vrijdag 31 oktober 2008

Jon McLaughlin travels back to the future

by David Lindquist
Posted: October 31, 2008

Jon McLaughlin says a flashback to the 1980s set in motion his second album for major-label Island Records.

The Hoosier native shared a bill with Rod Stewart, Debbie Gibson and Richard Marx last November at a Los Angeles nightclub.

The occasion was a benefit concert for ailing guitarist Don Kirkpatrick, an in-demand studio musician who played on McLaughlin's first Island album, "Indiana."

McLaughlin played early in the lineup, and he caught the other performers from a fan's perspective.

"It was awesome," says the 25-year-old, who grew up in Anderson. "They were playing these songs, and I thought, 'Oh, I forgot about this.'

"It sent me back to my neighborhood swimming pool when I was 10 years old. After that, I was way into the music that was my childhood upbringing."

McLaughlin's new album, "OK Now," showcases bright melodies and pop arrangements reminiscent of MTV's early days, with USA Today comparing the recording to vintage work by Daryl Hall and John Oates.

"OK Now's" producer, John Fields, helped craft the chart-topping Reagan-era sound of the Jonas Brothers.

McLaughlin is no rival of the Jonas Brothers, but his popularity is on the rise. "OK Now" debuted at No. 49 on Billboard magazine's Top 200 chart, and current single "My Beating Heart" was listed at No. 23 on the Adult Top 40 chart at press time.

Branching out

Known as a keyboard ace, McLaughlin wrote the songs of "OK Now" on guitar.

"I think that changed my ear," he says. "I was so used to writing on piano and playing piano. You write a song on guitar, and you hear different stuff."

"Indiana," released in May 2007, framed McLaughlin as a sensitive singer-songwriter. When he sang at this year's Academy Awards ceremony, performing "So Close" from the "Enchanted" soundtrack, McLaughlin was introduced to millions of television viewers as a ballroom crooner.

The Anderson University alumnus still marvels at his experience at the Oscars, where he sat in the third row in close proximity to Harrison Ford and John Travolta.

"There are rows of 10 seats or so, and you're packed in there," he says. "It's surreal. You don't even know what to think about it. You sit and wait for someone to come and say, 'You can't sit there. You have to leave.'"

Although McLaughlin moved to California this year, he displays a fondness for his home state on "OK Now" track "The Middle."

"Hollywood is just another place I don't belong," he sings. "Let's go to the middle ... live a little closer to what is true. I'll be me. You'll be you."

Scheduled to perform during halftime of today's Colts-Patriots game at Lucas Oil Stadium, McLaughlin says he hasn't spent an extended length of time in Indiana since signing to Island three years ago.

"I have to write songs like that, because I miss it so much," he says. "It's like anything. If you're in love with a girl, you write a million songs about that girl. The songs come out."

McLaughlin adopted a new look to accompany the release of "OK Now," and fans have noticed his shorter hair and more formal wardrobe.

Although he insists he simply grew tired of having longer locks and wearing T-shirts onstage, some observers speculate that Island executives are behind the changes.

"It's funny when people write in (to claim) L.A. Reid is forcing me to wear this shirt," McLaughlin says.

Then and now

Committed to the contrast between "OK Now" and "Indiana," McLaughlin cites the challenge every artist faces when making a high-profile sophomore album.

"You're always caught between a rock and a hard place," says McLaughlin, who made his first recordings for Orangehaus Records, an independent label run by Anderson University students, in 2003.

"If you make the same record, you're going to be criticized for being stale. But if you do something new, people are going to criticize you for not being the same."

McLaughlin says he's happy with the measured pace of his career growth.

"We haven't sold 10 million records, but we haven't taken any steps backward," he says. "It's given me time to form really great friendships with the people who work (at Island). That takes a little bit of the business out of it.

"It makes us feel like this is 'our' second record. It's not this one artist from Indiana who's on our roster."

