Jack Browning‘s journey to becoming a rising star in the country music scene is anything but conventional. As a boy, Jack was all about “Dad rock” and classic rock and it became his reality. Touring extensively as a teenager with big names like Jeff Beck, Joss Stone and Gregory Porter was a significant milestone in Jack’s career. “Since I picked up an electric guitar at 12 or 13, that was all I wanted to do,” he shares. However, even while performing at prestigious festivals across Europe, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. “It was the best kind of education, but I knew it would lead to something better,” Jack reflects.
Touring with a rock band had been his dream, but the experience didn’t feel as fulfilling as he’d hoped. During the quiet pandemic days, Jack found himself drawn back to Johnny Cash. “I thought, what kind of music do I like that is just a dude and a guitar, as that is all I could do at the time,” he explains. This introspection led him deeper into Cash’s discography and ultimately set him on a new musical path.
Jack’s debut album, “Red Eye Radio,” was a serendipitous creation. “It was the album that was never meant to be,” he says with a laugh. Initially, Jack only had one original song, but a change in personal circumstances sparked a surge of creativity. “I went into the studio, cut this one song, and I’d written another one in the meantime,” he explains. The album quickly took shape, reflecting Jack’s growth as an artist and person. “It focuses a lot on time, family, and relationships,” he says. “As a collection of songs, it’s something I’m very proud of.”
Among the tracks on “Red Eye Radio,” Jack has a particular fondness for “You Can’t Love Me Anymore.” “It’s funny because if you ask anyone who was involved with the album, everyone has a completely different favourite,” he notes. The song’s popularity (almost 100k streams at the time of writing) took Jack by surprise, but he appreciates how each listener connects with his music in their way.
Looking ahead, Jack is excited about his upcoming shows in the UK. “I’m going out more and more with the band, which is great,” he says enthusiastically. Highlights include a performance at C2C 2025 with his full band and his first headline tour in the Netherlands. He also has two trips to the USA planned for this year. Reflecting on his experiences, Jack says, “I toured in the US last year for the first time and met Lance from Appalachia on Tour/For the Love of Appalachia.”
Jack is thrilled about the growing country music scene in the UK. “It’s great!” he exclaims. While his style leans more towards the Appalachian sound, he appreciates the diversity in country music. “Some people get their back up about Beyoncé, but for me, it just means there’s more eyes on the kind of artists I like and enjoy, and what I’m doing too,” he says. “The more, the merrier!”
In addition to his music career, Jack is also an accomplished painter. “I was always drawing when I was a kid and messing around with art and paint,” he shares. While his art took a back seat during his touring years, he’s recently rekindled his passion for painting. “I’ve been painting for the last six months for my first solo exhibition in Texas,” he says. Balancing music and painting is a challenge, but Jack is determined to pursue both passions.
When asked about advice for aspiring musicians and artists, Jack offers words of wisdom: “Just get out and play with people better than you. Don’t be scared to screw up. Try not to take things too personally, which is something I’m always struggling with in the industry. Keep doing it and make music for yourself and your buddies, and you won’t go far wrong.”
Jack Browning‘s journey is a testament to his dedication and passion for both music and art. As he continues to evolve as an artist, fans can look forward to more incredible music and captivating paintings from this rising star.
