photography by Angie Abdalla
I met Jack for our interview on the sixth-floor terrace of the shiny new Centre Building. It’s a peaceful bit of campus, with wildflower planters and plenty of sunshine. Jack, with his blond hair and guitar in hand, looked like the type of guy who would start playing Wonderwall without the slightest provocation at a house party. Thankfully, he has a bit more profundity to him than that.
Jack’s musical passion is a fresh perspective amidst the corporate, career-obsessed bubble of LSE. He told me: “I think if you find something you enjoy, why not try and pursue it?” He’s committed a lot of time and money to his music, slowly building himself a home studio over the course of five years. His past summer was spent recording his debut album, which still needs to be professionally mastered and produced. Nonetheless, some of the songs are already out on Spotify.
A classically trained pianist, Jack knows how to play double-bass, bass guitar, ukulele, and, naturally, classical guitar. In terms of sound, Jack transitioned from acoustic folk to indie as he’s matured. Yet his range remains versatile: his cover of Ariana Grande’s Dangerous Woman is heavenly. As someone who hates indie covers of pop songs, something about Jack’s voice resonates with me.
In the last year, Jack’s prospects seemed to be looking up. He’s received interest from a record label and is content with whatever the outcome will be: “They haven’t promised anything but at least they’re going to listen and give some feedback.” In the meantime, he says: “I’m still waiting for LSE Alumni to put me in touch with Mick Jagger.”
Jack studies Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, one of LSE’s only four-year degree programmes. He’s in third year, so he’ll graduate in 2021. When I asked him what he’d do about school if his career took off in the next 6 months, he was adamant that is intent on definitely finishing his degree. “I’m committed to PPE. I can’t leave PPE.”
We agree that PPE is a cult. They have their own society, which is pretty well attended across all years, and the students seemingly all know each other. I met Jack in my first year when we both got invited to join the same secret society which was filled with mostly other PPE guys at the time.
In case you couldn’t tell from the fact that he does PPE, Jack hails from middle-class origins. “My parents aren’t super stuck up or anything… They’re not ultra-Conservative, never vote Labour types.” I prod him further and he admits, “they’re very Lib Dem-y.”
He finds his own politics harder to define. “I think I’m quite cliché, old school in describing myself as a pragmatist. If someone makes a good point I’m going to try and not let any ideology ignore that point.” Naturally, we ended up on the political topic of the past four years of British politics: Brexit. He’s tidily summed it up; he thinks it’s good people are becoming more engaged in politics but that “everything else” is bad. He voted ‘Remain’ but, after the vote, felt that Brexit “should be done”. However, given the absolute shambles that Brexit negotiations have turned out to be he’s now admitted to having quite a bit of doubt.
Jack’s very comfortable with changing his mind on things, a rare trait to find. Other people might be die-hards for their opinions but he’s made a point of trying to base his opinion in some version of reality. It’s a far cry from the boy who went to Mass every Sunday, as well as devotion in school three times a week. He was even a churchwarden in the Church of England for a bit. When I asked how he fell out of the faith, he explains “I realised it was a delusion… to me, anyway. It just seemed a bit cultish.” He didn’t reflect on the experience with any profound emotion so I’d like to think he’s at peace with it.
People like me don’t tend to be friends with people like Jack. We’re very different, to say the least. But I’m glad I gave him a chance because his music’s bangin’ and he approaches all of our arguments with good faith.
Quickfire Questions
Beer or Cider?
Beer.
Gin or Rum?
Rum, definitely. Havana Club, 7-year dark rum. But I would pick whiskey over both of those.
Rowing or Cycling?
Rowing. I used to row. I did it at school and then I injured my knee so I don’t row anymore. It’s sad because I’m 6’4” so I’m good for rowing. The school was very sad.
