Sometimes we all need a good alias in our live and Jack.G is the new one from Australian singer/songwriter, Jackson Greatz. Having already established a bouncy, house DJ persona as Greetings, Jack.G is a way of changing direction and exploring deeper feelings which will have you emotively swaying, with a potential tear in your eye. Think moody, atmospheric synths, soaring, pleading vocals over an 80s drumbeat. Goddam we love a sadboi….

Having just dropped his debut single, Jack.G is now looking to his first debut gig and the forthcoming EP. Loverboy caught up with him to find out more about this new vibe, hitting the road and which Mariah song always has him dancing on the couch.

Why did you decide the time was right for this new venture? Was there a moment or event that caused the project to happen?
I’ve been working on this project for the last four years in the background of my dance producer project GREETINGS and felt if I didn’t put it out before the end of this year I would never do it. So pushed myself to finish the record, get a band together and give it a crack. I choose to take the last few months off the grind to focus on my creative outlets and felt it was the best decision to focus all my energy on.

The first single ‘Put Through’ deals with turbulent experiences of love. Can you tell us a bit more about the situation that inspired this particular song?
Inspired by the pain of break ups and the feelings that will never be the same it comes from the hope and wonder after letting go that you could still love the person even after all they have done. Seeing tears in their eyes, you see the human side of the hurt you put on them as well. You replay it over and over but allowing myself to lock the feelings and thoughts into a song allowed me to move past it, work through it and send off these emotions without dwelling on them forever.

Is ‘Put Through’ a sign of what to expect on the forthcoming album? In terms of genres and themes?
Yes, I have a forthcoming EP coming out hopefully in the new year which goes between ‘Put Through’s lost love, sad and solemn emotion to some more fast passed grooves. Titled ‘Songs from the Shadows’.

Your other alias, Greetings, is a more upbeat vibe. Do you see them both at opposing ends of a spectrum? Do the two ever cross over? Or will they in the future?
They are indeed two different styles of feelings and emotions but I think listeners would be able to pick up on my love for 80s drums, heavy synth work and allover embracing music. Like a warm hug GREETINGS takes you to dance where as JACK.G makes you feel some things you would rather forget in a safe space. I don’t think there will be a cross over but I am starting to sing on some GREETINGS tracks aswell which will be coming out next year. I really enjoy adding my own voice to production and allowing for another element of expression through lyrics.

In terms of the music, what instruments do you play? What will we hear on the album? 
I self taught piano and synth work and find that with the beauty of Ableton I am able to create whole instrument pieces that usually requiring a whole band. Will see more deep punching bass line and aggressive pop drums coming through the album and a variety of soundscapes. This first album really showcases a wide range of styles and influences that I’ve mashed together with my own experimentation.

You’ve got your first live shows coming up. How are you feeling about stepping out from behind the decks? Are there any performers you’ve been watching to learn from?
It is a nervous next step I’m very excited to push myself into. I always feel slightly disconnected when djing behind the decks. I can’t wait to capture people, get up close and move the audience with the command of my voice. I’ve been watching the likes of John Maus and Viagra Boys for inspiration to see what they do on stage to capture peoples hearts and get them excited about the music. Crazy movements, jumping into the crowd and showing off a little bit of show person ship really goes a long way. I can’t wait to try it out myself.

Any plans to head out internationally as either Greetings of Jack.G? So many artists have been saying that in the current climate touring is just impossible…
It seems to be really difficult for many artists right now to make touring and shows manageable but I have allowed this new project to be able to perform solo aswell which is usually the issue getting a whole band to tour. So with plans to come to Europe next year I am really excited to hopefully play some DJ sets in clubs and also play venues as a singer. Take it as it comes and be ready to perform. 

In terms of 80s electronica, are there any unsung heroes from Australia we need to know about?
I will say Midnight Oil although very sung heros of the 80s inspired a great deal of hard hitting, meaningful lyrics that take charge. Use of interesting synths and percussion really get me going every-time I have seen them live.

I actually grew up in Melbourne in the 80s many year ago but have not been back. I’ve seen a lot of people talking about Naarm instead of Melbourne. Can you tell us a bit about the name and what progress has been made?
Naarm is the traditional First Nations name for Melbourne pre-colonisation, which was an important meeting place for the language groups of the Kulin nation people. Many Australians are trying to acknowledge and educate themselves on the land that we all now live on and hope that we can embrace and re-write the not so great history of our nation.

Lastly we are named after the biggest-selling single of 2001 so we always ask what is your favourite Mariah song?
Gotta be Honey by the one and only Mariah. The saucy baseline and loving lyrics always gets me up and dancing on the couch haha.

‘Put Through’ is out now
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