One to Watch: Jack Garratt

As I’ve mentioned before, I’m always on the lookout for new music. I first came across Jack Garratt when he came on stage at a James Bay concert - while he was touring . Coming on stage for a amazing cover of Alicia Key’s If I Ain’t Got You (check the YouTube video here), Jack excelled both lyrically and through his guitar playing, and I knew then that he was an artist I had to hear more from.

I’ve followed Jack ever since, through his Remnants - EP, and standalone single Weathered. Weathered is perhaps the best indication of the direction that Jack and his music are going in, in the build up the release of his debut album Phase.

Two tracks have been pre-released from Phase, and are great examples of Jack’s sound. Taking a hip-hop fronted style constructed almost exclusively using guitars, Jack represents one of the most talented up coming artists. For example, listen to Breathe Life, where a fast hip hop beat is narrated by cheerful piano and lyrical guitar riffs. It’s guaranteed to get you moving, and it’s refreshing unique. The second pre-released track Worry, shows the slower side of the album, albeit still electronic. Deep synth is laid over distinctive drum beats, which only serves to further emphasise Jack’s vocal range. 

I guarantee that you won’t listen to a fresher, more talented artist in the first half of 2016 at least. Phase is available to pre-order today, and is released on the 19th of February, so be sure to get it into your musical calendars.