Upcoming Jon McLaughlin performances

Nov. 2, Lucas Oil Stadium as halftime entertainment of the Colts-Patriots game.

Dec. 1, Murat Egyptian Room as part of "Jingle Jam," presented by WZPL-FM (99.5). For more information, visit www.jonmcl.com.

Source:

http://www.indy.com/posts/12928

donderdag 30 oktober 2008

Jon McL on the TexMix! Show

Here's a video clip of Jon on the TexMix show I uploaded on Youtube. He talks about performing at the Academy Awards, Disney songs, cutting his hair, and playing at The Stubbs in Texas.



D/L video here:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/7nl7gw

Enjoy :o)

maandag 27 oktober 2008

So Close Performance

Here is the video of Jon performing 'So Close' from the Disney film Enchanted at this year's Oscars!

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Download here:

.wmv version
http://www.sendspace.com/file/wlr2d8
--------------------
.mpg4 version
http://www.sendspace.com/file/9i6yr5
**iPod compatible!**

Enjoy :o)

zondag 26 oktober 2008

MyFox25 Boston: Live Performances

Here are 4 download links of videos of Jon performing at MyFox25 in Boston in early 2007 before his album Indiana came out.

From January 26, 2007:

Human
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

http://www.sendspace.com/file/t4sluc


Beautiful Disaster
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

http://www.sendspace.com/file/37qt24


From April 6, 2007:

Perfect
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

http://www.sendspace.com/file/bpc5d6

Indiana
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

http://www.sendspace.com/file/pfqz4e

Enjoy :o)

vrijdag 24 oktober 2008

Live Performance of Proud Father

Live performance of Proud Father from the Rockboat VIII which took place from January 19-January 24, 2008.



The album version can be downloaded here:
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

http://www.sendspace.com/file/n153oz

zondag 19 oktober 2008

My Debut's Coming EP

Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

My Debut's Coming EP (2005) - PROMO
Recorded at Gaither Studios in Alexandria, Indiana

1. Industry (5:16)
2. Already In (3:23)
3. Conversations (4:08)
4. Throwing A Line (4:00)

D/L here: http://www.divshare.com/download/7533000-bc2

Jon McL on The Bold & The Beautiful

Here's the video of Jon's appearance on America's daytime drama The Bold & The Beautiful performing Beautiful Disaster.
Airdate: 24 August, 2007

dinsdag 14 oktober 2008

Jon McLaughlin: I Love The ’80s

By Andrew Greer

Not too long ago Jon McLaughlin was roaming the halls of Anderson University as a music student when he began to make waves with his American heartland brand of pop, sharing his stellar singer/songwriter set in clubs, colleges and churches throughout the Midwest.

Fast forward to 2008, and the classically trained piano-popster is busy readying the release of OK Now (Island/Def Jam), his energetic, ’80s-influened follow-up to Indiana, last year’s breakout debut and ode to his Hoosier heritage.

Now with a little experience under his belt and credit to his name, Jon discusses his new record, faith in the spotlight and gigging at the Oscars.

CCM: Your bio describes you as an American heartland singer/songwriter. But OK Now makes a bolder, more progressive musical statement than Indiana. What inspired the creative difference?

Jon McLaughlin: OK Now is definitely different. I’m a huge ’80s fan, and I totally went back to my ’80s pop roots. There’s a lot of Billy Joel and Huey Lewis & the News kind of influence on this record. I loved it.

CCM: What is the story behind the first single, “Beating My Heart”?

Jon: This whole record is about me enjoying my life as it happens. I have a hard time just relaxing. I tend to get really stressed out. I always look back in time and wonder why I was so stressed out. “Beating My Heart” is a song about breaking it down to what really matters, not getting so stressed out about the little things in life.

Not to be cliché, but it gets down to this: God put me on earth for whatever reason, and I don’t really have to know that [reason] right now, right here.

CCM: Do you feel the call to relax has been a necessary move with the pickup of your career in the past couple of years?

