At just 13, Jack Child wrote “On The Road” in the midst of personal upheaval—a raw, confessional track that would go on to shape his songwriting ethos: truth first, polish second. Now 19, the Portsmouth-born multi-instrumentalist, producer, and visual storyteller is carving out his place in the indie-pop scene with music that’s messy, human, and unmistakably his. From recording in his bedroom with forks and spoons to building cinematic narratives across his singles, Child brings an intimate, loop-driven world to life where authenticity always wins out over convention. In this exclusive interview, we dive into the emotional core of “On The Road,” his creative rituals, and the evolving visual universe he’s constructing—one song, one story, and one risk at a time.
“On The Road” was written when you were just 13 during a challenging time in your family life. How did those early experiences shape not only this song but your approach to songwriting in general?
I think the best songs are always the ones with truth in them. I think the songs that really connect to people are the ones that have such specific detail and honesty in them, that it would be impossible to be imagined from nothing. All my best songs come from real and emotional places. When I write now it’s clear the ones that stick around and connect are the ones that are true.
Your music carries a raw and intimate quality, especially with you producing and recording everything yourself at home. How does working in your bedroom studio influence the final sound and emotional impact of your songs?
I definitely think there’s an element of authenticity that comes with the recording process of my music. Where the songs can be so personal and intimate it makes complete sense that the production of the song is too. I think subconsciously you feel when the music itself is recorded in a raw, personal space.
You used everyday objects like forks and spoons to create the rhythm section on “On The Road.” Can you tell us more about that creative choice and how it adds to the song’s atmosphere?
I like to use a lot of strange sounds in my music, even if you don’t realise it’s there. I love adding samples into my songs as well. ‘On The Road’ is filled with screams, coughs, and movie quotes inside. One of my favourite movies of all time is a film called ‘Stand By Me’ which is about four boys that run away from home. I thought the dialogue and story was fitting for my song and I loved how they link together, you’ll definitely hear some of those quotes through the track. It really helps tell the story more I think.
The song balances a dark indie-pop sound with deeply personal lyrics. How do you navigate blending mood-driven production with storytelling that’s so close to your own life?
Specifically for this song I wanted it to sound fun and bouncy. I sort of had to separate what the lyrics meant and how the production would sound. If I didn’t split the two, the music would sound a lot darker, trust me. But for this case I really wanted to make something fun from something dark. Since my last release was quite slow and moody, I definitely needed to release something more upbeat, even if the lyrics didn’t portray the same thing.
Your live shows are known for their loop-driven, intimate vibe. How do you translate the personal nature of your recordings into your performances?
I always find it difficult transitioning a song from the production process to being played live because it sounds so different. I get it in my head that people aren’t going to like how it sounds because of how different it is compared to the recordings. But when the shows come around, I’m always happily surprised at how well it’s received. I try to make the live shows sound different to everyone else’s, and by having the loop set up with drum pads / electric guitars, naturally it does without even trying.
“On The Road” is part of a larger narrative that includes interconnected visuals and storytelling. Can you share more about this bigger project and what fans can expect as it unfolds?
I’m such a visual person and as an artist making music, sometimes I can feel limited in my expression as I can only tell my story through sound. So making music videos is such an important process for me in a song release. ‘On The Road’ and my last single ‘How Long Will It Take’ are both a part of a visual story I’m slowly building where a psycho, born from the violence of his step-father, decides to run away from home and kidnap a stripper. He lives in a world of delusion where he sees himself as the good guy, singing to her and expressing his love. But he’s a killer! He just doesn’t know it yet.
You’ve been compared to artists like Ed Sheeran, The 1975, and Dave, but you bring your own distinct voice. What do you feel sets your music apart within the indie-pop scene?
I definitely pride myself on my live performances. The most important thing for anyone in this line of work is to make good music and perform well. I’ve found that my big drum sounds surprises people when all they see is a man with a guitar. Then complementing it with my deep bass and strong vocals. I like to think it definitely takes people off guard. Also, having all the production and everything you hear on my songs created and played by me is something that you don’t find a lot. Usually, you’ll find one song will have lots of people working on it, whereas with me, it’s always just me. Straight from my mind to your ears. I like that transparency with my audience.
How has your journey from busking in Portsmouth to performing across Europe impacted your perspective as an artist?
Having a very small amount of travelling experience in my back pocket has really opened my eyes to a lot of things. Going to a country you have no idea about can be quite daunting. But the beautiful thing about music is that no matter what language, culture or country you’re from, it translates. And people still connect. I think it’s crazy how similar I found places that are so far from home to be so similar through music.
You describe “On The Road” as “messy, human, and totally mine.” What does authenticity mean to you, and how do you maintain it in an industry that often values perfection?
I think being authentic is exactly what makes people fall in love with an artist and their music. That’s why I try my very best to always create in that space. It’s our job as creators to stay true to ourselves and stick to what we believe in. I’ve been told to change who I am as an artist so many times. I’ve been told I can’t make something because it’s not “who I am.” I think the industry doesn’t like risks, it’s a business and no business likes taking chances. But I think the best talents and the best music comes from a little risk sometimes.
Looking ahead, how do you see your sound and storytelling evolving? Are there new directions or collaborations you’re excited to explore?
This year, I’m very excited for the music that’s about to be released. I have two collaboration projects in the works currently to be released this year, on top of my single releases. One’s an EDM mixtape full of House, D&B, and Garage. And the second mixtape is an R&B, hip-hop-influenced project. I wanted to show off how versatile my production/writing can be whilst working with so many other talented artists. It also gives me a chance to have fun with music, and not worry about numbers, music videos and promotion strategies. These projects are strictly for fans and me to enjoy.
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