Fletcher Kent interview with Jen and announcement of Tour and new single ‘DON’T YOU WANT IT!’

PHOTOGRAPHER CREDIT: CAITY KRONE

FLETCHER KENT SHARES NEW SINGLE ‘DON’T YOU WANT IT’ OUT NOW! FOLLOWS A RUN OF SOLD-OUT DEBUT HEADLINE SHOWS

“…the rising star has already drawn comparisons to Matt Corby and Noah Kahan”–Rolling Stone Australia

“an artist who leaves a lasting impression”–Ones To Watch“

Fletcher Kent with gorgeous melodies to make the heart pace or yearn!”–Anika Luna, triple j Home & Hosed

“it feels like he’s about to explode out of his one-to-watch badge and live up to the loftyheights of the buzz that surrounds him.”–Life Without Andy“

…he played I’ll Be and it blew me away and I thought it was brilliant.”–Lewis Capaldi on Nova FM Ricky-Lee & Tim

“Fletcher impressed me from his first song, a must listen for Noah Kahan fans.” Jen Rees Music Injection

Fresh off a run of sold-out dates on his debut headline tour, Australian indie-folk riser. Fletcher Kent returns with powerful new single‘Don’t You Want It’.

With a sound that sits comfortably alongside artists like Noah Kahan, Briston Maroney, Matt Corby, Dean Lewis and Lewis Capaldi, Fletcher continues to cement himself as one ofAustralia’s most exciting emerging voices, pairing authentic, heart-on-sleeve lyricism with undeniable raw talent.

I was fortunate to have the chance to catch up with Fletcher for a chat.

Hi Fletcher, my husband and I attended Lewis Capaldi on his Saturday night in Melbourne, and I always want to get there early to see the supporting artist. Once you started performing, I immediately thought of Noah Kahan who I have interviewed a few times in past years. We looked up Spotify and flowed along with the lyrics to your songs.

Ah wow! Thanks so much for coming down early to catch my set. I appreciate the Noah reference, he’s so amazing! I especially love his live album… you can feel the truth in his songs and the crowd energy is epic. That’s so cool you were following along with the lyrics- I should start doing that a concert for supports!

Great idea! You should! Let’s start with some background. I read that you started singing at the age of 8 and knew that was what you wanted to do in front of crowds to feel a connection, is that the case and can you tell me a bit about the performance?

Yes absolutely! It was a Michael Jackson tribute show at my school the year he passed. I sang ABC by the Jackson 5 – wearing a wig and floral pants haha. There was maybe 300 people in the audience, and I just remember the absolute rush. That feeling hasn’t changed and I’m very grateful to still be chasing it.

When did you actually start to perform live gigs and what was your first one?

When I was about 12! Well I believe it was 11 according to whom seems to be your mum!

I started playing guitar, writing songs and busking most weekends. I think my first one was a community festival in Maitland… I made $200 and remember thinking- this busking thing is pretty awesome!!

Either way 11 or 12 is young. You already have an impressive career, starting with Wasted getting on to Spotify’s Pop’N’Fresh and Apple Music’s Global new in Alternative and New in Rock playlist and had an extended Old mates Pub residency in New York.

How were you booked for that residency?

Thanks so much! Really cool to be getting support from the streaming platforms. As for Old Mates- when I got to NYC they had just recently opened. I went straight in and just had a chat to a manager! They had me playing in there from that point onwards. It was unreal to have a feeling of home in the states.

How do you find the crowds differ in the US than Australia?

New York is such a work-oriented city… so when you’d meet people one of the first questions is “what brought you here” or “what’s your dream?” I found that energy really cool and it definitely reflected in the crowds. I would end up meeting people afterwards and then go to one of their shows the next week.

In Australia you have also achieved success in Live Nation’s One to watch, performed at the VIP pre show Green Day and had your fans vote for you to perform at Rolling Sets Festival. Amazing, no wonder Lewis choose you.

I’ve looked up your Spotify, as I said and are amazed that you don’t have 5 EP’s or more to have this success already. I think this means that each one of your songs are brilliant, relatable and very enjoyable to listen to.

That’s so lovely thank you!! It’s been really cool that this momentum has been coming off just a few songs. I think having the confidence/experience of chasing this since I was kid, but also the excitement of feeling like this is just the beginning is a really great feeling. I appreciate that you’re resonating with the music and am stoked to hear! There’s lots on the way!

When I got my tickets for Lewis Capaldi, I was so excited. I am in a wheelchair, so I was pretty far back but just being there was a dream come true for me. I can’t imagine how excited you were when you heard you were supporting him can you take us through what went through your head? Any celebrations?

I’m so glad the venue was accessible and you could come to the show! Music is just the best hey!

I found out on the 10 year anniversary of my brother Banjo’s passing when I was standing in “Banjo’s Skatepark” (built in his honour). So, the whole thing felt very special and spiritual. Yes, we did celebrate- I had a lovely dinner with my family that week! You know, I had been journalling “I play arenas” every day when I was in New York. So, to get that call just after returning home, was an actual dream come true. Like the manifestations were becoming real. I feel so grateful to Lewis for that experience.

