Australian Irish alternative folk rock artist Paul Jackson has released his new single, The Head and the Handle. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Originally from Perth, Western Australia, Paul has spent over a decade performing across New Zealand before relocating to County Clare in 2022.
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Recorded at The Lab Studios in Auckland, New Zealand, The Head and the Handle was produced and mixed by Scott Seabright (Neil Finn, Mick Fleetwood, Passenger) and it features Paul on vocals, guitar, bass, and harmonica, Stephen Small on piano and keyboards, and Adam Tobeck on drums.
"This is a song of nostalgia which came in parts over a long period of time", says Paul. "The first lines came while sitting on a balcony overlooking a river in Gisborne, New Zealand, where I'd moved with my Irish girlfriend.
"The phrase 'The head and the handle’ refers to the philosophical idea of identity over time - asking, if all the parts of something are replaced, is it still the same thing? Juxtaposed with the line ‘if I knew then what I know now,’ the song reflects a calm nostalgia and self-acceptance."
Paul’s harmonica solo on the song is a homage to Rainy Night in Soho by Shane MacGowan and the Pogues.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I met the surfer Kelly Slater one unassuming Sunday afternoon at a beach near Easky in county Sligo, I was with my friend Paddy who excitedly asked Kelly if he would sign his surfboard and if he also happened to have a marker pen handy in order to do so. Kelly had a look of amusement and bewilderment on his face. What kind of celebrity doesn't carry marker pens for autographs, Paddy later quibbled.
Like Leonard Cohen, I have spent time writing songs in Asmara city, which is the capital of Eritrea in the horn of Africa. I have always wondered if the hotel I was in was the same one that Leonard stayed in, and if I happened to be writing songs in the same building as he once did . . . I haven't so far been able to find that out.
I once jammed with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver on a balcony in Bondi on Australia Day. We spoke about the music and the craic in Ireland as he had spent some time living in Galway before his success. Justin eventually retired to the couch just inside from the balcony and I played Leonard Cohen songs with his brother and friends of mine from Sydney. The following day Justin complimented me on my guitar skills and said he enjoyed drifting off to a fine rendition of Suzanne.
How would you describe your music?
Generally, my music is groove based fingerstyle guitar with vocals and counter melodies, however the single that I am now releasing, The Head and the Handle, is an emotive folk rock song with a strummed acoustic guitar, an electric guitar blended in, some pretty piano lines and a harmonica solo.
Who are your musical inspirations?
Here is a short list of people who inspire me and who I also feel have had an influence on the writing and structuring of my songs: Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell, Townes Van Zant, John Prine, Shane MacGowan, Nick Cave, JJ Cale, Nick Drake and Justin Townes Earl.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
INXS at the Perth Entertainment Centre.
What was the first record you ever bought?
Pink Floyd - Animals.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Leave the Light On by Chris Smithers.
Favourite lyric of all time?
"Salesman said this vacuum is guaranteed, it can suck an ancient virus from the sea" - The Rules by The Tragically Hip.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Jealous Guy by John Lennon.
Where can people find your music/more information?
Bandcamp or Instagram: @jacksonreymusic.
Alan Corr
