INTERVIEW:
Fletcher Jackson
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I have been speaking with the guys of Fletcher Jackson…
about their new single, Prelude. Fletch (the band’s singer) fields the questions and chats about the next steps for the group and how they all got together. The guys each select an album that means a lot to them; Fletch talks to me about where they are heading on tour – he recommends a new artist we need to get out ears around.
Fletch also provides advice for new artists and reveals what he (and the chaps) gets up to when they disconnect from music; they each select a song to end the interview – a nice view into the busy and exciting world of Fletcher Jackson.
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Hi, guys. How are you? How has your week been?
We’re good, thanks. We’re having a crazy week! On top of dropping our new single, we're mixing the follow-ups! At this point, sleep is a luxury!
For those new to your music; can you introduce yourselves, please?
I’m Fletch. I’m the singer in the band. On guitar we have Jack. On drums we have James. Ben’s on the bass and behind the keys there’s Sean!
Tell me about your new song, Prelude. How did it come together? What is the story behind it?
James played me a drum sample that I instantly wanted to write over. It was around the time Trump was elected, so I knew I had something to say. It all came together from there!
It follows on quickly from Live a Lie. Did the big reaction to that track compel that creative continuation?
The reaction to Live a Lie was a big surprise to us all! But, we don’t like to cover the same ground twice so Prelude couldn’t be a Live A Lie part two. It had to feel new and exciting!
Will we see an E.P. arrive later this year, do you think?
You’ll definitely see more new music, for sure! If it’s in an E.P format is a different story. Streaming’s changed the game and we wanna embrace that!
How did Fletcher Jackson get together? What is the origin of that band name?
We all met at The Academy of Music and Sound in Gateshead. I formed a band around a solo project but it quickly became a band. We took my name ‘Fletcher’ as a reference to the project that first brought us together and ‘Jackson’, the street we drink on in Gateshead, to get the band name.
What sort of music did you all grow up on? Which musicians stick in the mind?
We all grew up surrounded by very different music. I remember (Frank) Sinatra being played a lot when I was younger whereas Jack grew up on Classic Rock - that probably explains why he’s a better guitarist than me and why I have a fascination with spats…
If you each had to select the one album that means the most to each of you; which would they be and why?
For me, it’s Kendrick’s (Lamar) To Pimp a Butterfly. It showed me how to take all your influences and use them in a modern way.
James loves The 1975’s (The 1975) first album! His approach to drumming changed after he heard it.
Ben got into bass through Rush’s Moving Pictures; so he’d probably pick that!
Sean’s is Demon Days by the Gorillaz. It was the first L.P. to get him into Rap.
For Jack, it’d be Deep Purple’s Machine Head. It’s the album that made him pick up the guitar!
Do you have any gigs lined up? Where are you heading?
On 6th May, we’re playing The Riverside as part of Newcastle’s Hit the North festival and 25th May, we’re up in Glasgow supporting Jake Bugg!
How important is it for you to get on stage and get those songs out to the people?
It means a lot to us! Going through the process of writing and recording a song is special but very private. We just wanna share our music with people - and live is the best way to do that!
What do you hope to achieve in 2018?
To be heard by as many people as possible! We love sharing our music!
Have you each got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?
Playing Newcastle City Hall meant a lot. Our heroes played there, so that was special!
What advice would you give to new artists coming through?
Trust yourself but take advice from the right people. Ignore the guy in your local complaining about your guitar tone - they’re always wrong!
IN THIS PHOTO: King Princess
Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?
We’d highly recommend King Princess. 1950 is a banger
Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?
Not really. We spend a lot of time making music and collaborating. There’s always something going on! I guess that’s our way of relaxing.
Finally, and for being good sports; you can each choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).
Of course! Here’s our songs!
I’ll have Redbone by Childish Gambino
Jack’ll have Can’t Do by Everything Everything
Ben wants Ivy by Frank Ocean
Sean picks Sunshine by Flight Facilities
James will have Somebody Else by The 1975
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