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Born in Sydney, adopted illegally (stolen by nuns) and then won back by his mother, Jonathan Byron's life began and remained unconventional; raised in Western Australia at the end of the 70's hippie movement; he was surrounded by artists as a boy and explored much of the state with his family. He has lived, worked and performed in Melbourne now for 10 years (releasing 2 previous independent EP's along with an album from instrumental band "The Boats") and has styled his own fusion of melancholic operatic folk rock, stripping back his once extensive live band to consist of simplicity; guitar (often creating sonic walls of sound and loops), drums and sometimes bass.

Jona's music and songwriting has been revered by artists such as Conway Savage (The Bad Seeds) and Glenn Richards (Augie March) and he has toured and played with acts such as Machine Translations, Sime Nugent and Jason Mraz.
" Halos" was recorded in various studios and locations across Melbourne, with a recent burst of studio creativity with producer Myles Mumford (Lamplight, Kate Vigo) seeing the mini album realized in its full & final beauty. Including guest appearances from acclaimed local artists such as Gen Finnane, The Wintership Quartet, Emily Taylor (Plastic Palace Alice), Alex Taylor (violin) and Edmondo Amendola (Augie March). However, most of the instruments are played by Jona himself; including upright bass, piano accordion, piano, guitars and organ and drums by long term band mate, Dale G. Thomas (The Spoils, The Green Mist).

The songs you hear on "Halos" represents a 4 year long journey through depression, difficult trials, lost love and the constant arm wrestle between patience and impatient frustrations. The music within this mini album depicts a personal journey of an artist who has been knocked down and finally has the strength to get up; conquering his fears and personal goals on the climb. "Halos" tells stories of survival and the human condition. We all have halos, sometimes they get broken along the way, and despite the sins we commit and the mistakes we make...there is always a glimmer of hope to keep you hanging on. The majority of the songs were inspired by one tumultuous relationship in particular. Without, which we would never have had the painfully beautiful music captured on this disc. Listeners will hear an artist with undeniable depth and maturity.

"Halos" is a deeply personal recording from one of Australia's most talented artists. A dramatic & remarkable taste of what Jona Byron has in store as he prepares to record his debut full-length album, to be released in 2010. Halos will be available through Popboomerang Records in all record stores Nationally in September. - pb records

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REVIEWS

Jona Byron of The Boats is a man who is well versed in how to make an epic of the ordinary. His lengthy songs and lyrically evocative tales swell slowly and captivate what should be a drained audience, but we all listen rapt. The new 'Red Jerusalem' ("Fill my cup with sand / You'll bury my eyes / I won't see you my friend / Turn blood to water") shows a mind keen at work and with the upbeat closing 'All My Days Are Mad' a broad pallet is proven and another talented individual joins the fold of Laterra. - Dec '07 - Andy Hazel (Inpress)

Gives you a kind of Bob Dylan folky feel. Quite dark at times but full of atmosphere, blended together with good melodies and heart-wrenching lyrics. Very deep but cool.
Nov '03 - Pat Fagan on the Dirty Royals EP (Elevation Station, Scotland)

Australian, alternative folk meister, Jona Byron has been compared to some of the very greats in music such as Nick Drake, Jeff Buckley and Thom Yorke and on hearing the opening track of this 6 track mini album I could see why, 'Goodbye Blue Monday' opens like a morphing of snippets from the KLF's 'Chill out' and Jeff Buckley's 'Grace' and builds on a dark, melancholic [without being miserable] country vibe.
Stand out track for me is the beautifully understated 'Goodnight to the Moon', a piano and a voice can sometimes be all you need to get the message across. Sounding at times like the Penguin Café Orchestra jamming with Crowded House on Valium. A&R verdict: Jona Byron will be huge, mark my words! He's a class apart…… high quality music, introspective words, significant production head....4.8/5
- '02 Iain Fugue ES A&R Panelist (Molotov Records)

I've known Jona Byron for a couple of years. During this time I've seen him perform shows and heard various demo recordings of his music. As well as being an able and talented songwriter he possesses a unique voice that is not only of a high quality but is also very distinctive.
- '02 - Matt Walker (Musician/ARIA Winner)

Pretty songs feature near-spectral male vocals that wind around themselves, forming loops your ears eagerly trace as if they were visibly hanging in the sky. Acoustic strummings tie off all the pretty, floating tips that comprise these songs.
- Kali.H (Listen.com/Rolling Stone)