Introducing...Kurt Jackson

Kurt Jackson is a bluesy, alt-country artist from Melbourne town who has a lot of pain in his heart. Dark, dashing and debonair, Kurt describes his music as "heartbreak rock n roll country". We chatted to Kurt ahead of his gig at the Wheatsheaf this weekend to find he's not the mopey sod some might have expected.

For the uninitiated and in 25 words or less, describe your sound for us 

"Blues drenched soul lovin’ tales. The older material is more traditional singer-songwriter. But the new is solo swagger blues.  Do try it!"

The term ‘heartbreak’ seems to pop up a lot in reference to your music. Where does the heartbreak come from? 

"Whether we like to admit or not, heartbreak is something we all have experienced.  So I s'pose it is my attempt to reach out to some folks out there. Yeah its definitely a bit of a whinge, but it’s also a way of saying, 'Hey, I'm not the only one.' Sometimes embracing it is the best thing for ya."

Can you write blues music without being heartbroken or do they go hand-in-hand? 

"Haha good question. Heartache IS a big part of the blues, it's definitely not the only subject matter. To me, blues is about two things: one, the lament of something or someone; and two, feeling good about it through music. Take Little Red Rooster by Wilie Dixon for example, it’s got this strangely good feeling whilst talking about a longing to return life back to the way it was."

Where else does a modern-day man of the blues such as yourself draw influence from? Any artists you’re particular fond of or have shaped your sound?

"The amazing thing about music is there's something for everyone. My influence comes from things people see, do and say. Everything feels a certain way, and this changes the way songs come about. I draw a lot from the real old guys like Muddy Waters and Jimi H, but also from guys like Ian Rilen and The Love Addicts, Nick Cave and even Eels."

You channel a lot of music from days gone by. How do you try and make those older influences sound fresh and exciting? 

"Well I s'pose I play music my way, not theirs. There's always something to learn from someone else, no matter what your opinion of 'em. But in the end, we all have an individual style, albeit shaped by sounds of the past. And if you don't make it your own, people will see straight through you."

There seem to be quite a few bluesy artists doing really cool things at the moment. Do you have any favourites?

"Ash Grunwald, Black Crowes, White Stripes, Abby May and, in a strange way, Cat Power."

It’s been a long time between drinks in terms of you playing in Adelaide. What’s happened in your world in that time? 

"Well without giving away my life story (come see me at the bar for that!), I realised I needed to play solo, and gave myself the space I needed to write tunes. I took my time and didn't rush, which means being a loner, holed up in my room writing and jamming songs. I'm glad to be coming back to Adelaide, its always a good time."

For someone who hasn’t seen you play live before, how would describe your onstage performance?

"A Solo bluesman giving you what he got! A bad back, shitty eyesight and heaps of new tunes, and some unexpected oldies. And last but not least, some hip-shakin’, killer tunes!"

What’s next for Kurt Jackson? What are your musical plans for the rest of the year?

"After the long winter of being holed up in my room, there's a pile of new tunes eagerly waiting attention. So I can summarise my plans are: keep making music, lots more, gig, gig, gig and meet new people...oh and get a double bass player. See you guys at the bar!"

Kurt Jackson plays at the Wheatsheaf Hotel on Sat Jul 31 with Matt Reiner & The Aunt Sallys and Luke Ashby & The Damn Burdens.

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