Can you please introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your musical journey and background?
My name is Jon Mullane and I live in the seaside town of Mahone Bay Nova Scotia. I have been releasing and recording music since the 90s, w With five albums, and one EP to my credit. I have had several of my singles chart on Billboard both in Canada and United States. One of my songs, My New American Girl broke into the top 40 on billboard, which brought me to the US to both live and tour beginning in 2013. My latest release, the EP California feature songs that are connected to my time living in Los Angeles. It includes a fun, feel good. Summer song called the sun in the summertime. Another single from my EP is called Walking Away, and I’ve just released a lyric video for that song.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound and style?
I like a wide variety of artists and bands, but since my early childhood the main influence on my songwriting was songs I listen to on AM radio. At that time, radio played much more of a variety of songs so for me, it didn’t matter the genre. I just really loved great melodies and memorable lyrics. Since I began writing songs, I’ve always tried to incorporate those elements into my songs.
Can you share a specific artist or album that has had a significant impact on your music?
I’ve always loved the band The Raspberries.
What’s your creative process like when you’re composing or writing a new song?
It usually starts with a chord progression and then develop a melody from it. Once I have the structure of the song and melody in place, then I will work in the lyrics.
I also have a compilation of song titles in my writing book.
Among all the songs you’ve created, do you have a personal favorite? If so, what makes it special to you?Can you share the story or inspiration behind that particular song?
I don’t really have a favorite song of mine, they’re all special in their own way to me, but there is one song, born beautiful, for which I was influenced by a friend on social media writing she wish she wasn’t beautiful on the outside, so others could love her for what she is on the inside, that post really hit me, and I related it to my own experiences as a child being bullied. I felt compelled to write the song from those experiences.
Let’s talk about your latest song. What’s the title, and what’s the story or message behind it?
It’s called walking away, and it’s about being attracted, and/or addicted to something or someone that is a bad influence or harmful to you in your life. It’s about the struggle of trying to get away from that.
Share a memorable or unique experience from one of your live performances.
One of my most memorable and favorite is a concert that was on my birthday a few years ago, that my manager completely organized for me. It was at a venue in downtown Hollywood and we had a very good sized and enthusiastic crowd, and the bonus was I met my current spouse at that show!
Beyond music, do you have any hobbies or interests that you’re passionate about? How do they influence your music?
I like playing tennis, I’m interested in interior, design and renovation, and since living in a small town I’ve also become fascinated with wildlife, as many animals come to our door to be fed. I have had a lifelong interest in UFOs. I think all those things influence my writing indirectly.
Is there a dream collaboration you’d like to pursue in the future?
I’d love to write a song with Diane Warren.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians who are just starting their journey in the music industry?
The best advice I can give is to hone your craft, and be as good as you can be, then keep striving to be better. That will stand out overtime.
Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or new music you have in the works? What can your fans and listeners look forward to from you in the near future?
I’m in the process of writing some new songs early this year. I plan on making trips to California and Nashville for co-writes. I’ll be playing the summer concert festival circuit in Atlantic Canada, then late fall I’ll be resuming my Feels like Christmas tour, which will be in its second year.