What Happens When Pop Meets Jazz Chords? Ask Nory-J

Meet Jack, the creative force behind Nory-J, a genre-blurring alternative pop project born in the garden during lockdown and now finding its groove on stages across the South. If you’re into intricate lyrics, rich harmonies and songs that don’t follow the rulebook, welcome to the world of Nory-J.

From Jackanory to Nory-J

The name comes with a story of its own. “My mum calls me Nory, after Jackanory,” Jack laughs. “We sat down and brainstormed names for this solo project and it just stuck.” What started as a lockdown experiment in 2020 has now turned into a fully-fledged sonic identity. After writing 30 songs in the space of a few months, Jack realised that being a solo artist gave him more creative control and flexibility than band life ever could.

Five of those lockdown tracks made it onto his debut EP in 2021. Since then, Jack has taught himself to sing, produce and perform, crafting a sound that’s as heartfelt as it is technically sharp.

The Sound: Pop Meets Jazz with a Twist

Jack describes his sound as “Pop songs with Jazz chords” but that barely scratches the surface. Think intense harmonies, thought-provoking lyrics and unexpected instrumental turns. Each track dips into themes of heartbreak, anxiety and the general awkwardness of being human. It’s guitar-led, sonically adventurous and doesn’t really sound like anything else.

If you’ve heard irrelevant, benevolent, you’ll know what we mean. It’s a track that gets regular rotation in cafés and shop playlists across the UK. “It’s the one song I listen to on my own playlists that I actually wrote,” Jack says. “And it has a keyboard solo that absolutely goes off.”

Carving Space in Dorset’s Scene

Breaking into the original music circuit in Dorset hasn’t always been easy. Jack’s first experiences came from the vibrant scenes in Bath and Bristol, and the shift to Dorset was noticeable. “There just aren’t many venues that cater to original artists,” he says. “Most places survive on tribute acts and cover gigs.”

That said, change is happening. Local efforts like the Original Music Awards, Live and Unheard and The Acoustic Connection are creating space for new voices. And Jack’s seeing more artists make the leap from pub covers to personal projects. “It’s clear we’re on the right track.”

Gig Highlights and Songs About Car Parks

Festivals have been a lifeline. Jack has performed at Teddy Rocks, Wimborne Folk Festival, Seafood and Sounds, Harry Paye Day, VDub at the Pub, and more. One of his biggest highlights was a six-piece set at Pizza Express Live in Chelsea. “That show changed how I see myself as an artist,” he says. “It raised the bar.”

And for moments of pure chaos? Jack once improvised a bossa nova number to announce a blocked car at a festival. “I just made up a song about the number plate,” he grins. “People loved it.”

What’s Next for Nory-J

With the Chelsea gig now behind him, Jack is shifting gears into recording mode. New singles are in the works and he’s planning to refine his sound even further. There’s also unfinished business with BBC Radio 1.

“I’ve had support from Elliot Darby, Seb Bailey and Jodie Bryant, but I’ve not had that international radio play just yet. It’s time to chase it.”

Follow the Journey

You can find Nory-J on all streaming platforms, with lyric videos and live sessions on YouTube. For fans of inventive pop, jazz infusions and lyrical storytelling, this is an artist worth watching.