JACK O’ROURKE
MCD.ie presents
JACK O’ROURKE
plus support
^ Upstairs ^
The lone figure of Jack O’Rourke seated at a piano is one that Irish gig goers are becoming more accustomed to seeing. Whether performing startlingly honest ballads solo or driving Spectorish rock with his band, Jack’s plaintive baritone and piano are core. With the first half of 2016 behind us, Jack O’Rourke has established himself as one of the most prolific Irish songwriters and powerful live performers in the last few years. Having ended 2015 on a high note performing his moving composition “Silence” on The Late Late Show, Jack eased his way into the New Year with the release of the stunning ‘I’ll Forget You In The Morning’ which was swiftly play listed by both local and national radio stations. His follow up single ‘Dreamcatcher’ showcased a different side of O’Rourke, combining funky Stax soul rhythms with Jack’s hypnotic timbre. Soon after its release, Jack took the coveted 1st place in the lyrics category of the International Songwriting Competition, which was judged by Bill Withers and Tom Waits among many others. His songs speak of various human conditions with melodic flair, through young but wise eyes. There already have been flattering comparisons with the likes of David Bowie, Kate Bush & John Grant, but Jack’s unique voice and song writing flair shine throughout in a sea of eclectic influences. This year has included many highlights for Jack including selling out his debut Dublin performance at Whelan’s, performing ‘Galileo’ with Declan O’Rourke at Live At St. Luke’s and performing on the Frank and Walters new album alongside Cillian Murphy. Jack also played live at Dublin’s recent Bloom Festival. Ever pushing for more, Jack is looking forward to performing at Electric Picnic & Independence and taking his debut album Dream Catcher (produced by Christian Best) on tour across the nation. ‘Dreamcatcher’ is released on September 29th, with Jack and Band bringing their edgy baroque pop to Whelans on Friday November 4th.