Jacob Butler
- Favourite Season: 2007
- Favourite Movie: A Clockwork Orange
- Favourite TV show: The Mighty Boosh
- Eye Colour: It changes daily
- Favourite Song: "Run" - Snow Patrol
- Musical Idols: Noel Gallagher, John Lennon
- What star-sign are you: Aries
- Are you superstitious: No
About Jacob Butler
It's been a long, hard road to the Australian Idol top 12 for Jacob. The focused 25-year-old first made the Top 100 in 2005, and when he failed to make it further headed to the UK, picking up a management deal that, in his words, "went pear".
Upon returning to Australia he spent a year working on his song writing and musicianship, greatly impressing the Idol judging panel with his growth when he finally re-entered the audition room this year. He was soon placed in the top 24, and after performing a brilliant rendition of Snow Patrol's "Chasing Cars", Australia made him their second top 12 finalist. "I feel incredible," admits Jacob of the announcement.
He could barely suppress his excitement on the night, even offering to pay back all the viewers who had voted for him. "Send me an invoice!" said the cheeky chap.
A lover of indie rock and pop, Jacob is a bit of an anglophile when it comes to music. "I find that they do it the best time and time again," he says of Brit artists, who seem to have also inspired his hairstyle. Jacob loves Mexican food as says he couldn't live without his bike.
Q&A with Jacob
Q:I first realised I wanted to become a professional singer when…
A: I saw Van Halen's "Jump" on the TV aged three. David Lee Roth blew my mind and I knew I wanted to do that. Awesome.Q:What is your favourite genre of music? Why do you love that particular style?
A: Indie Rock-Pop. Particularly the English bands. I find that they do it the best time and time again.
Q:Which previous finalist do you find most inspiring and why?
A:Bobby Flynn. Because he changed the rules.
Q:Have you auditioned for a previous series of Australian Idol? If so, how far did you progress? What motivated you to audition this year?
A: 2005 - I bombed out in the Top 100 group stage. I auditioned this year to prove to myself I could take it further.
Q: Describe your feeling at your first audition?
A: Absolutely petrified on the inside - reasonably calm on the outside... until I couldn't get my guitar in tune.
Q: Obviously, it's important to have a strong voice, but what other aspects give a performer 'star quality'?
A: A great haircut - something Gallagheresque. A mod style, that sort of thing is always good.
Q: Idol shows often follow a special theme like Disco, Rock or Big Band. What would your 'dream theme' be and why?
A: Rock always works for me! The only problem that I would have is choosing a song! There are too many to choose from…
Q: What would you call your debut album?
A: It's already recorded and cost me an arm and a leg. I'd like to call it, "For all the Wrong Reasons."
Q: Why do you think Australian Idol is an important part of our local music industry?
A: Because it gives those who my not have previously had the opportunity, to showcase their talents in front of a national audience.
Q: Which artist (dead or alive) would you most like to perform a duet with and why?
A: John Lennon - because he is God. Nobody is better than Lennon.
Q: What's the best thing about being on Australian Idol?
A: Having the opportunity to perform my own work in front of a national audience.
Q: Who is your favourite judge and why?
A: Mark - because he always tells me as it is and he has always believed that I could make it to this stage.
Q: How do you prepare yourself before a performance?
A: Lots of quiet time, cup of peppermint tea, bit of DVD, maybe some music - all in all, a good vibe always helps!
Q: What's the best bit of advice someone has given to you?
A: To let my confidence grow - that was Holden recently. It has been a tough couple of years but I'm back! YAY!
