Tuesday 7 June 2016

Home showcases Jack's soulful vocals alongside a Motown inspired instrumental melody


Home is a smooth tune which showcases Jack's soulful vocals alongside a groovy instrumental melody that is clearly inspired by Motown whilst also bringing a modern vibe to play.

 Californian born and bred Jack Littman is a multi talented individual with interests in all aspects of the performing arts - Music, Acting and Film Making.

 In regards to his music he has combined RnB , Motown, Soul, Rock and Hip Hop to create something unique and with song writing been a key part of his heritage (his Great Grandfather collaborated with George Gershwin) it's easy to see where his passion comes from.

 This passion was nurtured from the age of 13 when Jack picked up his first guitar and started songwriting, thanks to inspiration from Marvin Gaye and Bob Dylan.
1. How did you get into music in the first place?  

It started when I was 13, hearing music in my house. My father was a spectacular singer/songwriter and he used to sing me to sleep at night. My great grandfather Jack Neiburg (who I'm named after) was a prominent lyricist. 

I felt a calling to music and songwriting ever since. I taught myself to play guitar and from then on I started writing.  

2. Who were your musical influences? 

I would say The Beatles' ABBEY ROAD, Prince's Greatest Hits, and Miles Davis' KIND OF BLUE. I listened to these so much that the disks burnt up! LOL. So that's my bedrock as far as music goes. 

From there, I started listening to Hank Williams, Woody Guthrie, Bob Dylan etc. and then I got really into Rhythm and Blues and Soul music after I heard Marvin Gaye and Solomon Burk. 

At this point I have musical influences from at least every continent in the world!  

3. What tunes are currently on repeat in your MP3 player?  

I'm listening to Prince's last record "HitNRun Phase Two". His song about Baltimore is so cheerful but you can hear the pain in his voice about what happened there.  I am also spinning DJ Shadow's "Nobody Speak" featuring Run The Jewels. 

The song is so silly on one level but the merging of this acoustic guitar with the hard electronic beats just feels so good.  

4. What's your life outside of music? 

I love to read-- books, news publication, and currently reading Fanon.  I'm also a filmmaker. I just wrapped my first feature film called Rumble Strip, about water wars in post apocalyptic Los Angeles. 

I wrote, directed and star in it. It was really exciting to make and I look forward to it's premiere later this year.  

5. If you could collaborate with any singer who would it be?  

I would love to collaborate with Kendrick Lamar. His record "To Pimp a Butterfly" was clearly so inspired by jazz. He also has a very original singing voice. 

I love Thom Yorke of Radiohead, it would be a dream to work with him. I am also a huge fan of Antony Hegarty of Antony and the Johnsons. 

She has this angelic voice that always sounds on the edge of crying. It's just beautiful. These are some of the many artists I would like to collaborate with.  

6. What's your favorite genre of music? 

Prince is my favorite genre. But I like the artists that defy that word. To me, Prince never stuck with one genre. 

He was rooted in Soul and Funk music but I recently heard him do a cover of a Joni Mitchell song (Prince sent fan mail to Joni Mitchell before he was a star!!!) and he just clearly is so knowledgeable in so many genres. 

I can go on and on about Prince. I’m still so upset over his passing.   

7. What's next for you musically and are there plans to tour either nationally or further afield.  

We are still on the planning stages of touring, but definitely considering not just national but also international.   

In addition to my lyric music video single, HOME, I'm also excited about my single “Stonəwɐll” which will be coming out in mid-June 2016. 

The Rolling Stones song “Miss You” and Frankie Knuckles club beats inspired this song with the lyrics recounting the story of the Stonewall Riots.  

I have a show in Los Angeles at The Other Door on June 8 and will perform songs from my upcoming EP "the ad·dress" dropping by the end of summer. 

8. What are your strengths and weaknesses? 

I'm pretty good at finishing things. It may take me years, but I've always had a very determined mind and no matter what, I will achieve it. 

On the flip side, I'm also a perfectionist. I'm not easily satisfied and it can take me forever to finish a song! I'm always going back to re-mix, add vocals and guitars…it just never ends!! :)   

9. Where do you draw inspiration for your song lyrics? 

I take everyday stories that I read from news publications as well as causes I believe in and support (LGBTQ rights, Climate Change, Child Homelessness etc.) that have greatly impacted my songwriting.  

10. What is your guilty pleasure?  

Lots!!! I can't list them all. Lol. But mainly I love Lindor Milk Chocolate truffles and once in a while… I enjoy a fine Irish Whiskey (Jameson) cheers! 

 Website - http://www.jacklittman.com
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