Jack Ellis is an extremely talented singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, set to release his brand new single 'The Storm' next month via District South Records.
Jack Ellis
Voted Best Breakthrough Act 2015 and nominated for Best Live Act at The Cardiff Music Awards, he's to-date received some great radio support from the likes of Dermot O'Leary after being invited to perform live in the BBC Radio 2 studio.
We got the opportunity to put some questions to Jack all about his career, making it in the industry and more...
For those who may be new to your music, how best would you describe your sound?
Alternative acoustic singer/songwriter, ambient and intimate, real music with a real story.
What challenges have you faced in the music industry so far?
The ladder of the music industry is challenge itself, but you've got to enjoy every part of it for what it is. The biggest challenge for me is the email side to music, the business side, the writing songs and playing is the easy part!
How difficult would you say this career path is in terms of making a name for yourself?
The question is how big of a name do you want to make for yourself? I've made a name for myself locally as a songwriter, the next step is nationally.
How important is it for you to have creative control over the work you produce?
I make sure I'm always in control because I'm a fussy b**tard when it comes to anything I produce or put out there!
Where do you draw influence and inspiration from for your work?
I was influenced as a child with Fleetwood Mac, Kate Bush, R.E.M always playing as long as I can remember. More recently I've drilled Ben Howard's albums, they are a great listen and influence. Some great songwriters I've taken a lot from are Asaf Avidan, Damien Rice, Jeff Buckley and a crazy band called Mother's Cake.
If you could collaborate with anybody going forward, who would you choose and why?
Emi McDade, a fabulous 18 year old pianist from Gloucester which I plan on collaborating with. Her writing and performance is incredible, but I think it will be a great sound for an acoustic collaboration with my style.
Tell us a random, funny fact about you that not many people know.
I'm actually scared of worms, I hate the slimy things!
Do you have definitive aims or goals for your career?
To become a great songwriter in many genres and then travel the world playing and telling my stories.
Where do you hope to be this time next year?
All over the world playing, as far as I can, and as much as I can.
What should we expect from you in the coming weeks and months?
My upcoming EP 'Eternal' will be released in the coming months, so keep an eye out and come join me at some of these festivals coming up!
'The Storm' is officially released on July 1 via District South Records.