The Unfolding Saga of Trampolene: From Swansea’s Grit to London’s Lure, a Nomadic Rock and Roll Odyssey
The trajectory of the Welsh rock band Trampolene, fronted by the charismatic Jack Jones, is a compelling narrative woven from threads of raw ambition, unapologetic chaos, and a relentless pursuit of a nomadic, punk-infused rock and roll existence. The band’s journey began in earnest when an 18-year-old Jones, armed with little more than a fierce artistic vision and a handful of coins, ventured to London with his bandmates. Their pilgrimage to the sprawling metropolis was fueled by a potent cocktail of youthful idealism and a romanticized notion of artistic access and excess, set against the backdrop of an increasingly expensive city where a pint could fetch a hefty sum.
The Genesis of a London Dream: From Welsh Roots to Urban Grit
"We thought, ‘fuck it,’ we wanted to move to London and be in the band," Jones recalls, reflecting on the audacious leap. "We moved to some damp squalor in Hornsey, which was not as posh then as it is now. I’m surprised at the rate of change there in the last 10 years. We used to hang around in Wood Green. We did various jobs such as labouring and bar work before realising it wasn’t happening the way we wanted it to." This early period in London was characterized by a stark reality check, a far cry from the glittering allure they had envisioned. The band grappled with the practicalities of survival, taking on menial jobs to sustain their artistic endeavors, a testament to their unwavering commitment to the rock and roll dream.
This period of struggle and self-discovery laid the foundation for Trampolene’s distinctive sound and lyrical depth. Central to their identity, particularly for Jones, are his spoken-word pieces. These poetic interludes, often raw and introspective, served as a crucial element in capturing the attention of influential figures within the music industry.
A Serendipitous Encounter: Jack Jones and the Libertines’ Pete Doherty
It was through these spoken-word performances that Jack Jones first crossed paths with Pete Doherty, a figure synonymous with the bohemian spirit of British rock and roll. Their meeting, as Jones recounts, was a pivotal moment, forged in the shared appreciation for literary expression and a kindred nomadic spirit.
"I began working with Pete when I was writing poems, not punk songs," Jones explains. "I got invited to a Libertines show. Trampolene had put out ‘Alcohol Kiss’ and other early songs on YouTube. They’d had like a hundred views." The nascent stage of Trampolene’s online presence belied the profound impact their music would soon have. "I drove in my van and parked up, sat on the pavement and lit a cigarette. Pete tapped me on the shoulder and revealed he’d learnt all the poems by heart. He started narrating those poems back to me, which was a surreal experience."
This remarkable display of memorization and genuine appreciation from Doherty underscored a deep artistic connection. Jones elaborates on the significance of this moment, which occurred around the time of The Libertines’ resurgence approximately a decade ago. "It was the beginning of the Libertines’ comeback around ten years ago. He knew all the words to ‘Health and Wellbeing (At Wood Green Job Centre)’. It felt like we were some sort of kindred spirits with our love of literature. We had a nomad sort of life; we went and did things in our own way."
Doherty himself has articulated how Jones reminded him of a younger, unburdened version of himself, a sentiment that resonated deeply with Jones. "When Pete saw me, he has said this himself, before all the fame and the drugs, I reminded him of that former part of himself: a kid. I connected him to that part of himself. I felt protected by him at the beginning of the relationship. I still feel that way." This bond, forged in the crucible of shared artistic sensibilities and a mutual understanding of life lived on the fringes, became a cornerstone of Trampolene’s burgeoning narrative.
Redefining the Rock and Roll Lifestyle: Sobriety and Creative Evolution
The narrative of Trampolene has often been intertwined with the mythology of wild, uninhibited rock and roll living, a characteristic that drew them intrinsically to figures like Pete Doherty. However, as Trampolene matures, Jack Jones has consciously recalibrated his approach to creativity, embracing a more disciplined and self-aware path.
"I do miss drinking and the camaraderie of a night out, but I’m one of those people who’s all or nothing," Jones admits. "I love being present for my work, my songs, my poems, my ideas and building a life in music. It’s a gift to feel like I can create without having to be wild or off my head." This shift represents a profound personal evolution, moving beyond the self-destructive habits that can often accompany the pursuit of artistic expression.
Jones reflects candidly on the efficacy of his past creative process: "Looking back, a lot of the things I produced while drinking were actually rubbish. You read them back with a sober mind and think, ‘What were you even trying to say?’ I was always incredibly hard on myself. I never allowed myself to feel joy or show myself any kindness." This introspection has led to a newfound emphasis on self-compassion and genuine connection. "That’s something I’ve had to learn: to be kinder to yourself, to be there for your mates and to exist without constantly judging yourself." This dedication to personal growth not only enriches his artistry but also fosters a more sustainable and authentic path forward for Trampolene.
The Enduring Influence of Welsh Identity: Culture, Language, and Belonging
Trampolene’s story, like many compelling narratives, is deeply rooted in its origins. The band’s debut album, Swansea to Hornsey, is a testament to this, weaving in lyrical references to the unique characters and experiences that shaped Jones’s formative years in Wales. As the cultural and political landscape of Wales continues to evolve, the band’s Welsh identity remains a potent force in their artistic expression.
