Having spent the past decade dominating the much-loved and missed app Vine as part of the addictive duo Jack & Jack, Jack Johnson is branching out on his own with the launch of his debut single “You Lie”. Released a few weeks ago, the singer has already racked in an impressive 125k streams and counting for his smooth R&B-tinged track. Showcasing whispy vocals and an impressive rap ability, the singer gets candid on the vicious cycle of two people who get caught up in a toxic relationship.

Breaking away from Jack & Jack’s fun and playful sound, the singer dives into his own lyrical ability with sophisticated intricate wordplay as he explores a new chapter in his life.

“Very freeing.” The singer honestly says as he talks going solo, “I feel like how I’ve always envisioned myself as an artist is now really coming to fruition, and I can’t wait to take what I learn from this chapter and bring it to whatever Jack and I do in the future, or any other endeavours outside of music!”

We caught up with this viral sensation talking breaking out on his own, inspirations and all the new music he has stored up, ready to go,

Check out the interview below…

Hi Jack, how has lockdown been for you?
It’s been a mix of amazing and uncomfortable. Seeing the world struggling is always hard for me, but it’s definitely sparked a lot of inspiration within me creatively. I feel like my music and my content and everything in between has taken a turn for the better!

How has it impacted you creatively and musically?
It’s given me more downtime to really dive into my creative process. My production, songwriting, and everything musically has definitely hit a new level which I think the boredom has attributed too.

How did you settle on the name JVCKJ?
Well, to be honest there was already a band in Europe with the musical trademark on the name Jack J, so I decided to use the inability as an artistic opportunity and change it to JVCKJ!

What has been the greatest challenges of switching up your mindset in your solo career from your days in Jack & Jack?
It was sort of seamless as I’ve always been working by myself in the studio even since we were a group, just trying to hone my skills for whatever chapter unfolds. I will say it has been very liberating to not have a label involved and to be able to really curate my vision.

And how freeing is the experience of stepping out on your own?
Very freeing. I feel like how I’ve always envisioned myself as an artist is now really coming to fruition, and I can’t wait to take what I learn from this chapter and bring it to whatever Jack and I do in the future, or any other endeavours outside of music!

Sonically and genre-wise, how would you say your new music differs?
It’s all hip hop-centric, which has always been by far my favourite genre. I’ve been writing raps since I was six years old, but at the same time, it’s a very versatile wave of hip hop. The sonics of every song will be all over the place, but I feel like my tone and my voice will be the glue that holds everything together! A lot of melodies in the mix as well, I’ve really been working on my singing and melodic pathways while writing.

Where do you pull most of your inspirations and influences from?
My uncle and grandpa got me into the piano so they are huge influences on that side of things. In terms of hip hop, Eminem, Lil Wayne, and Andre 3000 are for sure my top three. And all for different reasons. But that’s just skimming the surface. Giveon is really inspiring me as of late even though I can’t sing for shit! But I love every genre and definitely draw inspiration from any place I find it!

Any unusual places – film/music references?
William Wallace in braveheart. As a human in general, I want to be a leader like him. For music artists, for my hometown, for anyone in my circle.

Congrats on “You Lie” – which pulled from your personal experiences of fraught relationships – how is it putting such personal and raw music out there?
It feels amazing. It’s absolutely therapy for me, getting what I’ve gone through down on paper and out there to the world. It feels good.

What do you hope fans will take from your music?
I hope they learn about themselves more than anything. I want my songs to make people self reflect, and I want them to invoke emotions in people they didn’t know they could feel due to a song/music. Also, I’m excited for the world to see the full scope of what I can bring to the table!

Do you have another release coming out soon or an EP you can tell us about?
Just keep an eye out towards the end of the year.

What’s next for you? What are you looking forward to in 2020?
Taking the music world by storm in a new light, and also starting a podcast with my best friends. And of course, the world opening back up!