Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Whiskey Jack

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

My dad would often play his old Blueridge guitar in the house, I remember dancing around the kitchen and imitating him with a large wooden spoon. I was probably 4

How did your passion for creating music begin?

It wasn’t till after high school that I really dug into the guitar. I went traveling on a one way ticket to South America when I was 19, after three and a bit months traveling up the continent I took a flight up to canada for a white christmas. I loved it up there and stayed on a working visa for 2 years, that’s when I started songwriting. I purchased a nice guitar in Vancouver and started playing open mic nights.

What’s the story behind your current music project?

Whiskey Jack is a name I took from the north american alpine grey jay also known as the Whiskey Jack. In mythology the bird is a trickster character and a lover of the mountains – as am I. 

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

I would say our sound fits between a few genres, its Folk, Alt-country. An Australian version of americana, calling it Austrailiana 

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

Authenticity is key. I try to make music that I like, that’s the guide. I think you’ve got to be honest.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

For me it’s a guitar and a notebook. The things that inform my creativity would be adventures – It’s hard to beat lived experience. I also like to read.

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Lou Hazel – His album Riot of the Red is a favorite, no skips needed.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I think your personal experience directly influences the art and music you make, it’s a beautiful thing. Unique experiences fuel creativity, pursuing new perspectives, the expansion of the senses. Working on a song is the attempt to capture, distill and re communicate into the right words and melody.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

I think music is a way to access feelings, moments, memories, and emotion. I hope the music connects and moves the listener in some way, a smile, a toe tap. 🙂 

 What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

Music is a powerful medium, it’s a way to connect. I might sit down to write a song and be surprised at what comes out. The subconscious becomes conscious.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Glastonbury Festival

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I’d love to collaborate with Angie McMahon – She’s an amazing singer – songwriter – I love her music. 🙂 

Where can our listeners follow and support your music? (Website,Spotify, IG, links)

Instagram – @whiskeyjack_music

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/whiskeyjackmusic

Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/track/0oHOKvMlISZBgkGezc7v4D?si=ba3931275cdc4ccd

Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/@whiskeyjackmusic

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I’m currently working on an album. I’d love to do some touring through Europe.