"I think Wales will have its moment in the same way Ireland is. I can feel it coming, especially with Trampolene and Alan McGee behind us," Jones asserts, highlighting a growing sense of national pride and cultural resurgence. "Even on BBC Radio 6 Music there are Welsh-language acts breaking through. We’re the smallest of the home nations, but we’re always punching above our weight. Greater Manchester has a larger population than Wales, and Scotland is roughly twice our size. Despite that, we’re always there or thereabouts and we’ve got plenty of culture to share." This sentiment underscores a national ambition and a desire to showcase Wales’s rich heritage on a global stage.
However, Jones also expresses a personal struggle with the Welsh language, a sentiment that reflects a broader generational divide within Wales. "I don’t speak Welsh. Kyle Williams’ (Trampolene drummer) son speaks Welsh as he goes to a Welsh school and there’s a gap there, although he is learning. We had German lessons instead of Welsh in our school. Welsh and Welshness was a sort of afterthought in other classes." This linguistic disconnect fosters a sense of unease for Jones. "I’m embarrassed by not speaking Welsh. It was never around when I was a kid and now it’s everywhere. There’s a generational gap there as it just wasn’t taught. I’m a bit concerned about being left behind by that. I feel Welsh to my core. I feel that difference between Welsh speakers and I."
Despite this personal challenge, Jones remains deeply connected to his Welsh roots, a sentiment amplified by experiences like playing alongside revered Welsh band Super Furry Animals. "We played the same night as the Super Furry Animals in Bethesda. It was like everyone who couldn’t afford to see SFA came to see Trampolene!" He humorously notes his attempts to learn the language: "I did Duolingo but I realised it was just me learning patterns to answer the questions rather than learning Welsh."
The broader political discourse surrounding Welsh identity is also a significant factor for Jones. "I think we might be about to have a national conversation about Welshness with a new government. Even if people want independence, it’s not anti-anyone else. It’s about self-belief and being proud of yourself. Scots felt the same. It’s not like they hated Welsh people or whatever, they just wanted their own identity. More devolution is going to push that along. People who live in an area should know how to run the area." This perspective highlights a growing desire for greater self-determination and a celebration of distinct national identities within the United Kingdom.
A New Chapter with Creation Records and Evolving Lineups
The momentum behind Trampolene has significantly escalated with the guidance of Alan McGee, the legendary founder of Creation Records. His involvement marks a pivotal new phase for the band, injecting fresh impetus and a packed schedule of performances.
"Alan McGee manages us now," Jones confirms. "He was on to us for a while. Me and my Mrs were walking round London and bumped into him. I had to approach him. When I did he said, ‘You’re Jack Jones!’ and we built up a relationship from there." McGee’s promise of a busy itinerary has certainly been fulfilled. "He said, ‘I don’t know how far we’ll get but one thing I can promise you is you’ll keep busy.’ We’ve had 120 shows this year alone. We did a tour of South Wales, which of course we enjoyed. We also did Wrexham, Bethesda. It was our first time in North Wales." This relentless touring schedule underscores the band’s dedication to connecting with audiences across the country.
A notable evolution in Trampolene’s live setup has been the integration of guitarist Lee Thomas, brother of long-standing member Wayne Thomas. This addition has allowed the band to expand their sonic palette and has enabled Jones to further hone his role as frontman. "Lee and Wayne are brothers, and although Lee is the younger of the two, he’s been around the band since the very beginning," Jones explains. "It’s surreal having a new member, although bringing him in was one of Alan McGee’s ideas. Alan wanted me to focus more on being a frontman while still recreating the sound of the records live."
Lee Thomas’s transition into the band was remarkably seamless, given his pre-existing connection to Trampolene. "Lee had actually made a film about us, so he already knew all the songs and barely needed to rehearse," Jones reveals. "A few years later he moved to London. He worked in the same pub as Wayne and lived with us. He comes from a filmmaking background." This multifaceted talent and prior immersion in the band’s world have made Lee an invaluable asset.
Sonic Innovations and Future Endeavors
The collaboration with McGee has also brought about exciting sonic developments, including a remix of their early track "Storm Heaven" by none other than Andy Bell of Ride and formerly of Oasis. This collaboration highlights the band’s ongoing engagement with influential figures in the music scene and their commitment to reinterpreting their existing material.
"I loved Andy Bell’s remix. What he’s done with the song is incredible. He’s given it a new lease of life. It’s one of the earliest Trampolene tracks," Jones enthuses. He further acknowledges Bell’s significant, yet often understated, contribution to the shoegaze genre: "People don’t give him the credit he deserves for the shoegaze revival that’s happening at the minute because Ride inevitably get overshadowed by his involvement with Oasis."
The road ahead for Trampolene is undeniably packed, promising a continuation of their energetic blend of punk ethos, poetic lyricism, and distinct Welsh storytelling. Upcoming support slots with iconic bands like Ocean Colour Scene, Happy Mondays, and Republica signal their growing prominence within the UK music circuit. Jones humorously anticipates a particular encounter: "We’ve got support slots coming up with Ocean Colour Scene, The Mondays and Republica. Apparently Bez only eats honey these days, so I’m going to bring him some Welsh honey."
Trampolene’s journey, marked by its raw beginnings, profound artistic encounters, and a commitment to personal and creative evolution, continues to unfold. With a revitalized lineup, the backing of industry veterans, and an ever-expanding global audience, the band is poised to leave an indelible mark on the contemporary music landscape, carrying the spirit of Wales and the unyielding passion of rock and roll with them.
