Australian singer-songwriter Jack Colwell has died at the age of 34, just before the release of his expected second album.
An obituary The Guardian confirmed the tragic news. However, a cause of death has not been revealed.
Despite only releasing one album in 2020, Swandream, Jack played a major behind-the-scenes role in the Australian music industry for years, working on projects such as arranging vocals for Helsinki indie pop group Architecture.
The album was a critical success, with NME and called it one of the best Australian albums of that year.
Jack was also a passionate advocate for LGBTQI+ issues. In 2016, he released the song No Mercy in honor of Brisbane teenager Tyrone Unsworth, who committed suicide after being bullied because of his sexual orientation.
Speak with The Queer AV Jack said at the time that he had no tolerance for bullying.
“For me, No Mercy connects my childhood experience with homophobia to who I am today in my adult life as a gay man,” he said.
“It’s reclaiming self and refusing homophobic language. The song acts as a mirror for the bully, challenging him with his own words and turning the spotlight back on him and his shameful actions. I will not tolerate bullying.’
Australian singer-songwriter Jack Colwell has died at the age of 34, just before the release of his expected second album
Jack’s latest social media post revealed that he was about to release his second album.
“Hello everyone, looking forward to releasing some new music soon,” he wrote on Facebook last month.
‘The mixes are almost ready and the mastering has been booked. I’ve been saying for ages that LP2 will be with you soon and that day is not far away!’
ARIA award-winning songwriter Sarah Blasko, who produced Jack’s debut album, shared a heartfelt tribute to her late friend on Instagram on Friday.
Despite only releasing one album in 2020, Swandream, Jack had spent years working behind the scenes in the Australian music industry on projects such as arranging vocals for indie pop group Architecture in Helsinki.
The album was a critical success, with NME naming it one of the best Australian albums of that year
Sarah posted a photo of the couple together and said Jack was one of her “most favorite people in the world.”
“One of my favorite people in this whole wide world, who possessed the charm of a thousand princes and a musical mind like no other, has passed on to another realm. Goodnight, dear Jack, forever changed by your presence,” Sarah wrote.
Sarah’s followers were quick to offer their condolences and their own memories of Jack.
A beautiful, talented person. It was always a pleasure to be in his company,” said one.
ARIA award-winning songwriter Sarah Blasko, who produced Jack’s debut album, shared a heartfelt tribute to her late friend on Instagram on Friday
Comedian Gen Fricker, who had been friends with Jack since high school and performed with him in the outfit Jack Cowell and the Owls, also paid tribute to the songwriter, revealing she was ‘devastated and furious’.
Another said: ‘A wonderful person and such a kind soul – he touched the lives of so many and will be so terribly missed – the world won’t be the same without you Jack.’
Comedian Gen Fricker, who had been friends with Jack since high school and performed with him in the outfit Jack Cowell and the Owls, also paid tribute to the songwriter, revealing she was ‘devastated and furious’.
‘We met when we were fourteen and fell in love with him straight away. My first best friend,” she wrote.
“I loved him for almost two-thirds of my life, even in the years we didn’t speak, because I knew that the next time I saw him, we would just pick up where we left off.
‘I’m devastated and furious.’
An obituary in The Guardian confirmed the tragic news, but a cause of death has not yet been revealed