), Facebook, Spotify & Apple Music!
