For many years now, Brisbane’s Jack Bratt has been an unsung hero of the Australian music scene. Now, he’s recently gone solo, releasing his debut single, ‘Spades’.
Having played in bands since he was a teenager, Bratt has managed to rack up one stellar list of achievements. In between performing with Shifter, and his own bands Blonde On Blonde and Golden Age Of Ballooning, Bratt has found himself sharing a bill with some of the finest names in the music industry, including Wolfmother, INXS, and Tame Impala, amongst others.
Last year saw Bratt announced as the winner of the prestigious Grant McLennan Fellowship, proving that he’s undoubtedly one name that music-lovers should keep an eye on.
Early this month, rock fans received a taste of the immense skillset he’s got up his sleeve, with ‘Spades’ becoming one of the slickest and catchiest tracks you’ll hear any time soon.
To celebrate the release of his single, we caught up with Jack Bratt to learn a little more about artist you won’t be able to get enough of before too long.
Check out ‘Spades’ by Jack Bratt:
How would you describe your music to your grandma?
I’d probably say, “It’s very loud Grandma, you won’t like it”, ha-ha.
Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
My debut single ‘Spades’ just came out last week. Most of my songs are problem solving endeavours, they help me to put things into perspective and allow me to figure out how I feel about the more troubling or difficult situations in my life.
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‘Spades’ is about wondering if I’m where I should be in my life, if I’m doing the right things and making the right moves.
What do you love about your hometown?
I actually feel like I have two home towns, I was born in Brisbane and lived her until I was 9, but then I moved to Jindabyne in the Snowy Mountains and lived there until I was 17, and then moved back to Brisbane.
The thing I love most about Brisbane is its vibrant music scene. The city has always just oozed amazing talent, and it doesn’t stop coming, something in the water here for sure.
And the thing I love most about Jindabyne is the lake. The old township of Jindabyne was flooded with everybody moving up into the hills to make way for the lake, and the old town is still there under the water. You can see the old church when the water level gets low! People go scuba diving down there to look at the old buildings, I’d love to do that one day.
Career highlight so far?
Chad Smith, the drummer for the Red Hot Chili Peppers walked into a gig my band was playing early last year. He decided he wanted to get up and have a jam after we finished our set, so I got to play guitar on stage with one of my heroes; that was just nuts.
Check out Jack jamming with Chad Smith:
Fave non-music hobby?
I’m an obsessive fan of basketball, in particular the Los Angeles Lakers. So, every other day I’ll be on my couch in my purple and gold colours, yelling at the television.
What’s on your dream rider?
Beer, a nice cheese platter, some tea and coffee, and some good wif-fi. I’m a man of simple pleasures.
Dream music collaboration?
I’d love to play some guitar on one of Frank Ocean’s records one day, that man is a genius.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Ideally doing more of the same, playing music, hopefully to a few more people!
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
California Love by 2pac, but I only do Karaoke if it’s in a private booth with some friends. The general public doesn’t need to hear my rapping.
What’s on the cards for the future?
More new music, I’m so excited that ‘Spades’ has had such a positive response, I’ve already started on the next single, hopefully it will be out around June/July.
Check out Jack Bratt in action:
