Jack Panther’s Lift to the Sky
This week sees the release of Jack Panther’s second EP, titled ‘why don't you come on over’ , which features his latest single ‘Ski Lift 001’ and the native NZ’er couldn’t be more excited to get the new music out into the world. The album demonstrates a “turning point” in Jack’s life, using the writing of the songs as a cathartic experience and a lesson in acceptance and letting go. MFA got to talk to Jack a couple of weeks ago and we asked him about ‘Ski Lift 001’ & its video, the evolution of his music on the new EP and the beautiful, fun, sassy queer track that he thinks he could make with Omar Apollo.
For those that haven’t heard your music before , how do you describe the Jack Panther sound?
Ooo in all honesty, it’s kind of project dependent and that’s something I’m really stoked about with the work I make - I try to make a world around the music I make. I find myself leaning more and more towards alternative/indie pop sound and I think that’s a lane I will always loosely fit myself in. I would say I also love sadder sounding music, meaning lyrics and melodies which I think can fit into my music too.
You have just released 'Ski Lift 001', Tell us about the new song? What does the song mean to you?
Writing SKI LIFT 001 was so cathartic to me, I had a lot of feelings towards my ex and I think in a way I wrote it to acknowledge these feelings and try to move on. We wrote it in 6 hours, the song fell into place so quickly. Collaborators Harry and Sophie just brought out such a vulnerable side to me. Last winter I went skiing for the first time since going with my ex-boyfriend and so many bittersweet memories came flooding back to me.
“ I hope people can feel whatever this song makes them need to feel and also help them move on”
What do you hope listeners take from the song?
I remember having an epiphany while skiing that I took so many moments with him for granted. It’s a feeling that I think resonates with a lot of people - nostalgia can hit you so hard and so quickly. I hope people can feel whatever this song makes them need to feel and also help them move on.
The video is quite dark and confronting, who came up with the concept? Were there any memorable moments during the making of it?
Devan and I were brainstorming concepts for a while. One night I fell asleep and woke up again at midnight. In my delirious, dream-like state I came up with this crazy, daring concept of bleeding out on a floor. Immediately I texted Devan who happened to still be awake at the time and texted back that he loved it. When filming it I was just so in awe that Devan and I made this unique, wild concept come to life.
I think the whole shoot was super memorable, it was really fun styling and working on my first set, it was really cool!
Your second EP, 'why don't you come on over' is due out on the 3rd of June, what can fans expect from the new release?
My sophomore EP feels like such a new turning point for me. It showcases such a different side of myself, one that feels kind of badass. Throughout the process of writing the project I was listening to such confident, self-assured music and it rubbed shoulders with me I guess. For the first time I feel empowered by my own music and I think that’s why I feel so connected to it. I was also moving cities at the time. With so many changes everything felt like both the world was opening up, yet crashing down on me. In that time I was so forced to look inward, discover more about myself, my identity and the queer history of people that fought for my right to have a voice. That’s where this project stemmed from, I had so much to say to the people around me and the people before me.
Is the new EP a continuation of your 2020 EP 'this dream i had' or an evolution?
I would argue an evolution, I think it definitely feels like a lot of growth has happened in between these projects and I think it’s something you can hear in the music, production and writing too. This EP feels a lot more self-assured.
Are there plans to tour for the new EP?
I had a tour planned in Feb 2022, however with NZ’s tough Covid restrictions it was canceled. I’m sure there will be a few gigs happening on the horizon now things are opening up!
“I think I’m almost at the point, I think I’m ready for it.”
You have writing sessions planned this year both in your native New Zealand as well as Australia and the UK, will this be the preparation for your first full length album?
Too soon to tell hahaha but I hope so, I think I’m almost at the point, I think I’m ready for it.
What made you choose 'Musician' as your career? How did you get your start in the industry?
My mum often brings back how as a kid I used to dance around and sing so much. I then thought at 10 I was going to be an actor and then at 14 it was pretty much just music and has always been since then. I knew it would be something creative but didn’t quite realise it was music. When I was 14 I taught myself ‘The Dog Days Are Over’ by Florence and the Machine. It was such an infectious song, I loved the way it made me feel. I think since then I just kept writing. I then had a couple of mentors growing up I just adored and really helped shape my understanding of writing and production, I’m so grateful to them
Do you play a part in the production side of your music?
Quite a big part, I always atleast co-produce. I guide the entire session quite often which can really throw some producers, I quite often know what I want. I enjoy it though, collaborating is great, I think there’s something strong about co-producing too.
“I think with music you really can make art, it’s just a lot more thinking in the process of creating”
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
Quite a big range, from Amy Winehouse to HAIM to Lykke Li to Arctic Monkeys.
I love meaningful music, I think with music you really can make art, it’s just a lot more thinking in the process of creating. That’s the part I love. I grew up listening to a lot of sad music, I always put on London Grammar and Marina and the Diamonds. It was quite melodramatic but that’s probably shaped my music taste a lot. Recently I’m loving more alt music like Remi Wolf, Dijon, Dora Jar.
Are collaborations something you will be looking at doing in the future? Who would be the ultimate Collab partner * for Jack Panther?
Absolutely, I’d love to collab with Omar Apollo, I think we’d make a beautiful, fun, sassy queer track! Always looking to collaborate, it’s definitely about finding the right partner though.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is It they do that keeps your world turning?
I have so much appreciation for my parents, they’re almost like my 2nd managers. I run heaps by them and they’re always so supportive!
What's next for you? What can we expect with 2022 approaching?
Keeping my eyes peeled, maybe the UK or Australia. I’m keen to move myself to a new place and I’m super excited to do that! Very excited to get into more writing sessions and just have fun!
Ski Lift 001 Official Artwork
Interview by Michelle Symes
June 2022