Jack Dean Explains the Story Behind His Latest Single, "Church in the Morning"
interview
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interview ✦
Lo-fi hip-hop artist Jack Dean has been constructing his own spin on the genre for a few years now—and after amassing millions of streams, the 24-year-old singer-songwriter from the British countryside has continued his winning streak with the euphoric new single, “Church in the Morning”, a sun-soaked anthem that compliments his current body of work.
Though with a voice that’s been repeatedly compared to icons like Hozier, Benson Boone, and Niall Horan, Dean’s blend of heartfelt lyrics and dynamic production is only a precursor to his ambitious career that still has so much more to offer. Fresh off the release of the new track, we caught up with the singer-songwriter to talk about love, inspiration, and what’s next as he gears up for his highly anticipated debut album later this year.
Congrats on your uplifting new track “Church in the Morning.” Can you delve into the story behind this particular track?
Jack Dean: It came to me during a rare and brief window of time in which I was truly in love. I was head over heels for this girl, and the lyrics in this song are the perfect summary of my feelings for her at that time
You co-wrote it with some heavy hitters—Mike Needle, René Miller—and co-produced it with Martin Hannah. What was it like working with them on the song?
Jack Dean: It was a dream. Making music with these guys is more like a fun day out than anything else. They are 3 of my closest collaborators and closest friends, and when you have that level of trust and understanding of one another, the creative process becomes very pain-free.
Your voice really shines on this one—and vocally, you’ve been compared to artists like Hozier and Benson Boone. That being said, have any artists specifically influenced the trajectory of your sound?
Jack Dean: So many artists have influenced my sound, too many to name but I’m grateful to have been introduced to a lot of amazing music over my years and it all influences where I take melodies, the lyrics I think of and even the sonic of the songs themselves. Whether that’s artists that my parents listened to like Queen, Biffy Clyro, Mettalica, or artists I’ve been introduced to later in life like Prince, Jeff Buckley and Hozier - It all feeds into the music and I hope that development never stops.
You’ve said you only know how to write from personal experience. Was there a moment that you would say kick-started your drive as a songwriter?
Jack Dean: There are so many moments and experiences to choose from but a moment that really sticks with me was when my girlfriend at the time was going away for 3 months travelling and I was obviously pretty bummed out. It wasn’t the healthiest of relationships and I remember talking about it with my Mum on a drive home one night and she asked me what I was going to do to keep myself happy. My response was ‘for the next three months I’m going to focus on myself, throw myself into my music and push as hard as I can’ and my Mum simply replied ‘why three months?’ With those three words my Mum literally changed my life. Reminded me what was important and showed me how lost I’d become wrapped up in this relationship. Thank you Mum!
Your journey’s pretty inspiring—from building a bedroom studio during lockdown to attaining millions of streams. What was that shift like?
Jack Dean: Slow and steady. I think the most important part of any journey is the focus on not giving in. It’s so important to stick at it when it gets tough, stay true to yourself the whole way and only let in people that share your vision. Surround yourself with people that make you better and take them with you the whole way. You’ll be undefeatable.
You’ve also worked with some solid artists behind the scenes—like Caity Baser, Henry Moodie, and Only The Poets. What’s it like switching between writing for others and your own stuff?
Jack Dean: I love the balance of the two worlds. When I write and produce for other artists I get to express myself through them in ways that I may not tend to in my own music. I get to create music in different worlds than my own and I get to help them share a part of their story with the world.
You’ve got an album on the horizon—any teasers you can give us?
Jack Dean: It’s going to be mega.
