Multi-award winner Jack Garratt today unveils his third offering in new track ‘Higher’ - taken from his forthcoming third album Pillars, out August 15th on Cooking Vinyl.
Following the infectious momentum of recent releases ‘Ready! Steady! Go!’ and ‘Catherine Wheel’, ‘Higher’ sees Jack delve even deeper into his emotive songwriting and sonic experimentation - blending heart-on-sleeve lyricism with dynamic, shape-shifting production.
Written in Johan Hugo’s Margate studio (Self Esteem, Santigold, Moonchild Sanelly), ‘Higher’ began as an intimate moment - a delicate chord sequence that sparked something visceral. “Johan had this gorgeous and emotive progression,” Jack recalls, “and I’d been diving back into Son Lux, who inspired me to write my first record. This sparse, evocative melody just emerged. And because I was coming off my club EP, I instinctively put a house beat under it… but it needed more chaos. On day two, we swapped in a breakbeat - and suddenly the song started running away with itself.”
That runaway energy pulses through every second of ‘Higher’, a track that crackles with tension between control and surrender. It’s danceable, defiant, pleading - a sonic contradiction that perfectly mirrors its emotional core.
“I wrote Higher as a plea,” Jack explains. “It’s about recognising the ways I’ve walked willingly into heartbreak - how it’s not always about the people I’ve loved, but the patterns I’ve chosen. It’s me asking someone not to build me up when they know they won’t stay. It’s vulnerable, naïve, human.”
Pillars is a testament to Jack’s evolution as an artist and individual. Following the release of his 2020 album Love, Death & Dancing - which arrived during the pandemic’s isolating grip - Jack found himself yearning to reconnect with his fans and his craft. This album is his answer: a bold, unflinching exploration of love in all its forms - romantic, platonic, and self-love - woven into a tapestry of lush melodies, infectious beats, and heartfelt storytelling.
Fully self-produced and self-mixed by Jack, the album was recorded in his North London studio and features one collaboration with producer Johan Hugo. Pillars is a masterclass in artistic integrity and Garratt’s meticulous attention to detail - whether re-recording a single lyric or layering live instrumentation - reflects his unwavering commitment to his craft.
Since winning the Brits’ Critics’ Choice Award and the BBC Sound Of poll in 2016, Jack Garratt has released two critically acclaimed albums, Phase (2016) and Love, Death & Dancing (2020). Known for electrifying live performances and a genre-defying sound, Jack continues to push boundaries with his deeply personal and sonically adventurous music, with Pillars being no exception.
Kicking off on album release day, Jack will embark on fifteen in-store dates around the country to meet, greet and perform to fans - with four dates sold out already. Tickets on sale here.
With Pillars, Jack Garratt not only reaffirms his place as one of the UK’s most innovative musicians but also extends an open hand to listeners. “I want this album to be an invitation - a celebration where everyone is welcome.” Jack concludes. “No guest list, no barriers. Just come in, the water’s fine.”
UK IN-STORE SHOWS:
Aug 15 - London, Rough Trade East (SOLD OUT)
Aug 16 - Bristol, Rough Trade (SOLD OUT)
Aug 17 - Birmingham, HMV Vault (14:00)
Aug 17 - Leamington Spa, Head Records (19:00)
Aug 18 - Nottingham, Rough Trade (SOLD OUT)
Aug 19 - Bury, Wax and Beans (13:00)
Aug 19 - Manchester, HMV (17:00)
Aug 20 - Liverpool, Jacaranda
Aug 22 - Glasgow, Assai (12:00)
Aug 22 - Edinburgh, Assai (19:00)
Aug 23 - Newcastle, Beyond Vinyl
Aug 24 - Leeds, The Wardrobe (via Crash Records)
Aug 26 - Marlborough, St. Peter's Church (via Sound Knowledge)
Aug 27 - Southampton, The Brook (via Vinilo)
Aug 28 - Brighton, Resident (SOLD OUT)
