Wendy Jack
“But there’s time to change the rules/Teach the right hand to play a left hand tune,” 90 Degrees
They say that there’s nothing sweeter than the second bite of the cherry and that’s something critically acclaimed tunesmith Wendy Jack would agree with. After first bursting onto the scene in 2011 with her stunning, reputation making debut single ‘Sunsets’ (which earned her runner up status in the hugely prestigious International Songwriting Competition), the Co. Tyrone-bred artist then turned plenty of heads with more spell binding tales of myths, legends, love, loss, world issues and woolly jumpers.
But, just when she was finding her feet, she decided to walk a different path in 2016 by relocating to the picturesque Rathlin Island to work for a conservation charity. However, much to her fans’ delight, this detour was mercifully brief and a few years later she re-emerged, re-energised and raring to go. 2019 saw the release of her retrospective album Sunsets (named after the song that started her journey) and the magnetic opus re-introduced the fiercely talented musician to music lovers worldwide, while also earning her a wealth of new followers.
Featuring eight tracks, the album sees Jack tackle many genres and moods and is imbued with that same fearless spirit that drives the performer in her every day life (Wendy was previously an award winning “Adventure Tour Guide Of Ireland”). Inspired by the past (‘Fairies’ features words from the famous 1850 poem ‘The Fairies’ by William Allingham), the present (the environmental themed ‘90 Degrees’ using comments from her Facebook page as lyrical fuel) and the far flung future (on ‘Crash Land’ this sonic explorer delves into the world of Pink Floyd-flavoured, proggy sci fi rock), Wendy says of Sunsets:
“I wanted to use this album as a way of saying, ‘Hello, I’m back, and here is a collection of what I’ve done before.’ There is definitely a strong Irish folk influence on this album… and songs with a social conscience”
Not content with her debut accolade in the International Songwriting Competition, Wendy’s song ‘90 Degrees’ was also awarded runner up in the ‘Song of the Year’ category in 2019 and she is humbled to once again be included alongside some giants of music making.
“It’s a real honour to be given such an accolade, especially considering the number of talented people who enter this competition from all over the world,” she says. “Being recognised in this way definitely spurs me on to keep working at and improving my technical skills as a professional songwriter and it definitely helps me get my songs out to more listeners. As an artist though, I strongly believe that all creativity has merit and the best reward is always when someone really connects with my music on a personal level.”
If the Sunsets album is a welcome recap of her wonderful journey thus far, then we look forward to the start of a new adventure for Wendy Jack. Promising more music on the way…
For tour and release updates, stories behind the songs and more visit wendyjackmusic.com
Praise for Wendy Jack
“Wendy Jack is the real deal. Her songs tell stories and pull you in with their honesty and soulfulness. White Bicycle is her finest track to date”. Ralph McLean (BBC Radio Ulster)
“White Bicycle is heaving with heart, soul and seriously good hooks.” Edwin McFee (Sunday Life, Hotpress, The Big List, ex NME)
“Jack’s inimitable croon creates worlds and stories you could get lost in.” Hot Press magazine
“[Sunsets is]…a strong and infectious debut from Wendy Jack. Good lyric, melody and hook, strong performance, the emotion is there too, and high production values. In my experience, these are the kind of ingredients that help jump you up the airplay queue in radio land…” Liam Merriman, The Green Room on WLRFM.
“Wendy’s music and lyrics are so poetic, they will leave you wanting to hear more” Paul McDevitt, Monday Night Sessions, Highland Radio.
“I think ‘Woolly Jumpers’ is a very, very good Christmas song. I think it should be up there with the Pogues” Errol Doherty, QRadioNetwork
“Wendy is a truly captivating singer-songwriter whose voice carries both strength and vulnerability in perfect harmony. Her music blends heartfelt lyrics with beautifully crafted melodies, drawing on folk, roots, and a touch of blues. Whether she’s singing about love, loss, or the landscapes of home, Wendy’s storytelling always feels authentic and emotionally rich”. Mike Kneeshaw, The Sunday Getherin’ TD1 Radio Scotland.
Links:
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