Introducing The Sensitive JC Stewart
JC Stewart is the self-proclaimed “Professional Sadboy” that needs to be on your radar. Hailing from County Derry in Northern Ireland, the singer-songwriter has named some of music’s most talented artists as inspiration for his music, including James Blake, Bob Dylan, Hozier and more.
Since bursting on the scene, Stewart has been creating material that details his life experiences in a raw and intimate way. From gaining praise from Niall Horan for his track Have You Had Enough Wine to booking a four-show sold-out residency at The Islington, Stewarts rise in music is just beginning.
We got a chance to chat with JC Stewart about everything from his latest track ‘Bones’, songwriting and more…
Your new single ‘Bones’ is incredibly emotional, did you base this track on any life experiences?
I wrote this song the morning after my first real break up, and I remember going into the studio with some friends of mine and it just spilling out. That sounds super cliché, but for once it’s actually true! The song came together supernaturally after that.
Do you ever find it challenging to create songs that are intimate or emotional?
Honestly, I think it’s the only way I can write songs. If I try and write something that isn’t real, it never turns out great. People can very quickly tell when there’s a lack of substance or real emotion in a song, and if I did put out a song like that I really won’t be being true to myself
Did you always know that you wanted to pursue music?
When I was younger, I actually wanted to be a rugby player. Sadly, I was a terrible rugby player, so that didn’t really work out. After that, my mum forced me into singing lessons, piano lessons, acting lessons, you name it. After I while, I started enjoying it a little and then I found out about songwriting at 14. That changed everything for me. I finally found something that felt super natural to me and that I loved. It was pretty crazy!
What’s your creative process when you’re in the studio?
It’s pretty frantic usually. I try and come in with an idea of what I want to write. A lyric, a melody, some chords, just whatever gets me going. Then there’s usually an hour or so of trying to catch all the ideas. Then after that, it’s the hard part of spending days or even months on trying to refine and finish it. It’s super satisfying when you finish it though
How does it feel to have your four-night residency at The Islington sell out in hours?
Absolutely insane. If I’m honest, we were kind of hoping to put on four shows, but that really wasn’t guaranteed. The dream was to sell four out by the day of the first show. I’ve never sold tickets in London before so no-one was expecting it. It was actually kind of funny because it was so unexpected!
What can fans expect from your residency performances?
I don’t want to give anything away, but if we manage to pull off what we’re planning it’s gonna be nuts. Essentially, I want people to walk away from that show asking “what just happened?”. It has to be an experience, not just a show. I can’t wait.
Are you working on an album or EP? Can you spare details on what you’re working on?
I’ve got five more songs to put out this year. Some singles and some on an E.P. Then back at it right at the start of next year!
If you can make a joint album with any artist, who would it be and why?
This is a tough one, but right now it would be between Chance the Rapper and Rosalia. I feel like they’re both on the pinnacle of music right now and are saying amazing things and in an incredible way. I can’t get enough of them!
Make sure to check out JC Stewart’s latest single Bones below!
