Syndey-based pop star Jack Cowell has died aged 34 as friends and family pay tribute to the rising star.
The Australian singer-songwriter is best known for his acclaimed debut album, Swandream, released in 2020 which was called ‘one of the best albums of the year’ by NME.
The late music artist had recently announced plans to imminently release his highly-anticipated second album.
‘Looking forward to releasing some new music soon. The mixes are nearly done and the mastering is booked in. I’ve been saying for ages that LP2 will be with you soon and that day isn’t too far off,’ he wrote on Facebook in September.
No cause of death has been revealed but his loved ones have shared touching tributes.
Australian comedian Gen Fricker, a longtime friend, wrote on her Instagram story: ‘We met when we were 14 and loved him instantly. My first best friend, I have spent nearly two thirds of my life loving him, even in the years we didn’t speak, because I knew when I saw him next, we’d just pick up where we left off.
She added: ‘I am devastated and furious. That it was an honour to be loved by him, whether you were in his life for a long time or just a moment.’
Producer and collaborator Sarah Blasko also took to Instagram with a heartfelt message.
‘One of my favourite people in this whole wide world, who possessed the charm of a thousand princes & a musical spirit like no other has passed into another realm. Good night darling Jack, changed forever by your presence x,’ she wrote.
In The Guardian’s obituary, musician Brenda Maclean reflected on Colwell’s legacy with the LGBTQ+ community.
‘We both came out before coming out was cool and it was, in part, the emotional toll this took on us individually that led us back together,’ he shared, reminiscing on their days on Grindr.
He added: ‘Where I concerned myself with sounding and looking pretty, he was unafraid to bark, belt and scream.
‘Jack’s only focus was the song and communicating it with his audience, even if it left some terrified of the ferocious, writhing, howling musician on the stage.’
The widely-loved independent artist released his debut single, Don’t Cry Those Tears, in 2015.
A year later he penned a song in honour of a young LGBTQ+ person who had taken his own life, called No Mercy, donating funds raised to the National LGBTI Health Alliance.
Colwell also worked as a musical director and arranger as well as taking out time to teach kids guitar, piano and singing. He was also musical director of Sydney’s community choir, the Polyphony Choir since 2004 alongside fellow musician paula Lu.