Jack Panther Drops New EP why don’t you come over?

Photo Cred Frances Carter

Following his debut EP this dream i had released in 2020, 2022 promises to be the most explosive year for Jack so far, not just via his stunning new EP on the horizon but also with plans to focus on his live band amid some upcoming writing sessions in Australia and the UK.

About why don’t you come over?, Jack says: “It showcases such a different side to me, one that feels kind of badass. Throughout the process of writing the project I was listening to such confident, self-assured music and it rubbed shoulders with me, I guess. For the first time I feel empowered by my own music and I think that’s why I feel so connected to it. I was in the process of moving cities at the time. With so many changes, everything felt like both the world was opening up, yet crashing down on me. In that time I was so forced to look inward, discover more about myself, my identity and the queer history of people that fought for my right to have a voice. That’s where this project stemmed from, I had so much to say to the people around me and the people before me.”

LISTEN TO why don’t you come over? Here

Tell us about your story as an artist

My mum often brings back how as a kid I used to dance around and sing so much. I then thought at 10 I was going to be an actor and then at 14 it was pretty much just music and has always been since then. I knew it would be something creative but didn’t quite realise it was music. When I was 14 I taught myself ‘The Dog Days Are Over’ by Florence and the Machine. It was such an infectious song, I loved the way it made me feel. I think since then I just kept writing.

I think being a gay teen I was always trying to find ways to express myself as I was hiding myself for so long. That’s probably a strong reason why music is so important to me. In highschool my piano teacher also became my writing mentor who then taught me a bit about production too.

What do you think is the most important aspect of your life right now?

Music music music, I’m currently over in Melbourne working on some new music and woaaah it feels so great to be back in the studio again.

I did recently join a queer rugby team and oh my god it’s been the funnest thing I’ve ever done. I’ve been brought into this incredible little community and I miss them dearly, excited to see them when I get back to NZ!

What makes SKI LIFT 001 special in your opinion?

I think it’s the rawness in the track, it wasn’t overwritten or over recorded.. It was the demo vocals we took on the first day when we wrote it in just 6 hours. Well that’s why the track is special to me anyway.

What inspired this track?

Last winter I went skiing for the first time since going with my ex-boyfriend and so many bittersweet memories came flooding back to me. I remember having an epiphany while skiing that I took so many moments with him for granted. It’s a feeling that I think resonates with a lot of people – nostalgia can hit you so hard and so quickly.

Writing this song was so cathartic to me, I had a lot of feelings towards my ex and I think in a way I wrote it to acknowledge these feelings and try to move on.

We wrote it in 6 hours, the song fell into place so quickly. Collaborators Harry and Sophie just brought out such a vulnerable side to me.

What are some of the core messages here?

Longing, nostalgia and regret

How do you think tik tok and social media are contributing to change an artist’s career?

I think it’s changing artists careers quite drastically, it’s offering different opportunities to artists for sure and creating more independent paths for artists. At the same time it creates a lot of pressure for artists to perform in other areas than their craft.

What excites you about your life?

I’d consider myself quite a chaotic person ahhaha, I think all of my friends and family would say that about me too.

I like to push boundaries, be spontaneous a bit too! That’s what brings me excitement.

What are some of your core values as a human being?

I think being openly gay is something that is such a core value to me and my artistry. I think creativing queer narratives within pop culture is something so pivotal for our future generations. I’d also say honesty is something really important to me, sharing and looking after one another too.