Masterclass with Jack Garratt

28 November, 2016

2015 saw British rising star Jack Garratt pick up a trio of coveted awards: the BBC’s Sound of 2016 poll, BBC Introducing Artist of the Year and the BRITs Critics’ Choice Award, to join the likes of Adele, Sam Smith, Emeli Sandé and BIMM alumni, James Bay and Tom Odell.

A year on and the talented 25-year-old is currently touring around the UK in support of his superb debut album, Phase. Jack recently joined us for a very special Masterclass ahead of his headline show at the iconic O2 Manchester Apollo.

The Masterclass took place in the intimate surroundings of Manchester rock ‘n’ roll haunt, Rebellion Bar, in front of a packed audience of BIMM students, who were full of questions for the Breathe Life singer.

Jack covered a broad range of topics and spoke at length about his journey, from trying to make it on London’s singer-songwriting scene playing with different blues and ska bands, to signing a major record deal with Island Records. On signing his contract, he chose to retain full creative control, as Jack explained:

“When I release music into the world I am putting part of my soul out there – it is something I am passionate about and something I love. I will only put out something that defines me – I will never let anyone take it from me and change it – it has my name on it and is an extension of me.”

It was interesting to hear about Jack’s childhood and how his early musical freedom and experimentation inspired him to take up various instruments. His story of determination resonated with our audience. We heard about the time Jack came 8th in the Junior Eurovision Song Contest as a teen, how he overcame rejection and eventually looked back and laughed.

On his songwriting process, Jack explained how ideas sometimes just pop into his head while on the tour bus or during a soundcheck.

Reflecting on the Masterclass, Liam Kelly a first-year Drums student said:

“I can’t believe we got Jack in for a masterclass; I am going to see his show tonight, so it was incredible to be able to hear from him personally about what he does and how he creates his music.”

Endearing and a real inspiration, we wish Jack the best of luck with his journey to the top!

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