The Man Behind The Music | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Entertainment

The Man Behind The Music

10 minutes, seven questions, one Jack Garratt

11
The Man Behind The Music
The Last Magazine

Jack Garratt is the epitome of musical artistry. Each time you listen to one of his songs you will find something you haven't heard before. His unique production, meaningful lyrics, vocal range, an array of instruments and raw talent makes listening to one of his songs an experience in itself.

We, as humans, quite often associate music with memorable life experiences or intense feelings -- like a first dance, a breakup, a graduation or a first kiss. Garratt’s songs capture those intense feelings and life experiences to an almost unbelievable perfection. I am an unapologetic fanatic for this man’s music, so I was honored to be able to get to know the man behind the music.

The 24-year-old singer, songwriter and producer from across the pond is just as genuine and open as his lyrics. We started at the beginning of it all, as he told me about how lucky he was to be surrounded by music as a kid.

“There are so many favorite memories and there are so many first memories of music as well," Garratt said. "I actually remember learning to play the trombone as a kid, and my grandma took me to see this very famous trombonist, who I really really liked. This is such a really really nerdy thing to start off talking about,” he added jokingly. "He [the trombonist] would play this amazing piece of music called Flight of the Bumblebee. As a kid, you don’t really understand how things work, so you just kind of assume it’s magic. I think that my favorite memory is just me being blown away by him as a musical magician.”

He beautifully compared music with the childlike wonder of figuring out the world.

“I still feel like today when I watch all of that in the music world," Garratt says. "My brain can’t understand the magic.”

Having seen Garratt perform last summer, I can tell you that he is magical. Garratt stands alone on the stage with instruments and equipment surrounding him and he does it all himself -- the beat, the singing and the instruments. When Garratt is performing, it's like he is in his own world of pure talent, love and passion.

There is no time to question how he does it all until after the show, because during his set, you are so wrapped up in the music he is creating.

Still curious about how he has become the artist he is, Garratt explained that he draws inspiration from music that he can’t fathom.

“I love music that makes me instinctively scream passion for," Garratt said . "It’s when you’re at a live show and the bassist does some cool thing on the bass and my face just scrunches up in appreciate. That is the moment that I search for. For someone, not everyone, to just instinctively enjoy themselves without control.”

Garratt explained that David Bowie, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Stevie Wonder and Prince did that for him as a kid. People like Taylor Mcferrin, Hiatus Kaiyote, Kendrick Lamar and Chance the Rapper do that for him now.

“If it makes you feel like a kid, then it’s good music,” Garratt said.

What is something that Garratt isn't afraid to try when it comes to music?

“Absolutely everything and anything,” Garratt said. “I’m actually a very socially anxious person, but music is the one place I’m safe. Especially when I’m alone. I just recently starting to collaborate with other artists and it’s a very new thing for me.”

Of course, I had to throw in a hypothetical to figure out who his dream collaboration would be and where he would want to debut the collab.

“There’s so many, but the first one that came to my head simply because I believe he is changing the world and it is the most positive thing I’ve felt in a long time, so If I could choose any person to perform with, in any place in the world, it would have to be Chance the Rapper in Chicago.”

He shared more praises for Chance and explains that Chicago would be perfect because he once lived there and Chance grew up there. “It’s as easy as that. He’s going to change the world and if I can do anything to help, I will.”

Wrapping up the interview, I hit him with my hardest question and he answers in the best way possible: good old sarcasm. (By the way that’s not sarcasm.) Let me give you a play by play:

Q: If you have the power to decide what your legacy could be in 25 years from now, what would you want people to remember you for?

JG: *laughs* “What pressure! *more laughter* I would want my legacy to be for a yet undecided and undesigned but very well patented new kind of door structure. That’s it. Nothing about the music I’ve made, just remembers me by one crazy idea I had this one time about architecture.”

A true genius and icon.

Well, Jack Garratt, I’d just like to take a moment to thank future you for our improved doors because who knows what the future would be like without them. His artistry is authentic, simple and revealing. He is candid, humorous and humble.

Garratt is the kind of artist we need more of. He makes quality music that reflects a quality person.

If you haven’t yet, check out Garratt’s debut album, Phase, and his new song, "Far Cry." Both will surprise you, and you might just surprise yourself with how much you love an artist who's real goal is to improve door structure.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

185468
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

11718
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

455583
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

25166
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments