Reclaiming his own narrative, Jack Vidgen has released his new single ‘Pray’ which acts as the first chapter in his re-introduction to listeners. The Sydney based singer-songwriter has shown viewers an honest and vulnerable side through being in the jungle on I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here earlier this year, as well as appearing on The Voice Australia and Eurovision Australia Decides in 2019. Counteracting the fictitious and hateful gossip articles that have surrounded his career, he’s allowed the music speak for itself and ultimately taken the power away from the media.
“You don’t even care if I can’t breathe. You come for blood when you come for me” he sings directly to the media as he addresses his demons and vices he’s faced while growing up in the shadow of fame. On top of that he also grew up in the church, and that combination is something you wouldn’t wish upon anyone who was struggling with their sexual identity. There’s an internal battle that’s haunted him for so long, and now he’s finally ready to celebrate the strength that pulled him through these darkest times. “So I’m going to pray for you, cause I’m not going to change for you. I own my own body, don’t you fucking start me. You need to be saved cause you’re the fool” he proclaims during the anthemic hook.
Co-written with Muki and Hauskey, and originally produced by Hauskey, they’ve turned this soulful confession into a club thumping banger thanks to the added touch by UK producer Will Rumens. Providing a dark and brooding contrast, they’ve lifted this vulnerable story into the empowering and gritty dance world that I think it was always meant to live within. Vidgen has explained that he’s found his own church within his friends and clubbing over the years, so it only seems fitting that this is how he begins this new chapter in his musical journey.
There’s no artist like Jack Vidgen in Australia right now, and with powerful and soulful vocals that are reminiscent of Sam Smith, he’s in a lane of his own. Immediately capturing your attention on the first listen, ‘Pray’ continues to grow on you with each listen. It’s a song that you’ll find yourself wanting to strut across a dance floor to as it is a pulsating anthem that oozes confidence.