Jono

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BIOGRAPHY:

"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 and Jono has recorded his early material, gigged in many bands, has produced for local, signed and charting artists.
"Hauntingly beautiful acoustic sounds; the prodigious talent of singer/songwriter Jono"
– Russell Kane, Q Radio

He was due to inherit the family business; a manufacturing company where he worked as a graphic designer, but walked away from this secure future to produce his debut solo album. Rounded yet rugged, refined yet raw, Jono launched the album “Sentimental Anarchist” to critical acclaim, built around his infectious voice, melodies and guitar style. He wrote and recorded the album by himself in his Glasgow flat, playing every single instrument on it.
"The album was blinding; one of the best albums I heard in ages" – Carol Cunningham, Music News Scotland

Feathers in Jono’s cap include XFM Artist of the Week, Album of the Week, Single of the Week, no.83 most watched UK music video on YouTube for “Stuck in the City”, Winner of UK Undiscovered 2010, and highlight of the KKL Plaza stage at the Blue Balls Music Festival in Switzerland.
"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, Jono packed out the 450 capacity Classic Grand, then embarked on his first UK tour. Each day, BBC and local radio stations got him on the air for interviews prior to the evening gigs. To date Jono has completed five UK tours and has toured in mainland Europe, performing on the bill with artists such as Ben Harper, KT Tunstall, Beth Ditto (The Gossip), Rodrigo y Gabriela, Macy Gray, Erykah Badu, Kelis, Jamie Lidell, The Secret Sisters...
"Jono holds his own in the company of Jack Johnson and Newton Faulkner"
– David Esson, The Sunday Express

Features in the press include The Sun, Daily Record, Evening Times, Metro, and radio stations such as Q Radio (Russell Kane), BBC6 Music (Tom Robinson), BBC Scotland (Jim Gellatly), BBC Wales (Alan Thompson), Myspace Radio (Alex Zane), Kerrang! (Alex Baker)...
"Jono's voice has this texture to it that makes everything seem alright" – Alex Baker, Kerrang! Radio

Jono has been compared to singer/songwriters like John Mayer, Kelly Jones, Jeff Buckley, Jason Mraz, Newton Faulkner and James Morrison. However, Jono maintains an extraordinarily distinctive style, shaped by eclectic influences such as Bob Marley, The Police, 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

On a skiing break at the beginning of 2009 Jono suffered a violent fall, coming inches from death and shattering his left shoulder. He flew home for an operation with no guarantee of ever being able to play guitar again. He had been nominated for the Red Stripe Awards, so he sang in a sling, using a laptop with the guitar parts on it.
"With one of his wings seriously clipped, Jono managed to pull off a mesmerizing set"
– Clare Dixon, RedStripe.net

Following intensive physiotherapy Jono is playing again, with vigour like he has never known, happy that he is still alive and able to play the guitar. With a massive and explosive energy that you would normally only expect to feel from a full band, Jono’s solo performances have become a sight and sound to behold, leaving new audiences stunned, while familiar crowds scream out the lyrics. He is currently writing and recording his second solo album, often discovering new lyrics and melodies in his dreams.
"Jono's live performance smacked me right between the eyes and ears!" – Jim Symon, Radio Clyde2

INFLUENCES:

The Police, Bob Marley, Lenny Kravitz, John Mayer, Jamie Lidell, Michael Jackson, Guns n Roses, Smashing Pumpkins, Faith No More, Rage Against the Machine, Love/Hate, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Senser, Primus, Nine Inch Nails, Shpongle, Underworld, Daft Punk, Orbital, Dreadzone, Speedy J, Basement Jaxx...

MORE VIDEOS:

This is how we do it! - Laying down a track

Stuck In The City - Official Video

Nothin Like That - Live in Glasgow

A Day Ago - Official Video

She Built A Wall - Official Video

Nothin Like That - Loopstation Version

The Liberty Tour - October 2010