Jack Garratt Opens Up on Love, Longing & Letting Go in New Track ‘Shaftesbury Avenue’
Taken From His Forthcoming Studio Album Pillars
Out August 15th on Cooking Vinyl
WATCH VISUALISER HERE
Fifteen August UK In-Store Dates
Tickets Here
Multi-award winner Jack Garratt today unveils his fourth offering in new track ‘Shaftesbury Avenue’ - taken from his forthcoming third album Pillars, out August 15th on Cooking Vinyl, and follows the infectious momentum of recent releases ‘Higher’, ‘Ready! Steady! Go!’ and ‘Catherine Wheel’.
Cue ‘Shaftesbury Avenue’ - a track that glides between introspection and longing. Written in the aftermath of personal upheaval, it teeters between recollection and fantasy. “Kind of both,” says Jack, who’s been through a divorce since he last released an album. “A lot of the love songs on this album remind me of the way in which I have loved anxiously – and loved as a people-pleaser. And people-pleasing is manipulative, whether it's intentional or not… That's what I used to do so much. And I've worked hard to not do that, because it's an unfair way to love. So that line in that song – ‘all I want is for the clouds to part and to see you there with your open arms’ – is yearning for a relationship that just doesn't exist.”
That emotional push-and-pull pulses through ‘Shaftesbury Avenue’, which blends sparse, soul-drenched synth work with Garratt’s signature dynamic percussion. It’s tender, yet tense – an aural landscape of fleeting hope and harsh reality - watch the visualiser here.
Pillars is a testament to Jack’s evolution as an artist and individual. Following the release of his 2020 album Love, Death & Dancing - which arrived during the pandemic’s isolating grip - Jack found himself yearning to reconnect with his fans and his craft. This album is his answer: a bold, unflinching exploration of love in all its forms - romantic, platonic, and self-love - woven into a tapestry of lush melodies, infectious beats, and heartfelt storytelling.
Fully self-produced and self-mixed by Jack, the album was recorded in his North London studio and features one collaboration with producer Johan Hugo. Pillars is a masterclass in artistic integrity and Garratt’s meticulous attention to detail - whether re-recording a single lyric or layering live instrumentation - reflects his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Since winning the Brits’ Critics’ Choice Award and the BBC Sound Of poll in 2016, Jack Garratt has released two critically acclaimed albums, Phase (2016) and Love, Death & Dancing (2020). Known for electrifying live performances and a genre-defying sound, Jack continues to push boundaries with his deeply personal and sonically adventurous music, with Pillars being no exception.
Kicking off on album release day, Jack will embark on fifteen in-store dates around the country to meet, greet and perform to fans - with four dates sold out already. Tickets on sale here.
With Pillars, Jack Garratt not only reaffirms his place as one of the UK’s most innovative musicians but also extends an open hand to listeners. “I want this album to be an invitation - a celebration where everyone is welcome.” Jack concludes. “No guest list, no barriers. Just come in, the water’s fine.”
UK IN-STORE SHOWS
Aug 15 - London, Rough Trade East (SOLD OUT)
Aug 16 - Bristol, Rough Trade (SOLD OUT)
Aug 17 - Birmingham, HMV Vault (14:00)
Aug 17 - Leamington Spa, Head Records (19:00)
Aug 18 - Nottingham, Rough Trade (SOLD OUT)
Aug 19 - Bury, Wax and Beans (13:00)
Aug 19 - Manchester, HMV (17:00)
Aug 20 - Liverpool, Jacaranda (SOLD OUT)
Aug 20 - Liverpool, Jacaranda
Aug 22 - Glasgow, Assai (12:00)
Aug 22 - Edinburgh, Assai (19:00)
Aug 23 - Newcastle, Beyond Vinyl
Aug 24 - Leeds, The Wardrobe (via Crash Records)
Aug 26 - Marlborough, St. Peter's Church (via Sound Knowledge)
Aug 27 - Southampton, The Brook (via Vinilo)
Aug 28 - Brighton, Resident (SOLD OUT)
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