The Australian music community is in mourning following the passing of Sydney-based singer-songwriter Jack Colwell, who passed away at age 34 last Thursday (3 October), just a month before he would have turned 35. No cause of death has been revealed.
In 2020, Colwell released his debut and only studio album, SWANDREAM, which The Music described as “deeply personal and incredibly affecting.”
The album made waves thanks to it being a queer narrative that travelled through Colwell’s traumatic childhood towards self-understanding, overcoming identity issues, struggles with mental health and the effects of domestic violence.
Following the album’s release, international artists Robin Guthrie (Cocteau Twins), Joel Amey (Wolf Alice), and local acts Rainbow Chan and Marcus Whale contributed remixed tracks to the Swanlux EP.
SWANDREAM arrived five years after Colwell shared his debut single, Don’t Cry Those Tears.
In his final social media post, Colwell revealed that the follow-up to his debut album was coming soon.
“Hi all – looking forward to releasing some new music soon,” Colwell wrote on Facebook on 24 September. “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!”
Sarah Blasko, who produced Colwell’s debut album and took him on tour, said he was one of her favourite people in the world in a tribute to him.
“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,” Blasko shared on Instagram.
Radio host, comedian and writer Gen Fricker said, “You are still everywhere in my life, even if you’re not here anymore. I love you Jacky.”
Frenzal Rhomb’s Lindsay McDougall wrote, “Jack Colwell got Jason and to play a coupla songs at Unity, an Australian Marriage Equality benefit in 2017, and let me stay on stage to play this Kate Bush song with some veritable luminaries. Jack Colwell was the best. Vale Jack Colwell.”
Jenny Valentish, Gen Fricker, and Brendan Maclean paid tribute to Colwell in an obituary for The Guardian.
