EXCLUSIVE: Jan Skubiszewski Discusses New Star-Studded Project

2 May 2013 | 2:23 pm | Dan Condon

He has Daniel Merriweather, Illy, Owl Eyes and more stitched up.

With the debut EP from Way Of The Eagle due for release later this month, Melbourne-based award-winning producer, songwriter and half of Jackson Jackson, Jan Skubiszewski has given theMusic.com.au an exclusive insight into his new project.

The self-titled four-track EP is set for release late in the month, and its first single, Rattlesnake, was co-written and is sung by Dan Sultan. Daniel Merriweather and Emily Lubitz (Tinpan Orange) also make appearances on the EP.

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“Having collaborated as a songwriter and record producer on so many projects over the years, I've got to meet so many wonderful people, and I love that sense of collaboration,” he said.

“What I'm really loving about this is getting to follow my particular vibe for music while also showcasing so much of the great talent that I've come in contact with, and people that I aspire to work with."

Skubiszewski, who has worked with everyone from The Cat Empire, Bliss N Eso and Phrase to Wendy Matthews, Ian Kenny and Ella Hooper over the years, also revealed he was working on material for a follow-up full-length, which will also be based around collaborations.

“Basically my plan is to finish this EP, and then I'm going to get straight into production of the LP,” he said

While keeping “tight lipped” on the LP's full cast, he did say that Illy and Owl Eyes, both artists he has worked closely with, would be making appearances.

A well-renowned producer, having worked on the most recent Cat Empire and John Butler Trio records, Skubiszewski has decided to temporarily step down from producing other artists to focus on his new endeavour.

“I haven't booked any more production gigs for the rest of the year, so I'm just going to focus on Way Of The Eagle,” he said.

“I'm putting a lot of emphases into rehearsing a band for the live show, and the live element, and that's going to be a big focus for the rest of the year.

“I feel like I've had such a great run over the past couple of years, but I feel like I'm a prolific person and there's so many great songs to come, and I think Way Of The Eagle is going to be something that I focus on for a long time…I'm just really, really excited about the years to come.”

Here are a few more screenshots from the wonderfully animatedRattlesnakeclip.