Jack Vallier Is Going Through Some ‘Changes’
Jack Vallier has quickly risen to the spotlight over the last 18 months, having supported both Jade Bird and Dermot Kennedy on their respective sold-out UK and European tours and now he delivers the new single ‘Changes’ alongside his five-track EP. We were lucky enough to speak to Jack and find out how the last whirl winding 18 months have gone for him, as well as his thoughts on the EP.
How was it coming off tour with both Jade Bird and Dermot Kennedy?
One of the best things I’ve done so far, I still miss it most days, but it was a great experience. I learned a lot and took a lot of inspiration away with me, they are both incredible artists.
What was the best highlight from each tour?
All of the Germany shows were really special, my favourite part was meeting everyone after the shows. It’s such a buzz to see instant reactions to your songs, which you don’t get in the studio writing.
Do you feel your time on the road was influential to you when you were creating the EP?
Definitely! I never thought much about playing songs live when I wrote them, but now I do. I imagine headlining those venues one day while I’m writing and it’s helped me figure out what kind of artist I want to be.
Where did the inspiration for your latest track ‘Changes’ come from?
I wrote ‘Changes’ by a lake in Finland, I was trying to get through a tough time with my girlfriend who was dealing with sickness in the family. The song was about how these kinds of ‘Changes’ can hurt.
If you could pick one track that you feel influenced each track on the EP, what would they be? Why?
I never get inspiration from just one song but I can say that 3 out of 5 of these songs were written in the same month, just after coming off a tour with Dermot Kennedy, I think those songs rubbed off on me.
I was also inspired by the 1975 and Lauv because of how unapologetically honest they are, it gave me confidence that I could speak about whatever I wanted.
When creating the EP, what was the biggest struggle you had to overcome?
Talking about things that are deeply personal is never easy, saying things that my parents don’t even know and will find out from the lyrics is daunting. But I’ve accepted that it’s a good thing now, it’s been so rewarding seeing how honesty can help people to feel less alone.
What track do you feel is most personal to you and why?
Maybe “I’m Too Young to Die”, for obvious reasons. I wrote the song at rock bottom but by the time I finished it I felt a lot of hope, a song I’ve written has never helped me like this one.
And finally, what has been your most exciting 2020 announcement thus far?
Headline shows, I’m so excited to get out and play my own gigs this year, it’s always been the dream!
You can catch Jack Live at:
The Waiting Room, London, UK – March 4th
