Pop star with 'best album of year' dead at 34 leaving friends 'devastated and furious'
Australian singer-songwriter Jack Colwell has sadly died at the age 34, as confirmed by The Guardian. A cause of death has not yet been revealed.
Jack had only released one album, Swandream, in 2020, which was named by NME as one of the best albums in 2020. “It feels like he’s reached into your chest and grabbed your heart, looking into your eyes pleading us to feel what he feels,” the music publication said of the piece. The album was described as “story of a young, queer man trying to blossom in a world where his mere identity could get him killed. It’s a tale of fear, isolation and confrontation. Yet, it’s also a story of growth, discovery and resilience.”
Sadly, Swandream was Jack’s only album, however, his tragic final post revealed he was on the verge of releasing a second. “Hi all - looking forward to releasing some new music soon,' he wrote on Facebook last month.
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'The mixes are nearly done and the mastering is booked in. I’ve been saying for ages that LP2 will be with you soon and that day isn’t too far off!” he wrote.
As well as on the stage, Jack also played a huge role behind the scenes of the Australian music industry. The talented musical director and arranger, worked with indie pop group Architecture in Helsinki, as well as arranging strings and vocals for an Avalanches tribute night at the Sydney Opera House. Alongside the music, Jack was a passionate advocate for the LGBTQI+ community.
As the sad news breaks, fans, friends and fellow singer-songwriters have taken to social media to pay tribute to the star.
Comedian Gen Fricker, a long term friend of Jack’s since high school said she was ‘devastated and furious’ by the loss. Taking to her Instagram story, posting a picture of the star, Gen penned: “We met when we were 14 and loved him instantly. My first best friend, I have spent nearly two thirds of my life loving him, even in the years we didn't speak, because I knew when I saw him next, we'd just pick up where we left off. I am devastated and furious.”
Gen then took to her Instagram stories to share some throwback snaps of herself and Jack, before thanking fans for sharing their stories with the late star. “Thank you everyone who had sent me stories of Jack,” she wrote. The common themes seem to be that he made everyone feel seen and safe. That he loved deeply and gave himself fearlessly.”
Concluding the post she wrote: “That it was an honour to be loved by him, whether you were in his life for a long time or just a moment.”
Sarah Blasko, the award winning songwriter who produced Jack’s album Swandream also took to Instagram to share a devastating tribute. Posting a picture of the pair posing with peace signs, she wrote: “One of my favourite people in this whole wide world, who possessed the charm of a thousand princes & a musical spirit like no other has passed into another realm. Good night darling Jack, changed forever by your presence x.”
Fans took to the comments to offer their condolences, as one said: “I know it was a dream come true for him to work with you on Swandream Sarah. Thank you for everything you did for him - mentoring him, guiding him, being his friend and just being there for him. He was such a bright spark and a special person. We are all going to miss him so much.”
