It is the new year which only means one thing, it is time to celebrate acts that you should be keeping an eye on this year! Today we speak to musician JATK who is about to take 2024 by storm.

Hello tell us all about your band?

We’re JATK (pronounced “Jack”), a power-pop band from Boston, MA. My name is Matt Jatkola. I’m the songwriter and front person. After the release of a number of eclectic singles, our debut full-length album Shut Up And Be The Light came out in 2022, followed by music videos and more standalone singles. What started primarily as a recording project between a circle of collaborators has grown into a full live band.

How was 2023 for your band – what were the highlights?

2023 was a great year! We released a music video for our song “Don’t Come Knockin'” that was nominated for Video of the Year at the Boston Music Awards and the New England Music Awards, we released a single called “Ana” and we also played a bunch of shows both as a full band and as a “semi-acoustic” trio. We’re hoping to up the ante on live shows for 2024 now that we’re primed and ready.

What was the key lesson you learnt from last year?

The key lessons I learned in 2023 I’ve relearned over and over again in years past — don’t hold back and don’t wait for anybody. I can easily get in my own head, waiting for validation from others, or even from myself. Keep going no matter what, don’t hold on to things for too long, and don’t let anything or anyone get in your way!

How did you get into music?

I’d like to say that I had some early epiphany at a young age about music, but if I’m being honest, it’s really TV commercial jingles and theme songs that are some of my formative musical memories. Jeopardy!, Star Trek: TNG, and The Wonder Years all have great music driving them. Big Red, Kit-Kat, and Bagel Bites – all killer jingles. The list goes on, but that’s probably where it all started for me.

What are your plans for the band in 2024?

Our plans for 2024 are to play more shows, hone our live set, release another music video, and record some new music!

What styles do you hope to see more of in music this year?

I assume you mean music styles, but I’m just gonna say, fashion-wise, I’m excited and perplexed to see JNCO jeans are coming back. I find it fascinating and even wrote about it in our song “Ana.”

What band is your ones to watch in 2024 and why?

I’ve been producing a new track with Anika Pyle. I don’t know when it’ll be released yet, but keep an eye out because it’s.

Do you have any new years resolutions? If so what are they?

My new year’s resolution is to play live more — perhaps double the amount of 2023.

Are you on social media? If so how can people find out more about you?

Yes!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jatktheband

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jatktheband

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@jatktheband

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jatktheband

X: https://twitter.com/jatktheband

Bandcamp: https://jatk.bandcamp.com/

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4muS2qRad6WkJtOL7brp4R?si=bqy06G5iS_CcT8yaiBX3KA&nd=1

Three words why people should come and see you this year?

Melody. Harmony. Guitars.

QUICK FIRE ROUND

The movie or television show you are looking forward to seeing this year?

I’m hoping for a Mandolorian Season 4 in 2024.

Your favourite book?

I haven’t read a book in well over 10 years. Sorry, books!

If you could paint anything what would you paint?

I would love to paint really confidently and boldly without layering – simple, powerful, intentional strokes. I think about this all the time with music too. There’s a ton of overlap between disciplines there. Anytime I paint, it’s layered and often, as a result, the edges become soft. Any music recordings I’ve done recently are pretty densely layered too, and those edges become softer too. Sometimes, I really don’t like that about my style, but I’m also aware that the ability to layer is a strength. Still, I’d like to feel that I can make a statement without tweaking it, layering it, or overthinking it.

What is the most delightful word you can think of?

Forever.

Favourite album?

Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness.

What is your favourite quote from a television show?

“Make it so.” – Jean-Luc Picard

Who is your favourite film character and why?

Ace Ventura because he elevates talking out of your butt to an artform.