Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
Well, it all started when I was about 10 and I was listening to The RHCP album “By the Way” on repeat. I forced my brother’s mate to teach me some of the songs and that’s all I did, musically, for about 4 years (apart from playing “seven nations army” once in school assembly) until I got my first electric guitar. At that time, I distinctly remember playing the “I believe in a thing called love” riff for a while. So I guess “music” as a past time was forever present from that age.
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
So, I am Jack Hyphen; midlands born, but now Manchester-based, Solo artist who makes music influenced by Alternative Rock, Indie Pop, melodic acoustic, and everything in between. From 18 – 21 I spent all my spare time (and I mean all) traveling from Manchester to Hereford (where I grew up) to continue a band (Point Zero) I had started JUST before moving up north. We made alternative rock etc. and was unsuccessfully and naively trying to “make it”, with 0 no how or contacts. After that ended, I was pretty gutted and vowed to not have a band again and took a musical hiatus. I came back to music tentatively and made some acoustic songs but not with any real direction. Then after 7 years in an office job I packed it in (a few months before covid, but we can talk about that later) and released my debut EP, as Jack Hyphen, to sold out crowd at Sacred Trinity Church in Salford. Since then I’ve been making more music and trying my best to play as much as possible. I realised I cannot live without it.
Name me your 3 favorite Albums.
I have to go back to when my interest in music was really solidified in my teens, as my musical upbringing was just Boys 2 Men and UB40.
When I was about 16 I found my love for alt rock, I’d get the bus to college every day I would listen to these on repeat –
Everything Everything – Man Alive
Two Door Cinema Club – Tourist History
Bloc Party – A Weekend in the City
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
Probably
Suffragette Suffragette
Song by Everything Everything
The music industry is the hardest industry in the world to progress in, How do you feel you are doing?
It’s a very difficult industry to navigate, I think I am paving my own way somewhat. But I would like a cheeky back door into Glasto so I can do a set there. Do you know anyone?
I’m seeing a lot of debate about women not feeling safe at music gigs, any thoughts on what we need to do to help?
I’ve fortunately never seen or known of this at a gig of mine but obviously know this is real and serious thing. Bands/Artist and fans should continue to create a safe space for everyone at gigs, point out culprits when it happens and make it clear it is not accepted.
Nobody should have to go to a gig feeling unsafe.
As you develop as an artist and develop using socials what ways do you get new ears on your music? Any tips?
To be honest there are thousands of tips out there and I’ve probably tried 100. There is no definitive way. But I’d say if socials are the route, consistent posting does actually do something, especially in the short format like reels and TikTok. I’d suggest just trying to be yourself OR getting a famous friend to share your content.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I know Hozier’s cousin
Ellie Goulding went to my Highschool
Cher sang at my friend’s wedding
What’s your thought on Spotify’s monopoly on the music industry?
We all know the music industry has changed. Clearly streaming IS good for discovery in the digital age BUT the royalty level of Spotify needs reviewing and the discovery mode they introduced, where they take 30% of already a measly pool of royalties to increase your reach, seem shady. That being said, stream my new song on Spotify 🙂
Do you sign up for any conspiracy theories?
Most of them no, but some are very comical. Depends how water tight the claims are
Did you buy anything you don’t need during the pandemic?
Nah, I had just quit my job to pursue music before the pandemic. So, I didn’t get furlough. I was skint.
What was the worst experience on stage?
In my FIRST-ever gig, there was an oldish lady in the audience with her fingers in her ears. That’s what motivated me to be an artist.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I don’t write at all with any other artist in mind. The comparisons I get are usually to artists I’ve never heard of and or listened to. I quite like that.
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
Flee, which comes out 19.05.2023, is actually the first song I wrote as Jack Hyphen 7 years ago after my band ended, but it has finally been recorded properly and I am buzzing. I’d say it is quintessentially Jack Hyphen and no better way to start my comeback.
Talk me through the thought process of the new tune/s.
I often make notes for lyrics in my phone. Some I leave for years before revisiting. I am a sporadic writer. I could delve into my memos while jamming alone, and make a thought from 3 years ago into half a song. Then develop that over however many days weeks or months it needs. I usually make a demo of it, with drums and bass etc. in my room and this really seems to help the creative process and conceptualize the song.
What was the recording process like?
The demos I make in my room. I then send to my drummer and we take the song to the studio (Kevin Foy Productions) to start recording. Me and Kev build the track from drums, to bass, guitars, then vocals. I am a sucker for harmonies so this is always the final stage.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
In terms of recording, I think I have a pretty good system now. But when I was younger, me and my band spent a whole weekend in a great studio, expecting the world, and came out with not much to show for it. you’ve gotta put in the work and know the song and have a good idea WHAT you want from the song.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I haven’t listened to the song since I sent it to the distributors in March. For the exact reason implied by the question. You can always find something!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Come to my gig on 26th May, in central Manchester and I’ll give you a t-shirt for free.