Ahead of Jack Grays' upcoming new single ‘Drive Her Home’ out Friday October 10 I had the opportunity to catch up with Jack in Melbourne before opening for international sensation, Daniel Seavey. Entering the Forum, there was this immediate sense of ease, the kind of warmth that makes you feel like you’re catching up with an old friend, even if it’s your first time meeting. Having just arrived in the heart of Melbourne, opening for Daniel Seavey on tour, and despite the travel, the chaos, and the back-to-back shows, he seemed genuinely excited to be here.

Having just started the tour, I was keen to know what it feels like to live on the road and open for someone you’ve looked up to. Jack spoke about it being one of his favorite parts of the job and after spending so much time in the studio and curating numerous tiktok’s, the reward came in the form of moments like traveling, meeting people, singing songs. I could tell he didn’t take any of it for granted.

Whilst he had been travelling alongside Daniel, he admitted that he was still figuring it out his go to travel essentials. Despite years of traveling between LA and Australia, he was still dragging around the same falling-apart suitcase and laptop case. He owned about ten neck pillows and eye masks but somehow always forgot to pack them. Staying warm and comfy was his number one priority especially on those brutal long-haul flights.

It had been less than 24 hours since they finished up the most recent show in Auckland. Fans had been raving online about his latest single - ‘Dumb Sh*t’, especially how different it sounded live. Jack admitted he’d been nervous about that and found that he has a habit of writing songs that are hard to sing live. But with consistent practice and working through complex guitar riffs, performing these songs became something to look forward to in each of his performances.

I asked if he’d ever release an acoustic version of this masterpiece and, to my delight, he said yes. In fact, he’d just filmed a live acoustic piano version recently in Sydney at Fourth Street Studios and and I was thrilled to know this would be arriving soon.

His latest single dives into the nostalgia of youth. Those late nights with friends, silly decisions, and that carefree feeling you don’t realize is fleeting until it’s gone. When I asked what he was like in high school, Jack grinned and said he was definitely “an idiot,” but a nice one. He spoke about the importance of kindness, something his parents instilled in him early on.

Holding onto that feeling of hunger for freedom and fun, even as life starts moving faster and faster. Every year, he told me, it all just slips by a little quicker. He’s been feeling more nostalgic lately, especially since he hasn’t been back to his hometown in nearly ten years. These days, when he visits Australia, he goes straight to the Sunshine Coast where his family now lives. But he’s craving that return to drive down those familiar roads, see old places, and soak in the memories.

Accompanied by a beautiful, raw, and heartfelt short film that felt less like a typical music video and more like a reflection of youth and aging. Jack created a vision about growing older, but still seeing yourself as your younger self. He wanted to include his granddad, but with such short notice and being overseas, they ended up hiring actors instead.

Thanks to some help from his girlfriend who had just finished casting older actors for a film, they pulled together the cast in 24 hours. The scenes they created were from trips to the liquor store to beach walks and imaginary baseball games in a park. Some of the beach scenes reflected Jack’s own life growing up by the coast. Others just happened on the day, like the baseball scene, which came together purely because the field was next to the skatepark. It was all run-and-gun style, no big production, just a bunch of creative friends making something beautiful together. At the time, Jack admitted they weren’t sure if it would work but when they watched it all back, it just did.

I had found myself feeling so connected to such visuals, especially during those quiet moments shot by the ocean. It reminded me of those simpler times: sneaking out with friends, finding magic in late-night drives, going to the beach late at night and feeling invincible.

Jack is no stranger to the music world and has never really wanted to do anything else. Even on holidays, he brought his studio setup. It was his favorite way to spend time. Growing up in a musical family, with his dad in a band, music was always part of the fabric of his life. His inspirations have shifted over the years as he went through a 1975 phase in high school, obsessed over Dominic Fike and Bon Iver, and most recently, had been enjoying a wide range of artists.

Having just finished recording a full album and is planning to release a music video for every track, Jack had mentioned that there are plenty of singles, visuals, and, hopefully, more shows to come. He is continuing to pursue what he loves to do and share pieces of his life that continue to make people feel something.

If you’re on a road trip with friends, family, or loved ones, make sure to check out his latest single ‘Dumb Sh*t’ on all streaming platforms — a perfect addition to your playlist and a great way to show your support to this rising star. And make sure you check out ‘Drive Her Home’ out next Friday, October 10.

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