In a time where mass art and music is repetitive and safe, Samuel Jack is a breath of fresh air. Seemingly a kinder spirit, Samuel soulfully sings about the world in a real and honest way, that I can genuinely tell you I have been hunting for for a long time. His song “Refugee” brings tears to my eyes every time I listen to it, and “We Are The Future” inspires me to get out there and do good. It is a good thing that everyone in New York City is a little crazy so they don’t bat an eye while I march down the street cryingly, angrily, dancing to his bluesy rhythm. I’m ready to take on the world, and I know that I will have Samuel Jack right along side me. Please read further to learn more about this amazing artist.

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Foreword by Kira Bucca, Editor in Chief of Jejune Magazine.

Where are you based?
Hello hello! When I’m not traveling I’m based in England’s beautiful south-west countryside, but I’m pretty nomadic to say the least.

How did you get interested in music?
I’ve always loved music from an early age, but didn’t really find out how much until my late teens, it was around then that I first sat down at a piano. I taught myself to play in-between shifts at a restaurant that I worked in. I had a bit of a sing song one night with the staff and it wasn’t long after that that I bought a really cheap, almost toy-piano, started writing at home… it kinda escalated from there. I joined a college band, recorded a couple of demos, had my first experiences in a recording studio... the rest is history.

How did your upbringing in the U.K. and South Africa influence your musical style?
Whilst living in Johannesburg, Paul Simons’ Graceland was on repeat at home — it was the perfect sound track to my time growing up there. I fell head over heels for it and those amazing community/tribal sounds, lady smith black Mombasa and the like — that, coupled with my father’s love for blues and gospel, really influenced my musical tastes. After, we moved back to the UK, I started getting more into hip hop, soul, pop and rock, etc.

Jejune is obsessed with your new song “We Are The Future”. Can you tell us a little bit about this song and what inspired it?
We Are The Future is a song that I just felt needed to be written. I feel like the world is going through a period of change at the moment, and we need to work harder to secure a safer place for our future generations. I wanted to narrate this story in less of my traditional song form and take a more spoken word approach.

Jejune feels that during the 60s/70s there was a ton of music like this that helped impassion the masses. We are now going through a similar time of change and revolution. However, we feel it is very hard to find this music. Why do you think this is?
Good question. I believe it the songs are still being written, but maybe not heard from the loudest voices. I feel like maybe mainstream artists tend to steer clear of the political conversation, most probably because of how volatile and divisive our landscape looks now — on all fronts, political, environmental, religious — it’s a fine balance. You don’t want to alienate yourself and lose an audience — but at the same time, in my opinion, that’s what art is. True artists are saying something that they’re impassioned by, regardless of the repercussions - making a statement, creating something right from inside - to me, is the very essence of inspiration and how to re-inspire.

Why is it so important that we have this kind of music?
Music is just the most incredible means of communication. It’s a voice, a powerful art form to unite people, move people in the most emotive ways. Music and songs weighted with an important message can timestamp our point in history. Take Bob Marley for example, it’s amazing how many of his politically charged songs to this day still have relevance. Here’s to hoping we hear more.

Speaking of socially aware music, “Refugee” is an incredibly powerful song. Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired this song and your thoughts on the Refugee Crisis going on across our world right now.
I was inspired to write ‘Refugee’ after watching a news report about two young children in Syria that had lost not only their mother, but their father, and sister, to war – and it just amazes me this happens daily, and moreover it’s happening right in our back yard, a few hours travel away from my home. And we’re worried about national broadband speed?! You kidding me? After I wrote the song I wanted to learn more, so I went to Calais for a few days and volunteered with Help Refugees UK. They’re heroes, make no mistake, on the frontline, feeding hundreds and thousands of homeless kids and adults who just need help. You can watch a little more about my trip here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mimvwpGYjTg

Your song speaks about how “man let you [them] down”. Can you talk about your thoughts on this?
We did. We let them down. It a huge subject to broach but in short, I just feel that through greed, bad politics, and a worryingly lack of humanity, we, as a nation, haven’t done enough to rid the world of such awful problems and all too often are the initiators of such problems, only to wash hands of the repercussions.

We found the line about “claiming sacred land, swearing on a Bible, but it don’t mean nothing now” very relevant. Can you please talk to us a little bit about what you were referring to here?
Religion is a touchy space, I know it and I myself have bounced between the grey areas of 'belief', and in recent times disbelief, wondering how there could ever be a God with all that is going on in the world. In this particular line of the song, I'm referring to the extreme lengths people have gone to, often inspired by religious writings, to protect an idea that man has the 'right' to draw lines on the earth and claim it's space - pushing people from their homes and abandoning them when they are desperately seeking new ones. I can't get behind it, I can't accept it. I can't help but feel utterly angry at religion, or maybe more so at the folk that use it as a shield for ulterior motives, especially when it's causing so much displacement, bloodshed, fear and uncertainty.

We also love your new track ‘In My Head’. Can you tell us a little bit about this song and what it means to you?
It means a lot. It was the first time I’d ever really spoken public ally about my struggles with mental health.

You feel very bold and honest in “In My Head”. Do you feel we, as a population, are open enough about mental health?
We haven’t been. But the good news is that we are becoming more aware, and more socially conscious to open up and talk about it. The stigma is starting to evaporate, slowly. But headway is being made.

Do you feel that music has helped with your struggle with depression and anxiety?
100%, music has always been my constant, my rock. Personally, It’s the most cathartic thing to do. I vent through music and voice emotions I might not otherwise. It lightens the load.

What changes would you like to see implemented in regards to the treatment and stigma of mental illness?
For the most part, I think it’s raising awareness. This is prevalent — you’re not alone. You might just be surprised how many people around you struggle with some form of mental illness but don’t mention it. If we can all converse and open up about our inner battles, it will likely unite us together rather than have us feel alienated and alone.

What does being a “mental health survivor” mean to you?
I guess for me it just means that I’ve ridden the wave, hit rock bottom, learned to examine certain causes, the symptoms of such, and then how to overcome that. I’m prone to, and have, depressive and anxious tendencies. I went through an almighty time with it all and came out the other side after seeking help. I was able to better gain an understanding of myself and what I need to get through.

What advice would you give others struggling with mental health?
Ask for help. Talk about your issues and feelings. And never give up. Take it on like you’re going in the ring and box the shit out of it.

Do you have any upcoming shows on the horizon?
My next UK headline is March 23 at Omeara in London. Tickets are on sale now, on my website: samueljackofficial.com. This is going to be a special night. More news soon, but would love to see you there. ☺

What is your motto in life?
There is no plan B. So make the best you can of plan A!

For more information on Samuel Jack, please follow him via the below platforms:
www.samueljackofficial.com
Facebook: @samueljackofficial
Instagram: @samueljackofficial
www.Helprefugees.co.uk

Spotify: “Refugee”

Spotify: “In My Head”

Samuel Jack Will Inspire The World For Change