Music is the best! Sorry to hear about your brother, that does sound like like a great place to hear such news.

I am assuming that this tour would be the biggest audience that you have performed for, how were the nerves prior to the first show?

Yes definitely. I don’t usually like to say that I get “nervous” because I feel like then I’m allowing that feeling in my body. But I definitely was haha. That first show was in Brisbane… and when I was playing ‘Open to the Light’ all of the shine torches went up. That was the most overwhelming beautiful feeling ever. My screensaver has been a view of that for the past 6 months and so seeing that with my own eyes was pure. I definitely got more settled with the size of the venues as the tour went on. I thought- all I’m trying to do is connect with 1 person deeply. There just happens to be a lot of 1 persons in here, but the goal doesn’t change.

Is Lewis Capaldi as funny in person as he is on social media? I find him hilarious.

Haha yes he’s such a great energy. He and his whole team made us feel so comfortable and supported. We went out with them after a few shows, and the vibes backstage were always amazing.

I have been listening to you on Spotify and at the moment my fav song is Blindspot, it is just so romantic and relatable to me. Co-writing this with your finance Lil makes very special and she was very brave to sing on stage with you and the song sounded so beautiful. How long did you take the write song, what was your inspiration, and did you have an argument writing it? ☺

Thank you!! I actually wrote this one on my own and thought so would sound perfect singing on it (which she does)!! But we have written multiple songs together and I’m sure will release one at some point. It’s such a gift to have a partner that understands the music and to connect to each other that way. To take that to the next level with her joining me on stage was unreal! I’m proud of her,  and inspired by her every day.

I looked up Lil on Tiktok (my daughter follows her) She clearly has a great sense of humour about how to become a tour guide is hilarious and leaving a cookie behind and then finding it. I quote her ‘It feels like a party everyday’, regarding the tour, is this how you feel as well?

Haha yes she is hilarious. It makes life so fun and enjoyable, I feel super lucky for that. I totally feel like it feels like a party everyday! Getting to be with her, doing what I love everyday. Blessed to be here!

After the Lewis Capaldi tour concluded, did you take some time off and rest up or did you write some new songs for your headline tour in February?

I definitely took a little bit of time with family which was nice! Lil and I also moved up to Port Macquarie as she got a job as a midwife there after finishing her degree last year. So it’s been a beautiful couple of months, making a new home and touring in between. I did write 1 new song in particular for any tour… which was a moment in the show that was really special. It was my final song of the set and I played it from the floor in the audience.

Have you noticed a boost to your plays on Spotify and followers on social media since the Lewis Capaldi tour?

I have! It’s so rewarding to be exposed to new people and then have them connect with what I’m making in a very real way. As I mentioned about live performance, the goal is always about connecting with 1 person deeply, rather than lots of people peripherally. I feel grateful to feel that happening.

You toured in February ‘The Open to the Light’ tour. How was that?

This was my first ever headline tour, and so I was really keen to make it my own! There were a few moments in the show where I incorporated some unique elements, and seeing that resonate was super fulfilling. I met so many amazing people, got to sing together and share that frequency. It was so special.

I am really happy you included Perth, one of the main complaints we receive is when an artist is interviewed and we hear why not Perth!

It was so fun to go to Perth! One of my favourite moments from the tour was being on the flight from Adelaide to Perth. I just couldn’t stop smiling about how stoked I was to be doing what I do. The Perth show was unreal and in one one my favourite venues of the tour!

I am really looking for to following along with you and Lil’s adventures to come. You have the talent to go far, and I wish you well with your career.

Thank you so much. That really means a lot to me. I feel very grateful for this interview. I really enjoyed reflecting on these thoughtful questions!! Lots of love!

Thanks for the opportunity, we love supporting local young talented artists, although now you have moved you are not as local to me as you were! All the best for your future and your new single ‘DON’T YOU WANT IT!’

‘DON’T YOU WANT IT!’ showcases Fletcher Kent’s vocal range and his ability to write songs that are meaningful and relatable. Love it! Jen Rees Music Injection

Speaking on the release, Fletcher shares:

“Anything in life worth having comes with challenge,whether that’s relationships, a dream, anything. ‘Don’t YouWant It’ begs the question: howmuch are you willing to sacrifice for the thing you want? You might get your heart broken, youmight fall or face difficult moments, but is it worth it?”

Emotionally charged and anthemic, the track captures the ache an durgency of chasing something bigger than yourself, even when the cost feels high. Vulnerable yet defiant, it balances intimate storytelling with a chorus built to be sung back at full volume.In everything he does, from his lyricism to his live shows, Fletcher poses thought-provoking questions that invite audiences to turn inward while also drawing them into a powerful shared experience. It’s the kind of song that feels deeply personal yet somehow communal.The release follows a breakout 12 months for Fletcher, who has quickly proven his ability to translate streaming momentum into real-world connection with fans.

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Photos in article credit Fletcher Kent’s Facebook.