Introducing: Jack Keyes – Dissolving in Dusk & 3 questions

Another artists that was part of Z Tapes seasonal compilations (for example Fall 2021), so for me there was no need to get introduction to Jack’s music. If you like indie folk music, this album will be right for you.

Here is a short intro I borrowed:

“The melodic songs of experimental folk artist Jack Keyes capture his contentment with being himself in the present moment while holding a somber reverence for the past. The resulting music is soothing and intimate with an undercurrent of raw darkness. Keyes’ newly released album Dissolving in Dusk is a 10-track exploration of the impermanence of natural beauty and its reflection in the small moments of the day.”

This album definitely requires you to sit down, put headphones on, switch off social media and just immerse into the songs. I will not spoil the listening experience, you have to try it yourself. In the meantime you can read short interview with Jack – our 3 questions series.

What inspired you to start making music and what keeps you making music?

Growing up, I always had a creative impulse to make different things. I had lots of funny ventures, like making comics to share with my friends and even my own independent “newspaper” I would make in middle school and pass out to my classmates. I knew I wanted to be a musician, but I was always afraid to ask for guitar lessons for some reason because my family didn’t play music. Once I finally started playing guitar at 12 or so, I immediately started writing songs and just really never stopped. I use music now as my creative outlet. It’s meditative for me, like writing in a journal.

What was the most challenging thing in your music (artistic) path?

Every step of making music presents hurdles, but these challenges have helped me find a lot of personal growth. Making music is a unique challenge because you have to be so vulnerable and introspective to write and record music, and then have to tap into your “performer” more extroverted side of your personality to do shows and promote yourself. I’ve learned to be more assertive and confident through music, and have a better sense of self. So, I think these feelings that come up of rejection or insecurity are worth it in the end because I’ve learned so much from it. m.

What would you dream to do if anything was possible?

I would love to keep finding a local and online community for my music – that’s the most important thing for me right now and what makes me happiest. It’d be great to get on a tape label or do a physical release for my music one day too. Ideally, it’d be sweet if some years down the line I could be able to work only part time and have music be a bigger part of my life (and maybe pay some bills!)

You can find more music on Bandcamp.