Nexus Meets… Jack Conman
Think Thom Yorke meets Jeff Buckley and you should have something like Jack Conman. Following his successful summer track ‘Come Back In The Room’, Jack has released a new and already critically acclaimed single ‘Before You Love Me’. We spoke with Jack about ‘Before You Love Me’, future plans and bad advice.
What is the backstory to your new single ‘Before You Love Me’?
The song is about working on yourself to become the best version of yourself before you find a partner. I feel like when these things aren’t in place, it never goes too well!
Do you have a specific creative process?
I usually write songs using just a guitar. I tend to start singing as soon as I start playing the first chord instead of trying to figure out a chord progression first. It’s usually a load of weird disjointed lyrics and strange melodies and chords but I tend to accidentally sing at least one line that works and resonates with me. Then I base the song from that. I’ve found in the past that structured, well thought-out writing processes don’t come with the best songs!
What was the writing, recording and production like for ‘Before You Love Me’?
The writing was very quick, there’s only two chords in the whole song and not many lyrics, but I really felt as though I was very quickly finished with what I wanted to say in the song and I didn’t feel like it needed massively expanding or elaborating. The gist of what I’m saying is “be happy alone before you find someone”.
I recorded the song in my ex-girlfriend’s bedroom during the first lockdown, similar to my previous single, ‘Come Back in the Room’. I just laid down the guitar to a click track and then added the vocals to create the structure of the song. I then spent about 4 days recording different instruments and trying out different lead guitar parts, vocal harmonies and percussion. I think I went through about 50 different backing vocal tracks!
This is your follow-up to the single ‘Come Back In The Room’ – which do you prefer?
I definitely don’t have a favourite, they’re such different songs with different energies. I think if you’re feeling sleepy then listen to ‘Before You Love Me’ and if you’re feeling sassy, listen to ‘Come Back in the Room’! 😄
How would you describe your music?
I’d say it’s very lyric-driven and emotional. A friend of mine always jokingly says I’m like the male Adele! I think I try and create a space where other guys can listen to music about being unsure or insecure and see that I’m a big hairy bloke. So I’d probably summarise by saying the music is a safe haven for upset men.
What is the worst piece of advice you have received as a professional and in your personal life?
“When you’re on stage, stop being Jack, the shy lad. Be more of a Jack THE lad. Get your dick out if you have to”. I still think about that last part a lot.
What advice would you give new musicians?
Write as much as possible, even when you don’t feel like it. Even if the songs are coming out shit at the moment, you’ll soon write some amazing ones and you can scrap the others. And for the love of God, finish every song you start writing because getting into a habit of not finishing songs is a hard one to get out of.
What do you hope people take from your music?
I want people who are a little bit shy, awkward, needy and insecure to know that I’m exactly the same. I hope people listen to my music and feel a little bit more human.
Do you have any future plans?
I already have another two albums ready to go, pretty much, they just need finalising and mixing. some different music to what I’ve been making previously too! I’m very excited about it.