Embark on a musical journey filled with infectious indie rock melodies and soul-stirring introspection with Jack Anthony’s debut single, ‘On My Own.’
In the vibrant and sunlit landscapes of the South-West of Sydney, emerges a figure of prodigious talent and determination: Jack Anthony, an indie rock virtuoso whose musical journey began at the tender age of five.
After years of honing his stagecraft through countless gigs, Jack’s heart still beats strongest for songwriting and weaving melodic tapestries that resonate with the soul. With unwavering dedication, he delves into the depths of raw emotions, skillfully crafting each note and verse as if basking in the embrace of daylight itself. The result is a vivid glimpse into the essence of Jack Anthony, his aspirations, and his innermost musings, all elegantly composed within the musical fabric.
Jack Anthony’s debut single, titled “On My Own,” is an exuberant gem that sparkles with unbridled optimism.
The track’s composition reflects a stylistic parallel to the youthful exuberance of bands like Vampire Weekend, or Hockey Dad, infusing Jack’s guitar-centric indie rock sound with vibrant indie rock-pop rhythms and infectious melodies.
The song delves into the theme of embracing solitude and finding strength in being alone, even amidst the trials and tribulations of love and relationships. With its magnetic allure, “On My Own” captures the essence of feeling content in one’s own company while candidly acknowledging the uncertainties that come with introspection.
With its catchy energy and upbeat vibe, the debut single encapsulates the essence of Anthony’s unapologetic honesty, as he lays bare his emotions and vulnerabilities through each note and lyric. The song serves as an empowering anthem, reminding us that finding solace in ourselves can be a source of strength, even during moments of uncertainty in love and life.
With such a compelling and uplifting debut, fans and music enthusiasts are left eagerly awaiting the release of future songs from Jack Anthony, as he continues to paint vivid musical tapestries that resonate with the human experience.
In anticipation of his first headline show at The Factory Theatre in Marrickville, Jack Anthony promises a night of feel-good indie rock, backed by supporting acts Martha, Sophie Jean, and Milina.
As we eagerly await the night of his momentous show, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Jack to get a glimpse into his life as a gigging musician, songwriter, and artist. He opens up about his early influences, songwriting process, and the journey behind his debut single, ‘On My Own,’ which had been forgotten for some time until its recent revival.
Join us as we delve into the mind and soul of Jack Anthony, an artist destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of indie rock, one melody at a time.
Happy: What are you up to today?
Jack: I’m always busy. My main focus now is of course on music and doing everything I can to make it happen for me as an artist.
So that’s my priority, but I do have to keep things chugging along as well. I work a few different jobs. Obviously the first being a gigging musician.
I work part time in promotions at a radio station and teach guitar a couple nights a week. So between all that and also trying to have a social life, it’s busy times.
I released my debut single back at the start of June, as well as a fun lil music video. Both were super fun to make and I hope I get to do a lot more of it.
I’ve got another single on the way which I haven’t really said much about yet but I’m super keen to get that out into the world in the coming months.
Happy: Tell us about where you live, and what the scene is like in your neck of the woods.
Jack: I live in Green Valley which is a suburb in the South-West of Sydney, not far from Liverpool.
I would love to say there is a super vibrant music scene out here but that’s not really the truth. Having said that, I was lucky enough to meet some pretty great like-minded muso’s and other talented creatives through school and other music programs over the years.
All of the members in my band are from my area and I grew up with most of them. Even s0me 0f the openers for my upcoming show are from my area as well. So that’s pretty cool.
Happy: Tell us about your average day?
Jack: Wake up and work (most days anyway). When l get home I try to do at least a little bit of writing, I like to do it every day if I can.
Then depending on the day I’ll either teach guitar at night or I may have rehearsals, gigs or other commitments. I also try to fit exercise somewhere in the equation…
Happy: What about your ultimate day?
Jack: If every day could be like this I would be STOKED! Wake up and have a slow morning.
