Q&A: Jack Boyd Finds Everything is Meant to be on Debut EP ‘Bad Parts’
REVEALING THAT EVERYTHING’S MEANT TO BE — Jack Boyd releases his debut EP, Bad Parts. Boyd didn’t necessarily know that he would end up with a full EP when he began writing the songs on the project. Instead, he created Bad Parts like a scrapbook, crafting each song over time and bringing them together to create the beautiful full EP.
When the songs began to work together, Boyd's collection of songs became an indie project that just felt right. The artist plays with a myriad of styles across the four-track EP, such as the vibey bedroom pop on the dreamy “Pisces 2” and the folk-inspired guitar patterns on standout track “Steep.” All of these sounds work in tandem to support Boyd’s unassuming vocals.
Writing, producing, and recording it on his own, Boyd crafted a project to be proud of. There’s a line of nostalgia that weaves through the sound and visuals. The accompanying music video for lead track “Downhill” shows Boyd romping around his Texas ranch home, complete with this nostalgic home video aesthetic. He quickly cuts between exploring different areas on his own and showing the simple beauty in these more mundane locations.
The entire project dives into everything that makes life interesting: the good, the average, and the bad. Luna spoke with Boyd about his creative process and plans for the future. Read the interview below.
LUNA: You just released your debut EP, Bad Parts. How does it feel to have this body of work out in the world?
BOYD: It’s been a long time since I’ve released music so I’ve had a lot of time to reflect on what songs I wanted to put out. At the end of the day it feels good to just get it off my hands and out into the world!
LUNA: Can you touch more on the experience of creating this project? What influenced you during the writing process?
BOYD: I didn’t necessarily know I was making an EP — a lot of these songs were made at different times in my life, so in a way it felt like it was meant to be. These songs could’ve never existed together, but they did and it feels right.
LUNA: You created this EP on your own. Do you think you would ever collaborate on music with other artists, and if so who’s an artist you would like to work with?
BOYD: Absolutely. I would love to be able to work with other artists, even in creative capacities outside of music. I’d have to say my current top three collaborator wishlist would be Andy Shauf, Kasey Musgraves, and Kendrick Lamar (if there is ever a world in which that’s a possibility!).
LUNA: The music video for your lead single, “Downhill,” feels very nostalgic. What was your vision for the visuals that are coming out alongside the EP?
BOYD: I’ve always had a certain world in my head that I wanted to let people into. I guess it tends to be nostalgia driven, but I also find a lot of inspiration in film. I’ve always loved the director Harmony Korine — his film Gummo has visually inspired me a lot, and I hope that comes out in the visuals.
LUNA: What do you hope fans take with them when they listen to your music?
BOYD: I hope people feel the ability to interpret my songs in whatever way they need. I think some of the best songs transcend genre or aesthetic and it allows people to connect in their own way that makes sense to them. That’s what I want.
LUNA: Do you have any big plans for after the release?
BOYD: I always have big plans. I’m planning to hopefully make better music and better art.
LUNA: When you’re not working on music, where can someone usually find you?
BOYD: If I’m not making music I’m usually just watching movies and TV with my partner and my dog. Or I’m skating with my best friend!
LUNA: If you could wake up one day and be an expert at anything besides music, what would it be?
BOYD: Making money.
