Jack River’s Got Something To Say
Known for her musical talent as she as her activism prowess, Jack River is someone Australia should be pretty damn proud of.
From campaigning for the inclusion of Australian music in Olympics coverage to releasing a protest song addressing the urgent need for action on climate change, First Nation and women’s rights, she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes in while bringing everyone else up in the process. We caught up with Holly at a particularly chaotic time for us, which was equally matched given Holly has recently become a new mum. A super mum, a super woman and a super lovely chat below.
Hey, hey, how is life?
Pretty mental. Album coming out and looking after my daughter. Other work deadlines that all happen at once.
Sounds chaotic. Congratulations on the new album Endless Summer, let’s talk about it.
It’s ten songs to escape the apocalypse basically.
What’s the story behind why it’s called Endless Summer?
There’s a few different reasons. I guess I wanted to create an escapist wonderland in the production and at the same time wanting to suggest that there is a very real endless summer on the horizon. I was super inspired by the Beach Boys and wanted to make modern Beach Boys pop which is my personal ambition.
Has becoming a mum changed anything with music for you?
Not really, I don’t think. My relationship has been pretty strong with music my whole life, a very magical relationship. I don’t think it will have changed too much, more just listening to way more whacky kids' music which will confuse whatever I make next.
Totally I suppose what you listen to infiltrates in some capacity the music you write?
Yeah absolutely. It’s why the music that we listen to when we’re young has such an influence on us in later life.
What song is the most special to you, if you have one, and why?
‘Lie to you.’ I’m really looking forward to playing it live. It’s a big, ambitious pop song with a lot of heart and I think people will like it. It should just be really magic to bring that song to life on stage.
Do you think you’ll bring your podcast To Rebel In The Times back?
Not sure. I love podcasts so much and I’m sure there will be something on the horizon but I’m not sure just yet. It was kind of a beautiful moment in time. We were entering lockdown and I wanted to keep talking to artists about the things I am passionate about and that provided the space to do it.
Over the years you’ve done some amazing campaigning for music such as using Australian music for the Olympics coverage and even writing specific songs such as ‘We Are The Youth’– why do you think lean into an activist sort of role? Is that just your personality?
Since I was really young I’ve been inclined to get involved in local, state and then National politics and standing up for what I believe in. Becoming an artist and understanding more about our industry and how governments treat us, I feel like I have no choice. I really care about it and I have the means to make a change so why not jump in and do it. It’s what I love to do alongside music, I’ve always loved to get involved and get people together to tackle issues. Also just to make everything a little bit more sparkly, fun and exciting. I love to make politics and social issues a little more accessible and more fun to engage in.
Do you have one particular campaign that you’re especially proud of, or that had a tangible impact?
The recent one ‘Our Soundtrack, Our Stories’ campaign drastically changed how the ad industry, TV and radio were viewing, using and supporting Australian music, and the same with the governments. Our industry came together, with over seventy music companies coming together to support the call to ask for more Australian music on TV, in ads and on the radio and it’s still reverberating in different forms now. Also this year I’m working on the Voice To Parliament campaign. I feel like that’s the most important thing that I can put my time towards this year.
Do you as an artist struggle with imposter syndrome at all?
Definitely. There’s a song on my album called ‘Stranger’s Dream.’ It’s hard to even talk about because imposter syndrome is happening right now. I think it’s like a continual conversation with myself about being okay with who I am and okay with feeling different and a bit of a freak. I think most of us might feel like that but we don’t talk about it. I think especially for me mixing politics and music, doing something that not too many artists are in the ring with me doing. I think back to when I was at school and I was always doing art, music and politics. I think when you struggle with imposter syndrome you have to think about what you felt when you were a kid because that was the time before society told you how to feel. It’s a good clue as to who you really are.
What is the most important thing to you as a musician?
Being honest in my songs. Having fun. It’s a magic career and wild ride that I get to have as a musician so just enjoying the moment while it’s there.
This interview was a part of the 2023 Splendour Weekender. View the full digital copy here.