Head into the studio to work on some tracks and do some writing for most of the day. Then, to a venue where me and my band have a gig that night.
Put on an EPIC show. Then post-show hangs and bevs with friends. SLEEP and then repeat. The DREAM.
Happy: What did you listen to growing up that fuelled your passion for music?
Jack: I remember being 12 or 13 and showing my dad the song I had just learnt, which was Redemption Song by Bob Marley.
The riff from that song is similar to Wish you were here by Pink Floyd which he suggested I learn next.
I fell down a rabbit hole which led to me being obsessed with Pink Floyd and especially David Gilmour the lead guitarist and singer from the band in my early teenage years.
From that point on I was infatuated with guitar, songwriting and just music in general. That led to me getting into other great bands and artists like Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nirvana and of course The Beatles, as well as many more.
Even though my taste and style may have evolved, I still absolutely love those bands and am so thankful I was introduced to them at such a young age and the impact it’s had on me.
Happy: You mentioned being influenced by various bands and artists across different genres. How have these influences shaped your sound?
Jack: Even though my songs may have a certain sound, I wouldn’t say I’m necessarily consciously thinking about any particular artists or genres while I’m writing.
I mean I am still at the beginning of my career, so I’m kinda still just trying to work it all out and find my sound. And I feel like that is a process. But I’m constantly listening to music and absorbing as much as I can. I’m just super keen to learn more about being a songwriter and an artist and gain as much knowledge as I can.
Happy: Can you tell us about the journey and inspiration behind your debut single, “On My Own,” and how it came to be released after being forgotten for some time?
Jack: Well yeah funnily enough, this song came about quite a while ago. I think it was during lockdown back in 2021.
Songs for me come about in all different ways. Although, it usually is chords or a riff that sparks that first bit of inspiration. And that’s the case with On My Own. If I remember correctly, it started with the guitar riff that you can hear at the beginning of the song.
And then I think I more or less finished the song there and then. Sometimes you get lucky and it all happens super quickly, sometimes not so much.
Although I remember feeling stuck with the song back then though because I couldn’t find a pre-chorus that worked and I wasn’t stoked on the bridge I had at the time.
So it just sat there for at least two years. But towards the end of last year when I finally decided I was ready to announce myself as an artist, I knew one of the first steps was to work out what I wanted to release.
From writing songs since I was a teenager, you can imagine I’ve accumulated quite a number of demos and random recordings of songs over the years which I then needed to sift through.
On My Own was always in the back of my head and eventually I decided that maybe I should maybe give it another crack.
I also knew I wanted the first song to be super fun and energetic, and felt that On My Own kinda matched the description.
But then came the issue of what to do for a bridge and pre-chorus. I finally came up with a bridge that I liked and basically canned the pre-chorus completely and opted just for a little guitar riff moment instead.
I then hit up a local producer I knew of, Ryan Cramp, to see if he was keen to do a track, and boom On My Own was born.
But it still sat around for a couple months as I just felt it was missing something. And the answer was my sister, Sophie Jean’s vocals.
Soph wasn’t on the song until only a few months ago. Once she had her input on the song, I was super happy and released the bad boy!
Happy: How has your background as a gigging musician and performer influenced your songwriting process and the development of your unique musical style?
Jack: I think the more you’re involved in music, regardless of what it is, the more you pick up and absorb.
One thing I’ve definitely built up over the years from doing gigs is my confidence, confidence to try different things and even just having the confidence within myself and trust in what I’m doing.
Doubts are always still there of course but my confidence has definitely improved over the years.
Happy: What can fans expect from your upcoming headline show at The Factory Theatre? How do you feel about taking the stage as an artist in your own right?
Jack: Lots of fun, potentially some emotions (emotions not specified) and plenty of bangers (hold the mash).
I actually think it’s gonna feel a bit weird, I’ve been performing my whole life but have done very few gigs as my own artist performing my own originals. No gigs to this magnitude anyway. Super excited but SOME nerves of course.
