Jack Simpson discusses origins and influences alongside debut EP ‘Jack Simpson Is Looking Up At The Trees’

Jack Simpson isn’t your typical singer-songwriter. The North Yorkshire-based artist has long operated on the fringes of the spotlight, preferring the quiet world of songwriting over the bright glare of live performance. But with his latest release, Jack Simpson is looking up at the Trees, the underground is paying close attention.

A six-track folk-rock marvel that blends pastoral musings with classic rock flourishes, the EP marks Simpson’s most confident and expansive work to date. From the whimsical to the profound, his storytelling reaches new heights, threaded through brass-soaked arrangements, acoustic meditations, and lyrical wit. Each song feels handcrafted, but none more so than the standout single ‘Crucifix of San Damiano’, a mystical, Fogerty-tinged journey rich with religious imagery and emotional weight.

With Jack Simpson is looking up at the Trees, he doesn’t just emerge from the shadows, he builds a world of his own. We caught up with Jack to talk about his origins and influences over the years.

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What was the first rock song or artist that made an impact on you?

Herman’s Hermits – they are a very underrated pop group

Who are some of your biggest musical influences within the rock genre?

I love the bonzo dog doo-dah band as they are very funny – Neil Innes was a great songwriter.

Are there any non-rock musicians or genres that have also influenced your music?

I am particularly keen on Jesus

What is your main inspiration when looking to write new music?

Family, work and friends. This includes my body (Stop-start is about my prostate gland) and dogs (Max’ song is about my Jack Russell)

What do you enjoy most about performing live and do you have any memorable live performance experiences you’d like to share?

I never perform live unless it is to my daughters at home

What has been a particularly rewarding moment in your musical journey so far?

Compliments on my song writing

How would you define success as a musician?

Success is when others choose to sing my songs

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are just starting out?

You need to be in it for the long term as success takes time

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Listen to ‘Jack Simpson Is Looking Up At The Trees’ below.