Getting To Know... Jonny Ong

After spending the last year releasing a wave of bold and enticing offerings, producer and songwriter Jonny Ong recently returned to deliver his pulsing new single 'Taking Silence'.

Collaborating alongside vocalist inch, 'Taking Silence' sees the artist return in stellar form. Taking cues from New Orleans jazz and trip-hop, as well as his psychedelic rock roots, his latest release is a bold and euphoric return that cements him as a truly masterful artist on the rise.

So with the new single out and about, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins as well as what has been inspiring him over the years.

-

What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

The bass was my first love!

What was the first song that inspired you to make your own music?

It wasn’t a song, it was The Beatles in general who inspired me to write my own music.

What kind of music did you love as a teenager?

All the good psychedelic classics - The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, The Who, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, Buddy Guy, Led Zeppelin, Freddie King, The Doors, Oasis, Stone Roses, Kasabian, The Clash, No Doubt. And more!

What do you find is the best environment to find inspiration for your music?

London in the summer! There’s such a vibrant atmosphere, so many different types of people coming together in the parks to enjoy the sunshine (well, maybe not last year…) - I’m inspired by the variety.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Miles Davis, Amy Winehouse, Nina Simone, Alabama Shakes, Chet Baker, Louis Armstrong. Lots of good jazz and rock ‘n’ roll!

How many of your songs have you written about people in your life?

Probably 75 % of them haha. I’m very inspired by the people in my life and my relationships towards them.

What has been the most unusual moment in your career so far?

Well definitely right now! I'm looking forward to gigging again when this is all over. For now we just all have to do our part and prevent the spread. The loss of live music is absolutely tragic (however momentary it may be) - the arts are suffering so much at the moment and it’s really painful to see. Hopefully we can all get back out there soon.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

It would have to be The Rolling Stones!

If you weren’t a musician, what other path do you think you might have taken?

Perhaps art or marine biology - I just love the ocean, and being creative can take many forms...

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

Sometimes simplicity in song structure just works magic. That's for sure something which has served me well over the years.

-

Jonny Ong's new single 'Taking Silence' is available to stream and download now. Watch the new video for it in the player below.