Jack Hawitt

We chilled with Barrow-born singer-songwriter Jack Hawitt for our latest Farah & Friends interview where he openly chats about a childhood spent listening to The Chart Show, how his style and sound has evolved and how he really feels about playing centre stage at London Pride’ 22…

Before we get into anything music or fashion, how’s life Jack?

Life is good! I mean a couple of years out due to the pandemic but otherwise, it’s pretty much back to normal with more gigs and stuff…

Did the pandemic help with fuelling your creativity?

I have a studio in my garden so it was really nice to just go out there and work. I did loads of songwriting and writing sessions - via Zoom, of course. It kept me busy…

What is the ‘creative process’ like for you?

I prefer to work with other people; it’s nice to bounce ideas off others. Ideally I like to work with a producer and songwriter - that’s my favourite way to write music, but if it’s just me, I’ll start on the piano. I play keys; playing melodies and chords whatever comes to me, see what I like and then usually in the melody I’ll sing a word, then from that word I’ll get inspired, then that becomes the song…

How long have you been playing keys?

Since I was a kid; my mum had a keyboard and when I was 15 my parents got me an upright piano. I’d listen to songs and then play by ear. I’d listen, rewind, play, pause, rewind and learn that way. Technically I don’t know what I’m doing as I’ve not had any lessons; in a way I wish I had the technical training, to come at it from both sides…

What inspired you to be an artist?

I was really into music as a kid, listening to Radio 1, The Chart Show; Micheal Jackson was a real inspiration, that was the start of it all, I’d say.

How did you find your sound?

Listening to my favourite artists and taking inspiration and style from my idols, interpreting it in my own way and creating my own sound.

Did you know that you’d succeed?

I always said it as a kid, growing up, all I wanted to be was a pop star. But I shifted a bit and did musical theatre for a while, too. At 16 I went to drama school in Leeds. That’s why I’ve got a bit of a hybrid northern accent.

What gave you the confidence to be a solo artist?

After so many years of working on music, I just know where I am with it now.

Festivals? What’s the plan for ‘22?

I’m going to Secret Garden Party and I’m headlining the BBC Introducing stage in July which is really exciting plus I’m playing the main stage for London Pride on 2nd July.

London Pride will be epic!

Totally! I’m from a small town (Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria Lake District) and there wasn’t any gay people in the town, there wasn’t any gay people on TV. Section 28 was still in force, Margaret Thatcher put out legislation where you couldn’t teach about gay people or gay families…

Coming out in school you’d think there would be a lot of bullying, I was so lucky my school was absolutely amazing - not everyone has that. Some people have real horror stories, especially from a small town. It is something quite hard to do when you’re a teenager, especially when there isn’t much support around.

What advice would you give your younger self?

To have trust with people around you, to make sure you can trust them and then do it in your own time, when you feel ready; find someone who you look up to and seek their advice or help.

How reflective are life experiences when writing songs?

Personal experiences are important but also my friends’ personal experiences, too. For example, my song ‘Louder’ is about an argument I had with my boyfriend. We didn’t make up before we went to sleep, so we were lying in bed in silence and that’s the whole point of the song.

Describe your style in three words?

Smart, comfortable and seasonal.

How does Farah compliment your style?

I love the stuff from Farah; the shirts especially, you can smarten them up or wear them casual. I’ve got the Greenports - they are really cool, I wore them with black boots making them a bit more army-vibe…

How have you developed creatively?

I think I’ve explored different things. My style this year has changed as I’ve got more into the music industry and got to know more people. I would describe my style as Anthemic Pop!

Is sustainability important to you?

I must admit that in the past, it’s not something I thought about but now it’s something I’m more interested in participating in. I replenish my wardrobe so often but I always take them to the charity shop; never just throw them away.

Best advice you’ve had?

Don’t write songs to please other people.

What’s next for Jack Hawitt?

More music, more videos, really looking forward to Pride, it’ll be the biggest show I’ve ever played on the main stage…

Finally, what is creativity?

Happiness.

#farahandfriends #music