Jack Drinker released his latest single California King on the 20th December, which he co-wrote with Paige Shannon, and on the day of release, he performed a live show at The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles. In March last year, Jack released his debut EP Dead Boy Walking, and he has previously filmed music videos for two of his songs – Plane Ticket and Who Is This Person?. 2025 will see Jack working on new music with a new single due out in March. Chatting to Jack, we found out from him about releasing his latest single California King last month, his live show at The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles and his debut EP Dead Boy Walking.
How has it been seeing the listeners’ response to your latest single California King?
It’s been great! This song is very different from anything I have released before, so I was curious to see what people would think. The feedback has been great so far! It’s also the first song I’ve released that has a co-writer, so that has been a great experience.
Can you tell us about California King and how long had the song been in the making?
The song took a few months to perfect. I wrote a draft of it in my notes and shared it with Paige (Shannon), who then came up with a melody and made the lyrics better. The funny part is that we didn’t write it together in person. The internet is wild. I wanted to paint a picture of a person who has an infectious and magnetic personality. I’ve met a lot of people who have that and usually they have no idea how they are perceived. It’s relatable, especially in LA, to want somebody that a lot of other people want too.
How was it co-writing with Paige Shannon and hearing the finished single for the first time?
Paige is the best. We actually were in the same program at UCLA, so I’ve known her for years. She sent me a voice memo of her playing the song on guitar and so many light switches went off. I tried to emulate some of her choices, while also making it my own. It was definitely cool to hear the song completed because it started with just lyrics and a subtle guitar melody.
Is there anything you have enjoyed most about working on California King and how does it feel now it’s released?
I think I just liked that the process was different. I wanted to make it better, so I reached out to Paige. I typically go towards the same melodies, so it was great to hear Paige’s ideas. I usually begin my songs in my lower register to allow the song to build, but this song allowed me to use different parts of my voice and push myself.
On the single’s release date – 20th December, you performed a live show at The Hotel Cafe in Los Angeles, how was this?
The show was amazing. It was definitely my favourite show I’ve ever played. The Hotel Cafe is my favourite venue and the second stage is so intimate. It was just a very supportive environment and I felt like it went perfectly. I was able to rehearse with Paige a few times and work out all of the nuances that made it that much better.
What was it like releasing your debut EP Dead Boy Walking in March last year?
Releasing my debut EP was so many years in the making. I truly could not believe that it was happening. Dead Boy Walking was actually the last song that I wrote for the EP and changed the direction of the EP. It originally had a few different names it was going to be called. I felt like the project came together so naturally and I just knew when it was done. Having over 60k streams now is hard to believe.
How did you decide on the EP’s tracklist and what was the EP like to write and record?
The tracklist came super naturally. I had written a ton of songs for it, but I only produced the songs I knew were the best. Plane Ticket and Ruins were singles and then I made Bad Habits and The Fast Life around the same time. The Cards was a song I made at UCLA in one of my songwriting classes. It holds so many memories and I knew I wanted it to be on my first project. I recorded the rest of the songs with Alyssa Wilkens at their home studio. Some of the songs took longer to finish than others, but it was an extremely therapeutic experience. Fun fact, Bad Habits was made in one day and we used the scratch vocals because I loved them so much.
You have previously released music videos for your songs Plane Ticket and Who Is This Person?, how do you find the experience filming music videos and do you have any more planned?
I also see a visual in my head for all of my songs, however, making the visuals come to life in a way where I feel like I fulfilled my vision is another story.
For Who Is This Person?, I worked with Two Seas Media for months on a video treatment and recorded it at their studio. It was a 12-hour shoot day, but was so worth it.
For Plane Ticket, I wrote the treatment and brought it to my friend and cinematographer James Bragg. We ended up creating the whole thing on our own. We shot for three days at four different locations, one of which was a studio we rented out for my performance shot. I even made the clouds that are above my head. I also edited the video myself and James coloured it. This video was truly a passion project and a labour of love.
I have some video treatments written for my upcoming music, so hopefully they will all come to fruition.
How would you describe your sound and who do you think your music will appeal to?
I describe my sound as indie pop, although, I don’t like to confine myself to one singular genre. My goal is for the story to shine through, no matter the production style. My music will definitely appeal to anyone who has struggled with mental health, body image, self worth… however, I also have signs that are about optimism and growth. I think it’s very important to write about all of my different emotions, because they all exist.
How did you get into music and was it something you always wanted to do?
I grew up singing in church choir from the time I was four years old. I did musicals my whole life and continued on doing drama and choir in high school. I also did choir and a cappella in college, so it has been an important part of my life since I was very little.
Do you have any favourite music artists to listen to?
I love folk pop/singer-songwriter music a lot so I listen to a lot of Bon Iver, Carole King and Joni Mitchell. I also love powerhouse vocalists like Whitney Houston, Adele, Lionel Richie, John Legend, Prince, Elton John, Ariana Grande, Michael Bublé, and many more. I would say my biggest inspirations for my artistry are Troye Sivan, Conan Gray and Ryan Beatty.
How do you like to spend your time away from music?
I’m from a small beach town outside of LA, so I love to go to the beach with my friends. I also love to travel, thrift, take photos, and go clubbing.
Have you been given any advice over your music career so far that has stuck with you?
I think, as artists, we all put a lot of pressure on ourselves to find “our sound” or “our niche”. I once brought this up to a mentor who let me know that “it’s not about finding your sound – it’s about refining your sound”. This really spoke to me because I realised that anything I write or create IS authentically me. I can always get better and grow, but that took a lot of pressure off of me and how I saw myself as an artist.
What are you hoping this year brings for you and do you have any upcoming music releases or shows that you can tell us about?
I am hoping that this year brings audience growth, touring, growth in streaming, and more! I have so many music goals for 2025, but I want to just continue following my gut and releasing music that feels authentic to me. I am releasing my sophomore EP this year and will be releasing another single in March! It’s more of a house-inspired club song, so get ready to dance!
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