Guys, we heard you!
Due to popular demand, the team from Sevenpie has managed to get hold of Jon Liddell for today’s Featured Interview! Jon, who is pretty much a Malaysian to us, is an inspiring singer-songwriters who has been teasing us with a couple of his originals during the past few years.
Now before we dig deeper, we are honored that Jon took the time out from his busy schedule to talk to us about his latest single, ‘Old School Love’, and his plans for music in 2019! “Old School Love” debuts on Valentine’s Day 2019,while the MV for said single was released just last Monday and we must say, it’s pretty addictive!
1. Hi Jon! Congrats on the release of your latest single and MV, ‘Old School Love’. LOVED IT! What ‘Old School Love’ is all about?
To simply put it, ‘Old School Love’ is all about chivalry or the art of being a gentleman. I don’t believe in the cliche saying the ‘chivalry is dead’ but I see it as a reminder to be a gentleman whenever you can.
2. The lyrics to ‘Old School Love’ is something a lot of people can relate to. Quoting from the song,“ I will protect you from another heartbreak, I know the old school way to go….”, what is your interpretation for love, the old school way?
There’s so many ways to let someone know you love them. It’s not all about expensive gifts and large gestures. The simple act of writing your significant other a letter, opening a door, offering your jacket when she’s cold. These simple gestures go a very long way.
3. What are your future music plans? Will we be getting a Jon Liddell tour or mini concert anytime soon?
There will definitely be more music this year. I’ll be performing here and there and hopefully collaborating with some local artists. Jenn and I are looking in to hosting a mini concert. Would you come? (we thought you’ll never ask, Jon ;))
4. You’ve been releasing so many amazing music like ‘Make It Right’ in 2015, ‘No More’ in 2016, and now, ‘Old School Love’ in 2019. Where did you draw inspirations for all your songs you’ve written so far?
Most of my songs are inspired by my own experiences or the experiences of my friends. ‘No More’ was written about a friends toxic relationship. I was with Jenn at the time and we were happily stable. She even helped write the song together with me. But the lyrics are about people lying, blocking themselves off and not wanting to be in a relationship anymore. I felt the pain my friend was going through and we decided to write about it.
5. Will you be releasing more songs and MV in 2019?
Yes! Definitely. I can’t wait to share more music this year!
6. Your music has a lightness to it. Are there any artists that you take inspiration from in your music? If yes, who are they, and why.
Growing up I was really in to emo rock, alternative stuff. After buying a RM300 acoustic guitar, I slowly transitioned into lighter stuff like; Goo Goo Dolls, Lifehouse, Jason Mraz. From playing the drums in a high school band, I started performing acoustic cover songs. Nowadays, I draw a lot of inspiration from pop music in general. Artists such as Lauv, Charlie Puth, Ed Sheeran & Troye Sivan.
7. What are the challenges that you face in writing music? (Example: writer’s block) How do you break away from it to keep yourself as open as you can, to write more songs?
Throughout 2018, I took a break from music and put my focus in starting a company with my partner, Jenn. We had been working together for a couple of years to create the content you see online but we decided to make it official and take it to the next level, so that we could do bigger things. It was a long process and I learnt SO much in that year. Once, things were up and running, I continued to learn new songs and do short covers on IG and my love for writing grew and grew. It was tough to get back into the swing of things but it really felt like a fresh start.
8. So, you are a sound engineer graduate. In what way it has helped you in making your own music
Having that skillset is hugely beneficial as a musician. Being able to record, produce and mix my own tracks is definitely a benefit but it can also be a limitation. I tend to get fixated on every little detail in the recordings and I end up spending weeks or months on 1 song. In recent years, I will record and produce a basic demo of the song that I have in mind. Then I will work with another producer or team of producers to take the song to another level and add a different perspective.
For my track ‘The One I’m Thinking Of’, I actually produced the demo then ended up tweaking it the following week and releasing that version. It really depends on the type of production I’m going for. Every producer has their own style and sound.
9. It is no secret that making it big in Malaysia is more of a challenge than doing it in Western countries. What motivates you to keep writing and performing when the going gets tough?
I actually disagree that it’s easier to make it big in western countries. The competition in western countries or even our neighbouring countries is HUGE. There are so many talented musicians out there. But that’s not to say that it’s easy to make it big in Malaysia. The quality of music in this country is getting better and better by the day. It’s a super tough industry to stand out in, no doubt. The ones that make it are the ones who create, create, create. That’s something I hope to practice this year 🙂
10. Let’s face it. 2019 started of great for you with the release of ‘Old School Love’. We are sure that you have loyal fans who adore your music and are rooting for you. Are there any words you would like to say to them?
I’m back and I can’t wait to share this new series of music with you! Thank you for all the crazy support you have shown over the years. 🙂
