| Jono
Bio :
"One of the finest singer/songwriters to emerge in recent years" – Jim Gellatly, John Peel Award Winning DJ
Scottish singer/songwriter Jono started recording his songs aged 13 when his dad got him a 4-track cassette recorder. His father had been in rock-n-roll bands and mother in musical theatre. Fast forward to his 20’s; Jono has recorded his own material, gigged in bands and is periodically producing for local, signed and charting artists.
"Hauntingly beautiful acoustic sounds; the prodigious talent of singer/songwriter Jono" – Russell Kane, Q Radio
But he already had his life mapped out for him; his grandfather started a lucrative manufacturing company he was due to inherit from his father. Jono walked away from this security putting his flat and everything he owned at great risk, to step out from behind the scenes as a producer and fund the recording of his own debut solo album.
"A new singing sensation... like James Morrison, but with an indie edge" – Matt Bendoris, The Sun
Following the release of his debut single “Silver Nails” Jono was voted artist of the week on XFM’s Music:Response show, featured in the Scottish Sun and in his first interview as a solo artist on BBC Radio WM Drivetime.
"Fantastic! Great! Totally fresh, original music... I love it!" - Paul Franks, BBC Radio WM
Rounded yet rugged, refined yet raw, in June 2008 Jono launched his album “Sentimental Anarchist” with songs built around his infectious voice, lyrics, melodies and acoustic guitar style. Every song and lyric written, every voice sung, instrument played by, every sound produced, recorded, mixed and mastered by Jono in his Glasgow flat.
"The album was blinding; one of the best albums I've heard in ages" – Carol Cunningham, Music News Scotland
Jim Gellatly made “Sentimental Anarchist” album, and “Stuck in the City” single of the week on his show. The guerrilla-approach video for “Stuck in the City” reached no.83 most watched UK music video on YouTube.
"I like Jono's song 'Stuck in the City' a lot! It's REALLY catchy!" – Alex Zane, TV and Radio Presenter
With a full band behind him for the album launch gig, Jono packed out the 450 capacity Classic Grand venue. Following this he embarked on a UK acoustic tour, driving around in his estate vehicle (come bed). Local BBC music stations got behind him; every day Jono would be on the air for interviews/sessions prior to his evening gig.
"Jono holds his own in the company of Jack Johnson and Newton Faulkner" – David Esson, The Sunday Express
Features in local and national press also included The Daily Record, The Evening Times, The Metro... and radio stations such as Q Radio (Russell Kane), BBC6 Music (Tom Robinson), BBC Radio Scotland (Jim Gellatly), BBC Radio Wales (Alan Thompson), Myspace Radio (Alex Zane), XFM (Martin Bate)...
"Acoustic music never really sounded as good as this" – Jim Gellatly, John Peel Award Winning DJ
Jono has been compared to John Mayer, Kelly Jones of the Stereophonics and Jeff Buckley as well, but the eclectic influences which helped shape his style include The Police, Bob Marley, Guns n Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, Rage Against the Machine, Underworld, Daft Punk and Basement Jaxx.
"The rasp in Jono's voice gives Paolo Nutini a run for his money" – Alan Morrison, The Sunday Herald
Jono was creating a bit of a buzz. Mark Richards of RSW Concerts was blown away by Jono in London and funded his next tour. So off Jono went again in his estate vehicle, with two more of RSW’s favourite solo artists.
"Jono is the best solo act we have promoted in four or five years" – Mark Richards, RSW Concerts
Disaster struck before momentum could snowball. On a skiing break Jono suffered a violent fall, smashing his left shoulder. He flew home for an operation with no guarantee he would be able to play guitar again. Jono had already been invited to the Red Stripe Awards in London. He sang using a laptop with his guitar parts on it.
"With one of his wings seriously clipped, Jono managed to pull off a mesmerizing set" – Clare Dixon, RedStripe.net
Months later Jono started playing guitar again, but for now finds it difficult and painful. His shoulder will never be what it was, but by the end of 2009 he should also be able to have a decent bash at a drum-kit. Fingers crossed!
"A young Paul Simon" – Matt Bendoris, The Sun
Bio from AirPlay Direct.
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