The Great Escape interviews - Cubzoa

Jack Wolter is an English musician who makes music and visuals under the moniker Cubzoa. Jack is also one half of the band Penelope Isles and plays guitar for CMAT. His songs and visual work evoke intimacy and delicacy, often touching on personal and melancholic themes. Described as a blend of folk, electronica, and sun-damaged pop, Cubzoa’s upcoming body of work showcases glistening electronics, textured guitars and live visuals that immerse you in a captivating sonic landscape. Self-produced at Bella Union Studios and mixed by Graham Walsh (Holy Fuck), Cubzoa’s debut LP is set to be released on Bella Union later this year.

As this promising multimedia performer prepares to play at Brighton’s The Great Escape, we grabbed them for 12 burning questions...

Welcome to The Great Escape 2025! How does it feel to be part of a festival known for launching new talent?

Lovely. I’m after the free stuff.  

For people discovering you for the first time here in Brighton, how would you describe your sound in three words?

Errrrr. Kind of lo fi, electronic (but not) and lucid  

What’s the journey been like getting to this point — playing a showcase in front of new fans, press, and industry folk?

Actually pretty mellow so far - I’ve been making an album over the last three years in-between touring a bunch with Penny Isles and CMAT. Cubzoa has been a side project but it’s starting to get busy now. I feel very lucky to be back at the great escape. I’ve been here with my band penny isles a bunch. Very cool to be back though with Cubzoa.

Do you approach a showcase festival like this differently from a typical gig or headline show?

I have made new visuals for these shows. And have treated myself to some new trainers.  

The Great Escape is packed with new sounds and fresh faces — Will you have a chance to discover any other artists at TGE, or any that you want to see?

Would love to see Junior Brother, Armlock, Kamran Kaur and Debby Friday.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given as an emerging artist in today’s music scene?

Get some sleep. Buy a van and get on the road.  

Brighton has a buzzing creative vibe — have you explored the city before or been inspired by it in any way?

I've lived in Brighton for nearly ten years... so yeah, it’s been a big part of me. I made my new record here. Well, in Portslade. Brighton is stitched into the whole album.  

What’s one thing about your live performance that people might not expect until they see you on stage?

Sweaty tits and sick visuals  

If someone only had time to listen to one of your songs after the festival, which one should it be — and why?

I meaaaaaan... I Dreamed A Beach is a vibe. And is the only new thing out there right now. New music drops next month.

How important are festivals like this for breaking through in the music industry today?

I think just being on the bill at TGE these days will open up a convo. But yeah... There are sooo many artists and the standard is well high. So, the live show has to hit.

What’s next for you after The Great Escape — any releases, tours, or surprises on the horizon?

Yesss!! My album is out later this year. Got some singles coming soon.  End Of The Road festival in Sept and some headline shows at the end of the year.  

Finally — complete the sentence: “The Great Escape is the perfect place to…”

Stand in a queue.

Cubzoa plays The Jetty at TGE Beach on Thurs 15 May (3:30 pm), Brighton’s Komedia Studio on Fri 16 May (12:15 am) and The Arch on Sat 17 May (7:15 pm), as part of The Great Escape 2025

www.cubzoa.co.uk  

www.greatescapefestival.com  

Image by Declan Haughian

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