One of Australia’s most discerning new storytellers, Jacob Vincent, reveals his stirring single, ‘What Would I Say’.
Inspired by the infamous WWI conflict at Gallipoli, Jacob paints himself in the boots of a digger bound for war-torn shores on April 25, 1915 – the day we now commemorate as ANZAC Day. “Not old enough to vote, but I’m old enough to kill,” he expresses in the song’s provocative chorus.
The ode was written alongside poet Colin Defries, whom the singer-songwriter met at a DAG Sheep Station songwriting retreat. “He presented a poem at a co-write on Easter Sunday,” recalls Jacob. “The first few chords I picked along felt good & we spent the afternoon figuring out a chorus and refining the lyric to fit my voice and style. We both believe it’s really important to understand the legacy of the ANZAC’s, the conditions they endured & sacrifices they made.”
Imbued with Jacob’s unique style – the rough and tumble spirit of Americana music, infused with distinctive hues of Australian storytelling – the song was set to undergo its next transformation. Within the hallowed confines of multi-award-winning producer Shane Nicholson’s Sound Hole studios, Jacob and Colin’s melodies found harmony.
“It’s been really amazing to work with Shane, I’ve admired his work from a young age. He brought some great ideas to the song and I couldn’t be happier with how he realised my vision for the track.”
A carefully crafted acoustic soundscape surrounds Jacob’s poignant vocals, both haunting and uplifting. It’s matched beautifully by the Jay Seeney (Blacklist Productions) shot video clip, which honours the story’s roots. “We filmed early one morning amidst Tamworth Country Music Festival earlier this year. He was able to work through archival footage from WW1 to help tell the story of the fighting in Gallipoli.”
In 2020, Jacob poured every cent he had (and some he didn’t) into his debut EP, ‘Cold & Blue’, yet the global pandemic quickly forced him into recording hiatus. Instead, he honed his live craft in the crucible of intimate pub venues.
Three years later he captivated audiences at the Tamworth Country Music Festival’s renowned, Toyota Star Maker. This year at the same festival he shared the bill with Kelly Cork on a sold out show as well as appearing alongside legends, Kevin Bennett & The Flood, Michael Waugh and Luke O’Shea.
As a young boy growing up in Tasmania, Jacob often perused his father’s vinyl collection, discovering that music was in his blood. His grandfather, Max Kettle, was one third of The Singing Kettles – a sibling group who’s star quickly rose during the 60s. The Kettles were immortalised in the Roll of Renown in 2005, which would be Jacob’s first Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Jacob Vincent’s performance on ‘What Would I Say’ is nothing short of mesmerising. His unique way of storytelling allows the listener to hang on every word, doing great justice to the harrowing tale of the ANZACs. You can catch Jacob opening for Ryan Giles Band on Wednesday 10th April at Miss Demeanour in Brisbane.