Album Premiere: "Draw The Lucky Card" by Jack Skuller

NJ singer/songwriter Jack Skuller will release his debut album Draw The Lucky Card on October 14, 2022 on all digital platforms. After twelve years of performing original music (and releasing singles and EP’s since the age of 14), Skuller is excited to finally assemble an album of new material.

Draw The Lucky Card showcases 10 tracks written during the pandemic – 9 of which were recorded in the Poconos. Known for a career of writing and performing blues infused rockabilly and rock and roll, Jack Skuller leans into a more Americana sound and reveals an intensely personal lyrical focus. The album features three singles – the eccentrically danceable “Watercolor Rain,” uplifting “Give Yourself a Chance,” and a smoky power pop track co-written with art-pop singer songwriter George Usher called “Asking for a Friend.”

From the first snare hit, “Give Yourself a Chance” packs a powerful punch with Skuller’s new sound. The music video for the track focuses on the classic fortune-telling Zoltar machine, featuring “The Living Zultar” played by impressionist Robert Nash. On the song and video, Skuller notes: “For a song about taking a leap – with notes of encouragement and romance – I wanted to create a music video about fortune. Luckily I came across Robert Nash’s “Living Zultar” recently while on tour. He does a fantastic job and you can see in the video that people are amazed and hypnotized by him. I also thought it would be visually interesting to play off of the dichotomy between Robert and an actual Zoltar machine [on Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Pt. Pleasant, NJ], sparking the question: who gives the fortune teller a chance?”

“Asking for a Friend” is a profound lyric, with a driving train beat and a trembling guitar riff that matches the song’s intense uncertainty. On the inspiration for his lyrics, George Usher recalls, “I wrote down some notes about how we continually reach out for dubious advice on how to live our daily lives. This includes consulting faceless horoscopes, hit-or-miss weather reports, up-to-the-minute train schedules and, of course, the opinions of online strangers.” Skuller and Usher’s previous collaborations have all been energetic and spellbinding; this one is no exception.

The ethereal “Echo” is the only track recorded in Skuller’s home studio. It features a beautifully layered lap steel, played by guitarist Eric Reed Hall Jr. of acclaimed rock/americana band Red Wanting Blue. “I Wish You Lived Nearby” showcases Skuller’s signature rock ‘n roll swing and a sensitive, compelling hook. “Watercolor Rain” is another standout with its bouncy rhythm, a piano melody suitable for a Halloween party, and Skuller’s thumping bass line. However one interprets it, the song paints a true picture of nostalgia and what a happier world could be.

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