Jack Bromwich on the Release of His Debut EP, Poser, Freak, Journal-Like Lyrics and His Love of Pōneke
All photos provided by Jack Bromwich. Photo credit: Josh Stewart
Jack Bromwich is an upcoming artist raised in Pōneke who has just released his debut EP, Poser, Freak, out today. I caught up with him to talk all about the EP, how Aotearoa has a bit of tall poppy syndrome in terms of music, and how he has been able to change his own mind with feeling this way.
Hi Jack! Thanks so much for your time and a big congratulations on the release of your debut EP, Poser, Freak! How does it feel that the EP is now out in the world for all to enjoy?
Jack: Kia ora! It’s quite a surreal feeling to be honest. These songs have been in the works for a really long time, it nearly feels like letting go of them to release them which is a weirdly bittersweet feeling.
Poser, Freak was recorded across multiple Tāmaki Makaurau locations, including in your own living room. Do you think that being able to record in different spaces brings an element to Poser, Freak that otherwise might have not been as prominent?
Jack: I definitely believe that this is true. I feel that each song has its own di erent environment tied into it, with each room that it was recorded in weaved into it. I think the project thankfully stays cohesive and consistent, but also allows itself to have moments where each track can have it’s own individuality.
With quite impressively expressive lyricism in Poser, Freak it’s evident that you have experienced the figurative growing pains of being a young adult and transitioning forth into adulthood, a great base for what is now crafted into a wonderous body of work. When life gets a bit rocky, or you’re trying to ground yourself away from music, what helps you? Was music the thing that helped you transition from young adult to adulthood?
Jack: I definitely have times when things don’t feel amazing and it does weigh on me, as is the same with everyone. I think the most grounding thing to do when you feel like this is to own it and not try to brush it o . It’s something I’m still trying to learn how to do, but taking accountability of how you feel and being able to communicate that is so vital and important. Music has always been a thing that has transitioned me into adulthood. I have always been someone that tries to write music that’s authentic to how I feel and not try to lie or shrewd my words in mystery. I feel my writing is very journalistic, like each song is a diary entry. It makes it a bit awkward talking about songs because they tend to be about personal things that I have been through.
Photo credit: Jade Johnson
Do you have a favourite track from Poser, Freak that you feel your listeners and Welcome to the Gig readers need to immediately run and listen to?
Jack: I could say things I like about all of the tracks, I’m not biased I promise, but I think my favourite track would have to be He Waits Alone. There are very few times that I have listened back to a track and not nitpicked every little piece of it. He Waits Alone was written simply and without a great plan and I think this keeps it raw. I could not take all of the credit for this song. My amazing friends Alex Beattie and Max Hill (Slow Rage) contributed immeasurably to the recording of this song. As well as the amazing Oliver Hamer (The LAB Studios).
This is a question that I enjoy throwing out there in interviews, so it may seem a bit random, however, if you could liken your music to any place in the world, where would you liken it to and why?
Jack: I think the place I would liken the music to would probably be Pōneke. It’s where I grew up and the place where I learned how to write, record, and play music. So much beautiful music is weaved into the city.
Was music always a prominent part of your upbringing, or was it something that piqued your interest a little later down the line?
Jack: Music has always been something that I was raised around. My parents are obsessed with music and I owe so much of my musical interests to the music that they introduced me to as a kid. I am forever grateful for them for getting me lessons, which I initially disliked. I couldn’t see myself doing anything else. My interest in music definitely started to become more intense as I entered high school and especially when I started listening to local music from around Aotearoa around late high school. Something about seeing people that breathe the same air as you write such amazing works is so inspiring to me.
Photo credit: Ryo Nishikawa
You’ve played a fair few shows across the country. Do you have a standout city that you have performed in? If so, what made it the most special?
Jack: I have been lucky enough to play a number of gigs across Aotearoa. I always have to say that Pōneke is such a great time to play. The locals are so engrossed into the scene and it shows in their support for local music. I have also played a load of really fun gigs in Tāmaki as well.
Do you feel that as an upcoming musician here in Aotearoa, that there could be more support in terms of being able to integrate into the music scene a little easier?
Jack: I definitely think that things could be a great deal easier. I think, as we all know as creatives in Aotearoa, tall poppy syndrome is such a massive problem. I can’t say that I’ve always been perfect in my own ways with this, but learning the problems this has caused and starting to work more collaboratively has taught me how important it is to start supporting one another. I have definitely started to live by the ethos of supporting those around me because sharing art is a terrifying thing to do and those who listen should feel lucky and grateful that the artists that they are listening to are brave enough to share.
What are some things that readers should know about you, as a person, besides being a fantastic musician?
Jack: Thanks so much! Away from music, I’m completing my degree, working a desk job currently. I’ve been getting into house plants recently as well, that’s been cool. I think I’m quite a quiet person, I’ve had a lot of awkward interactions with people at my shows. I love talking to people, but I’m not always the best at it.
If you were able to curate an entire festival with all your favourite musicians, and you were also able to perform too, which other musicians would be on the line-up?
Jack: Amazing question. First up would 100% have to be Awning. They are probably my favourite band of all time. I would also have bands like Marlin’s Dreaming, Da odils, Salt Water Criminals, and Ringlets. Most importantly, my friends Slow Rage and Alex Beattie because playing with your mates is the best.
What other things should readers know about you or your music?
Jack: As much as I like to think my music is calculated, there are often nonsensical songs about nothing really. I find it fun to find my own interpretation of them and I encourage people who listen to them to do the same. If people can’t figure out what they’re about, don’t worry I can’t either.
Is there anything else you would like to add to the interview?
Jack: Thanks so much for taking the time for having me on. I love what you’re doing for the local music scene!
Thank you so much for your time, Jack! I cannot wait to keep listening to Poser, Freak and see what your next steps are.