
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: JACK BROWNING

Meet Jack Browning - a 26-year-old musician from the bustling town of London who is steadily making waves in the UK Country Scene.
Drawing inspiration from some of America’s greats such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, and Johnny Cash, Jack’s music takes you straight to the Wild West; inspiring a sense of nostalgia you can’t quite place but know is familiar, encapsulating the way that the country genre paints a picture for the listener.
The Roadhouse Hub interviewed Jack exclusively following his latest single release, Heavy Is The Head.
So Jack, tell us a little bit about your journey into country music.
“I was drawn to country music through the love of narratives. It wasn’t until lockdown hit back in 2020 that I started writing songs myself. I wanted to write music that was a little closer to the likes of those who bridged the gap between folk, blues, and country - artists like John Prine, Townes Van Zandt, and Guy Clark. I was trapped into playing music solo rather than as a band like I had done previously thanks to Covid restrictions, however, I feel like country music lends itself to an isolated way of writing so it worked.
I wrote one song that I was immensely proud of at the start of lockdown in 2020, but I didn’t write another one until two years later. I had a few shake-ups in my personal life which prompted me to head to the studio for a few days to record that first song, which was called Kerosene. It was like someone had turned on a tap; all of these lyrics came spilling out and it became clear to me that there was a record to be made.
I wouldn’t say it was a conscious choice to ‘be country’, it just happened. In 2020 it was still considered weird to be into country music.”
We would love to know a bit more about your musical influences growing up - you mentioned some of America’s rock ‘n roll greats,
“My dad was my main influence growing up, providing me with a steady diet of classic rock. The likes of Bob Dylan, The Boss, Neil Young, and Johnny Cash. Cash was about as country as my dad ever veered towards, and for the longest time that was the coal face of the genre for me.
I spent my teens playing in rock bands, always inspired by the big names of American songwriting that my dad was playing. I ended up touring all over Europe, playing some of the same bills as Joss Stone, Jeff Beck, and Gregory Porter which was wild to me. I still love tuning into that side of music. I would say that what I write and record is a sum of all of my musical influences growing up; country, blues, folk with a dash of rock too.”
We can definitely hear those inspirations in your music. You mentioned that back in 2020, being a fan of country music was something that would’ve been considered weird. How do you think the UK Country Scene has evolved over the last 15 years?
“Since 2020, the UK Country Scene has just exploded! Country is such a wide umbrella. To me, it’s Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, Buck Owens - but to someone else, it may be Garth or Morgan Wallen. I think that is what appeals about the Country genre; it just eclipses so many different things depending on who you’re asking.
I feel like in the UK, American import is a big draw, and is somewhat exotic. There’s a cool scene developing in the UK with folks from the UK. I never started wearing boots or singing country music to be included in it, and it sort of sprung up around the writers and performers that were doing it and now it’s huge. I think it’s very exciting.”
We can agree that it has exploded in recent years - there are so many different branches of Country music, it’s a very inclusive genre. What would you say has been your most memorable moment in your musical career so far?
“ I think releasing my debut record (Red Eye Radio) was a pretty memorable thing. To have all that doubt and worry eradicated once I had the vinyl in my hand, and to have done it so well, is incredible to me - especially being independent with no management or label.
I’ve been fortunate enough to play some incredible shows too. I sold out my first-ever headline show, and have opened for a number of my heroes - Asleep At The Wheel, Willi Carlisle, and Corb Lund - so can I get away with saying this whole year has been a highlight?”
That sounds like quite a year! Let’s talk more about your recent single which was released on October 4th, Heavy Is The Head. What was this record inspired by?
“I penned [Heavy Is The Head] in the studio and had no real plans beforehand to lay it down - it developed in the live room with the band. It morphed into a sequel to another song of mine off my debut record, ‘The Family Guns’.
The record is inspired by the great Spaghetti-Western composers like Ennio Morricone, and more recent inspirations of mine like Charley Crockett and his stellar record, ‘The Man From Waco’. The dad-rock that influenced me so much when I was younger also rears its head in there at the end as well!”
We really love the record; it’s very gritty and wouldn’t be out of place in an old Western movie! What does the future hold for you as a musician - do you have any new releases or collaborations on the horizon?
“As we speak, I am in the studio for a few days continuing work on my second record and enjoying all of the feelings that come with it - excitement, hope, stress, and anxiety!
I also have a reissue of my debut album that I’m working on, with a second ‘live’ disc. I’ve just returned from my first tour around parts of the US, and I’m stoked to be working with a couple of buddies over there on a song or three.”
That sounds exciting, we can’t wait to hear those! And finally, who is your dream artist to collaborate with?
“I think right now, it would be Charley Crockett or Benjamin Tod. I’ve been lucky enough to meet with them both. All of the stuff about ‘never meeting your heroes’ went out the window as they are both wonderful people, as well as super-talented writers and performers. I really resonate with their songwriting in particular and it would just be a dream.”
Jack will be touring again in 2025 around the UK, parts of the EU and the United States. He also has a headline show planned in London at The Grace on November 23rd with his band and his friend, Texas Radio & The Big Beat opening the night.
Don’t forget to keep up with the UK Country Music scene on our website, www.roadhousehub.co.uk and over on our social platforms.
Artist Spotlight Jack Browning