1. Before we dive straight in, tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am Alfie Jackson formerly of The Holloways; had a few years of writing with others and playing in a band called The Rusty Suns. Now finally going solo as Alfie Jackson and about to sign a publishing deal.
Will be releasing material monthly through 2017.
2. Let’s chat about your song The Last Holiday, A song for children of Syria, thank you for writing it! It’s a beautiful song and wonderfully written, what was the writing process like for this track?
It was very difficult. The whole process and it still is difficult. I felt moved by that image as it really hit home as you don’t expect death on a beach; you think of holidays and happiness - this prompted a line of thought centred around the contrast of westerners’ experiences on beaches with this real, repeated tragedy. So I wanted to get that contrast in a song and make it a really simple thing for people to understand and therefore hopefully relate to more easily and thus maybe have a bit more compassion. I really wanted to get that “we’re lucky, we play with our little brothers and sisters on beaches; what would you do if this was your brother or sister?” message over. I also wanted to lull people into a false sense of security with the seemingly nostalgic opening verses and then hit them when they are vulnerable.
3. The video, also, is very powerful and very meaningful, the message is clearly portrayed, how did it feel putting it together?
The video was bloody hard. In tears at many stages of putting it together and doing a lot of research to get the right info and images.
It was heartbreaking to be honest.
4. What have the responses been like for the song?
They have all been very positive with much encouragement. I was worried there would be a backlash but everyone thus far has been very supportive… the likes of Radio X and NME have featured the song heavily.
5. It’s already doing very well and catching the eye of a lot of people, what is your dream goal for the impact of song?
The fact that Tima Kurdi (the auntie of the boy) is now speaking with War Child as a result of the song and they will work together to help improve this crisis together - so I am humbled just by that. My dream for the song would be number one - to really get out there and expose the humane angle of this crisis and tap into the goodness in everyone to get us all working together to try and help this situation.
6. It’s emotive both musically and lyrically, would you like to write more songs for this cause or another cause you are passionate about?
I have already written a song for Rob Skipper from The Holloways who tragically died from heroine a couple of years ago - I am already speaking with a charity who help people with addiction. I have always wanted to make the world a better place and if I can open peoples’ minds and hearts to something important then that is something I would be very proud of.
7. Are you writing and recording anything else which could be out next year?
Yeah I am planning on releasing a song each month - equating to an album over the year. I have so many songs it’s ridiculous. I have a few ready to go. The next will probably be “I Guess That’s Love These Days” which is another song about very real events that I see happen in the world or in my life like most things I write. I am also doing co writes with the likes of Barns Courtney, Elle Exxe and The Lottery Winners.
8. What has been the highlight of your career so far?
Tough question that. Maybe the first time we were on radio one was the most exciting when we were all listening together in The Holloways. Playing The Other Stage at Glastonbury was pretty immense. Signing a publishing deal as a solo artist is also really pleasing.
9. It’s been 10 years since ‘So This Is Great Britain’ was released! It takes pride of place as an album that I will always love! What is your favorite song to perform live?
From The Holloways - tough one
Fuck Ups and London Town were always fun due to them being so frenetic…
Generator was obviously fun
So This is GB was fun to perform.
Now, my favourite song to perform is probably “Happily Ever Afters” which is a song about my mum and dad and step dad and my dad’s new fiance after separating from my mum around 25 years ago.
10. And finally if you could form a super group with three other artists, old or new, who would it be and what would you call yourselves?
wow
I already had a super group called The Holloways with Rob Bryn and Dave
but if I had to choose three legends…
Danny Goffey from Supergrass on drums
I’d stick Macca or Paul Simon on bass
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