Introducing Interview: Jack Ellis

Playing in bands for several years before making the decision to go solo in 2014, singer-songwriter Jack Ellis creates heartfelt offerings displaying his skill on a number of different instruments – not only singing, but playing bass, guitar and piano on many of his tracks.

Being voted Best Breakthrough Act and nominated for Best Live Act at the Cardiff Music Awards last year, and receiving play on the likes of BBC Wales and from Dermot O’Leary on Radio 2, it seems Ellis is fast becoming one of the bright rising stars of Welsh music.

Having just released his new, impassioned single ‘The Storm’, Jack spoke to Gigslutz about his influences and plans for the summer…

Hello Jack! Welcome to Gigslutz! Please introduce yourself.
My name’s Jack Ellis, I am a singer-songwriter from the most Southern part of Wales.

How did you first get into music?
I grew up listening to the likes of Fleetwood Mac, R.E.M and Kate Bush being drilled into my skull through my parents, until they bought me my first guitar at 7.

Tell us the story behind your emotive new single ‘The Storm’.
I wrote ‘The Storm’ around a year ago with the elements of an ended relationship – the ups and the downs storming around a few guitar riffs.

What is your usual songwriting process?
I’m consistently fiddling around with a few instruments until I feel that the right sequence of chords deserve some “life experience” lyrics crafted around them.

Who are your biggest musical influences?
Ben Howard and Jeff Buckley are my two favourites, but a recent one I’m currently bleeding dry every album is a singer-songwriter named Asaf Avidan – his vocals are out of this world!

What’s the music scene like in Wales at the moment?
It’s pretty lively, there’s some great music coming out of Wales but growing up so close to Cardiff my eyes are a little further afield than South Wales at the moment.

Are you playing any festivals this summer?
I’m playing a few cool festivals with Geckgo Festival next weekend, and The Big Easy festival on the 30th of July and I’m excited to be finishing the summer off with Looe Festival in September which is going to be crazy!

Huge thanks to Jack for answering our questions!

‘The Storm’, the new single from Jack Ellis, is out now on District South Records. Find out more at his website.