Her latest track 'Don't Let Him Say Goodbye' again showcases her extraordinary voice, bringing a goosebump-inducing performance that further validates comparisons to the late Amy Winehouse.
JACOTÉNE (Supplied)
At just 17 years old, Melbourne's very own JACOTÉNE is making serious waves in the music world, and her talent is undeniable.
She first caught the industry's attention when she won the prestigious 2022 triple j Unearthed High competition with her track I Need Therapy. The song left a lasting impression on listeners and catapulted her into the spotlight, with some comparing the young talent’s powerhouse vocals to that of the late and great Amy Winehouse.
Recently, she shared you already know (demo_2021).wav, a nostalgic journey back to her very first song, penned at the tender age of 15.
Now, JACOTÉNE is treating her fans to another gem with her latest release Don't Let Him Say Goodbye — and it certainly doesn’t disappoint, with her extraordinary voice again bringing a goosebump-inducing performance that further validates comparisons to Amy Winehouse
Unsurprisingly, the powerhouse’s live performances are nothing short of spectacular. She wowed audiences at Laneway earlier this year and made her debut headline show at the iconic Sydney Opera House as part of Vivid Sydney. Those who were fortunate enough to attend will undoubtedly look back and say, "I was there for that."
JACOTÉNE recently shared the stage with G-FLIP and Tems during their respective tours. Additionally, she's set to grace the stages of various festivals, including Wanderer and Changing Tides Festivals. Keep a close eye on JACOTÉNE's meteoric rise; she's an artist destined to make her mark on the music industry, and her journey is just beginning…
Congrats on the release of your latest track! Can you tell us about the inspiration and story behind your new track Don’t Let Him Say Goodbye?
Don't miss a beat with our FREE daily newsletter
JACOTÉNE: Don’t Let Him Say Goodbye was inspired by a conversation I had with myself. This year I learned that change was one of the most constant things in one’s life and that we all deal with change differently. For me, I found that I was asking myself a lot of questions about the people in my life at the time, which led me to seek my mom's wise advice.
I was wondering whether it was best to go separate ways with people who had once done me wrong or keep things the same. I had changed my perspective and tried to imagine how I would feel after I let this person go, and the feeling of regret made me sick.
Don’t Let Him Say Goodbye is a song about the feeling of regret and confusion during the process of letting someone go.
Winning the triple j Unearthed High competition is a huge achievement! How has this recognition impacted your career and the way you approach your music?
JACOTÉNE: Winning the triple j Unearthed High comp really opened my eyes to the music world. It was a special moment that I always like to think back to. It’s been one year, and already my life has changed.
I signed a record deal while having only one demo out (that was only to be found on the triple j website). I played at the Sydney Opera House, collaborated and supported some of my heroes, appeared in VOGUE Australia, sold out my first UK headline show, and most importantly, found my own creative process.
If your music was a flavour, what would it taste like?
JACOTÉNE: Cinnamon because of its powerful punch.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences and how have they impacted your own sound and style?
JACOTÉNE: For me, it was important to allow my personality to step in front of all my influences. Here’s what I found striking about my influences: Amy Winehouse for her performance, Billie Eilish for her authenticity, Rihanna for her fashion, Yebba & Toots and the Maytals for their emotion, and Tina Turner for her bravery.
What’s been the biggest moment in your career so far?
JACOTÉNE: Playing the Sydney Opera House and my debut in VOGUE Australia.
What's the most unusual or unexpected source of inspiration you've drawn from when writing a song?
JACOTÉNE: I wrote “I Need Therapy after a horrible math class.
Can you share a hilarious or cringe-worthy moment from your early days as an artist?
JACOTÉNE: Recently, I did a DJ set in the snow in Queenstown, NZ. I got to the top of the mountain and couldn’t make my way back down due to my skiing ability, so they had to get the ski patrols to come get us down. We slid down in a sleigh 🛷🤭
Who are three artists you’re vibing on rn?
JACOTÉNE: SAULT, Little Simz, Dijon
Are there any Aussie artists you're keen to collaborate with in the future?
JACOTÉNE: I think Sia and Gotye are pretty cool.
What’s something that fans might not know about you?
JACOTÉNE: I was born with straight hair!
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?
JACOTÉNE: The Element of Freedom by Alicia Keys.
What else is in the works for you in 2023/2024?
JACOTÉNE: More songs and more shows.
Sun 17 Dec - Changing Tides Festival, Kiama, NSW, Aus