Exclusive Interview: Jack Walton Talks New Music, Reconnecting with His Roots, and More

Jack Walton is one of music’s most promising rising stars, celebrated for his soulful vocals and evocative lyrics that set him apart in the industry. Proving he has ‘the X Factor,’ his talent has earned accolades from the industry’s leading icons.

Despite his undeniable talent, Jack has navigated his share of challenges, ultimately leading him back to his roots. This journey has inspired him to create music that is deeply authentic and sure to resonate with fans.

Pop Culturalist had the privilege of speaking with Jack about his journey, his upcoming music, and more.

PC: It has always been important to you that your music continues to evolve as you learn more about yourself as an artist. What has played the biggest role in your development so far? How would you describe this chapter of your artistic career?
Jack: Investing in my health may sound boring, but making it a priority has been essential to my development as an artist. When you’re healthy, you make better choices overall and have more energy to be creative. I used to believe that, as a creative, you needed to suffer more than your peers and have some sort of substance abuse problem to be considered interesting. I learned the hard way that, in fact, to make better music, I needed to be in the best mental and physical shape I could be. I’m not saying I’ve got it all figured out, but I wake up with the intention of feeling better, and for me, that’s enough.

I would describe this chapter of my artistic career as reconnecting with my roots and starting again, but this time with experience. I’ve been led down many avenues in my career by some very influential people, and I must admit I’ve wandered down those paths without fully understanding what I would encounter. But, fortunately, that’s the wonderful way we get to learn.

PC: You’ve teased on your social media platforms that new music is on the way. What can you tell us about this upcoming body of work? What do you hope to convey as an artist?
Jack: Yes! I can tell you that I have never felt as nervous and excited for something in my entire life—all 27 years of it. This will be the work that truly encapsulates who I am as an artist. I went into the studio with the intention of keeping the process simple, and nothing more than that. No bells and whistles—just guitars, vintage keyboards, drums, and bass. I must mention that my friend and producer, JB Pilon, at Buffalo Recording Studios, has been essential to this process by creating a space that allowed the music to be so raw and authentic. How can I avoid sounding cliché when I say that, as an artist, I hope to spread a message of love, forgiveness, and compassion through authentic storytelling based on my personal experiences?

PC: What does your typical songwriting process look like? Has it changed over the years?
Jack: My typical songwriting process involves sitting with my guitar, trying to tune into how I feel at that particular moment. My fingers move around a bit, and then suddenly, words and melodies start to form, and the story begins. That being said, the location for this to happen is unrestricted, though flights to Jamaica aren’t cheap. [laughs]

To be honest, the writing process hasn’t changed much for me, except that now I like to write down a lot more—whether it’s something that happened in town, an overheard conversation, or even the exact words a loved one said to me, or how I feel about a situation.

PC: You’ve been steadily releasing music throughout the years. If you had to pick a song that best encompasses who you are as an artist right now, which one would it be and why?
Jack: It would have to be a song I’m currently in the process of writing, which I understand doesn’t point anyone towards something tangible just yet. But it’s a song about coming to terms with your journey, accepting that change is good, and cutting off things that don’t serve you. Welcoming that change is necessary.

PC: You’re also an artist who thrives on the live stage and constantly performs around the U.K. How much do you use that environment to test out new material? How has that environment pushed you as an artist?
Jack: I’m really at my best when performing live. I constantly test out new material during my shows, and sometimes I love not introducing it as an original. This helps me get a genuine reaction from the audience, with zero hype.

New environments can be really challenging for anyone, let alone when you have to stand up and perform. I believe that anything that feels uncomfortable is pushing us in the right direction, especially when we can overcome that discomfort by taking action based on how we feel. That action could be anything from leaving the environment entirely to giving the best performance you’ve ever given.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Jack: Boz Scaggs.

PC: First album you bought?
Jack: Exodus – Bob Marley and the Wailers.

PC: First concert you attended?
Jack: Cambridge Folk Festival.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Jack: Dark Side of the Moon—Pink Floyd. That album is a real-life psychedelic experience and opened my mind to new perspectives at a time when I was personally losing faith.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Jack: Just one? Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre.

PC: A must have on the road?
Jack: A vehicle.

To keep up with Jack, follow him on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. Stream “Nowhere to Hide” today.

Photo Credit: Joe Penny