Jango Flash was formed by producer and songwriter Jack Angus Golightly, as an escape to his own alternative reality where he could manifest art and music following a personal family tragedy. They are set to release their debut EP early next year so we caught up with them to let the band introduce themselves to the world.
Give us a potted history of the band
Jack – I have always been a drummer really, since I was a toddler. I’ve played with a lot of bands and artists around the north east in various incarnations, however I started Jango Flash in 2018, the year my brother fell ill with terminal cancer. It shocked me into action and I started writing and putting my ideas out into the world for everyone to see. Since then I haven’t looked back and people have really been resonating with the world I’m building around Jango Flash. I formed our band in 2021 and all five of us are thick as thieves and full of fire. Together we’ve been selling out shows up north, working with artists we admire and creating new music.
Who inspired you to start making music
Jack – My first core memory of performing music is playing Free ‘All Right Now’ and Queen ‘We Will Rock You’ on my toy drum kit when I was two years of age. That and rocking back and forth in front of a hi-fi system to Jimmy Nail’s ‘Crocodile Shoes’ which I seemed to be hypnotized by.
And the one or maybe two records that inspired you artistically
Jack – It has to be Carole King’s ‘Tapestry’. It’s such a masterpiece and it always brings tears to my eyes. Her understanding of melody and depth in her delivery of messages is just insanely moving. I know I’m not writing anything like Carole king haha, but she certainly made me appreciate melody and harmonies in a new way as a singer.
If you’re trying to explain who you sound like to someone that’s never heard of you, what do you say
Jack – I never really know how to answer this question because you get so wrapped up in your own music it’s hard to step away from it like that. I would probably say that for people who like rock or power pop that’s full of passion and energy, you will enjoy what we do!
Tell us about your new single
Jack – Our latest single is called ‘Killing Time’ and it’s our first track released under the Liverpool based Modern Sky Records who are an amazing team. We recorded and mixed in Byker based Blank Studios with our friend John Martindale who is a phenomenal engineer and musician in his own right. The story behind this track in particular is one of addiction, coming to terms with it and opening up in the darkest times. It comes from a personal place, and is something that I know has affected a lot of people close to me and unfortunately taken lives too. If anyone out there is struggling with addiction, I want to let it be known that they shouldn’t be ashamed, it doesn’t define them as people and that help is just a call away. It could save your life.
Where can we get hold of it
Jack – All streaming platforms and itunes.
Tell us how you write
Jack – It depends. Sometimes I will have a melody knocking around in my head driving me insane for a week or more and I end up filling in the blanks. Sometimes one of us has a guitar part that leads the way. Sometimes it’s a sentence that happens to stick with me that I end up fleshing out as a concept. But this song was born from an active decision to write fast and on the spot. I went round to Adam’s house (Our guitarist), played with some chords, melody ideas, he sequenced in a drum machine, I wrote the lyrics in a couple of hours and we had Killing Time. I often find that if a melody evokes something in me, I can usually decipher what it’s trying to tell me. This song was very immediate and had a pulse to it that demanded an urgent message, so I delivered it with raw honesty.
Tell us about your live show What would be your dream gig
Jack – I have always wanted to play ‘Best Kept Secret Festival’ in the Netherlands, I have been there twice now and it’s absolutely stunning. The people are great and it has a really special atmosphere, plus their line up is always sick too. Being on the same lineup as The Strokes and Death Grips would be amazing. I’ve got a lot of great memories of that place!
What can we expect from you in the near future
Jack – We have another single set for release with Modern Sky in January 2023, and a full 6 track E.P out around Easter time.
Tell us your favorite records that’s rocking your headphones/tour bus/stereo
Alex (Mitton) – Songs of Innocence – David Axelrod / 1975 – BFIAFL / The Pale White – Peace Of Mind / Insecure Men (Self Titled Album) / Parasite – Frank Carter / Hector Gannet – Big Harcar
Jack – Wunderhorse – Cub / Turnstile – Glow On / BRMC (Self Titled album) / Sunami / Gulch Split 7’ E.P / Girls – Father Son Holy Ghost / Drain – California Cursed
Find out more via the band’s Website or Facebook
[…] Meet: Newcastle Alt Rockers Jango Flash […]