Emerging singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Jack Kays recently sat down with Loudwire Nights’ host Chuck Armstrong to discuss the release of his debut full-length album, DEADBEAT!, and the profound emotional themes that permeate his music.
Reflecting on the significance of this milestone, Kays shared, “It’s like the most official release, the longest release I’ve ever done, and it’s kind of the first time we’ve ever put out a proper album and then toured it.” He expressed his excitement and pride, stating, “I’m pretty excited and I’m really proud of what I’ve done.”
A hallmark of Kays’ artistry is the raw and authentic nature of his lyrics, which delve into challenging subjects such as addiction, loss, and the fear of aging. He believes that to write about such topics effectively, one must have processed and coped with them to a certain extent. “You have to have kind of dealt with it if you want to write about it in a way that is mature and feels timeless,” he explained.
For Kays, the songwriting process serves as a cathartic release. While writing can be heavy, by the time he reaches the studio, the emotions have settled, making the creation process more manageable. “It just feels really relieving,” he noted. “I think cathartic is the best way [to put it]. I love singing these lyrics, I love the build of these songs, love getting to the climax. It just feels really, really good every single time.”
One of the standout tracks on DEADBEAT! is “My Promise (90 Day),” featuring Blink-182’s Travis Barker. The song addresses addiction and is accompanied by an emotional yet hopeful music video. To create the video, Kays invited fans to share photos and stories of loved ones lost to addiction. The overwhelming response—200 submissions within the first day—highlighted the profound impact of addiction on many lives. “It just blew me away,” Kays said. “I obviously know that so many people struggle with this and so many people are touched by it, but that was a real-time example of how impactful this is and how devastating addiction really can be.”
Despite the heaviness of the subject matter, Kays found hope in the resilience of those who shared their stories. “All those people have died, but their photo and their story, it was sent in by somebody who lived,” he reflected.
Throughout his career, Kays’ songwriting has evolved from creating SoundCloud rap tracks unrelated to his personal experiences to crafting deeply personal songs that resonate with listeners. His connection with Travis Barker began when Barker discovered Kays’ song “Morbid Mind,” which had garnered around 10,000 streams at the time. Barker’s support has been instrumental in Kays’ musical journey.
Beyond music, Kays is an avid home cook with professional training, though he hasn’t worked in a professional kitchen in about five years. He enjoys cooking at home, blending his creative passions in both music and the culinary arts.
As Jack Kays embarks on his tour in support of DEADBEAT!, fans can anticipate a powerful and emotionally resonant experience that showcases his growth as an artist and his commitment to authentic storytelling.