Happy: How did your early performances at school, in particular busking, shape your musical journey?
I love performing and I’ve done lots of it. I’ve done plenty of gigs in my time but unfortunately not every performance is amazing, but you do learn heaps from those not so good ones.
I once performed on a busy six lane road during peak hour traffic with trucks passing by within 3 metres of where I stood. Fun. One of the main things you improve on once you do that many gigs though, especially busking, is your improvisational skills.
Having to quickly work out a song you’ve heard maybe once in your life because someone’s requested it.
Or having to cater to the vibe of the crowd, whether they’re rowdy or quiet. There’s been a bunch of different stuff I’ve picked up over the years.
Happy: Teaching guitar at your childhood performing arts studio sounds like a fulfilling experience. How has this role impacted your growth as a musician and connected you to your local community in Western Sydney?
Jack: I love it. I think I sometimes forget how important the benefits of community are, but I’m constantly reminded every time I go in to teach.
Especially in such a culturally diverse area, music has always kept me intact with my community which I may not have been able to do any other way if it wasn’t for music.
Happy: As a songwriter, what themes or topics do you find yourself drawn to the most?
Jack: It changes all the time but one thing that I try to write about when I can is moments. Whether it’s a significant moment or not, or regardless of how long the moment might be, I find detailing certain moments in time a super interesting process.
When interesting situations or things come up, I try to document it so I can look back on it and laugh and/or cry first… and THEN try and write something about it.
Happy: You’ll be performing alongside your sister Sophie Jean and your band. How does it feel to share the stage with your sibling and close friends?
Jack: I’m superrrrr keen. I’ve been performing with Soph, Brandon (guitarist) and Danilo (bassist) for quite some time but never in an environment like this and not in a while.
We were lucky enough to have picked up Aleks my drummer recently, and he’s just been killing it!
Myself, Brandon and Danilo have also been friends since year 7 and we’ve experienced a lot together as mates, so I’m super keen to be able to share the stage with them once again.
Happy: What dynamic does it bring to your live performances?
Jack: Definitely helps in terms of comfortability on stage. I’ve been playing with most of these guys since high school, so there’s definitely an element of comfort there for sure.
Happy: Can you give us a glimpse into your songwriting process? How do you typically approach creating catchy and energetic tracks?
Jack: I wouldn’t really say when I sit down to write a song, I’m necessarily thinking about writing a certain way or to a particular style.
The main thing I try to do is write songs that I like and hopefully other people do too. Another thing I try to do is write songs that maybe somewhat reflect who I am and my personality.
If my friends or anyone who knows me, listen to a song I’ve written and go “oh this is sooooo you”, that’s a massive win in my books.
Happy: Being an artist from the South-West of Sydney, how has your upbringing and the local music scene influenced your artistic development?
Jack: I’ve been super lucky to have a really supportive family. I honestly don’t know how I would’ve done it without them; they’ve just been amazing. Same goes for my friend group, I was blown away by all the encouragement when I released my first single and honestly wasn’t expecting it. So grateful.
Happy: What do you hope to contribute to the music community in your area?
Jack: I think in general I’d like to see more live music. Whether it be in my area or anywhere. Whether that be in pubs or bars, community events and ideally I would love to see more live music venues. Especially in my area but all over, and If I can somehow help to make that happen I absolutely will.
Happy: What makes you happy?
Jack: I can honestly say I’ve never asked myself this question before haha.
I love hanging out with my friends. Whether that’s going out on the weekend or hanging at someone’s house, that makes me happy.
When I’ve written something that I think is half decent, that makes me happy. Performing (sometimes) makes me happy haha.
I don’t really know, there will be little things that may happen in a day or a week that just boosts my spirits just that little bit.
And It might be exactly what the doctor ordered at that time, I’ll take whatever I can get haha.
Tickets here.