Jon: It is definitely necessary. I just had a birthday. I’m gone all the time. My brother just had a little baby. I think I’m dealing with time moving by way too fast. Right now there’s not a whole lot I can do about that other than I might as well not stress my life away.

CCM: Being a recording artist in the mainstream music world, what do you feel your role is as a Christian when it comes to performing and making records?

Jon: Once I started writing songs in college, I would go play at a state school, and people would say, “You go to Anderson University. Are you a Christian artist?” I’d go play at a chapel and sing a song that didn’t have the name Jesus in it, and they would say, “I thought you were a Christian artist?”

So for a long time, I was annoyed and frustrated with having to choose a side. On paper, now that I’m signed to a mainstream label (Island Records), I’m a mainstream artist. But I’ve always felt the desire and responsibility to play in a church or play in a club or college.

Source: http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/stories/11582930/

zondag 12 oktober 2008

Hoopla Feature Artist

Jon McLaughlin Ready to Release Sophomore Effort, Ok Now

Words and Photos by Joe Koch

Click here for larger image
Photo by Joe Koch

After releasing his debut, Indiana, on Island Def Jam records, Jon Mclaughlin is now ready to put forth his sophomore effort, OK Now, which hits store shelves Oct. 7. I recently caught up with Jon at his hotel in Niagara Falls, N.Y. before his show with Eddie Money. He filled us in on his new record and what it's like to perform at the Oscars.
After Indiana, Jon felt it was time for a musical and stylistic transformation. His first major label release Indiana was the first time he had to co-write with anyone; he also felt the need to prove how capable he was at the piano.
Prior to this he had released an EP, which was solo piano, that he recorded eight songs in two hours. It was "a throw and go style," said Jon. "I've always been a huge Ben Folds Five fan. I love the mentality of whatever happens that ends up being the record." Originally, Jon wanted Indiana to sound like Ben Fold's album, Whatever and Ever Amen. Ben opted to not record with guitars and let the piano be the driving force behind the music. Jon quickly realized that it really didn't fit his music style. But don't get me wrong, Jon's piano playing shines with impressiveness on Indiana.
Ironically, the opportunity for him to perform the hit song "So Close" from the 2007 Disney movie "Enchanted" did not come from his ability to play the keys. Jon was able to play an old-school crooner. It gave him an opportunity to try something different, ultimately influencing his new record.
The highlight came when he found out at the end of 2007 that the movie was up for an Oscar and he was asked to perform "So Close" at the 80th Annual Academy Awards ceremony.
"I had recorded it about a year and a half before it premiered. Then when I watched it for the first time and then the second ... I was like, 'This is a classic Disney movie,'" explained Jon. He had no idea that it had the potential to get nominated for an Oscar. "The excitement builds about a month before and then you show up a week in advance to do the rehearsals, then you're walking down the red carpet with George Clooney in front of you and you perform and you go to the after party," said Jon. "Then it's over and you go back to your hotel room and you think, 'How do I go back to living my life after I've just been to the Oscars?' It's crazy." He refers to it as a career defining moment.
The Oscar performance was the perfect event to refuel people's interest in Jon Mclaughlin's music. Indiana saw a 1,514 percent overnight sales increase at Amazon.com, which hopefully will peak people's interest in Jon's new release.
Now ready to take his music into a new direction, OK Now you will see that the piano is not the main focus and the core element is the work that went into writing songs that would be more accessible, allowing a broader target audience.
"The Piano is featured, but we pick and choose where we're gonna have it. As opposed to every song starting out with the guy at the piano," says Jon. "As a record I felt like I knew what should happen, pretty early on. It wasn't just writing songs, and then we'll just piece something together and give it a name. All the songs had a theme."

Click here for larger image
Photo by Joe Koch

Some key ingredients to making this album a possible success is the hiring of producer John Fields (Rooney, Jonas Brothers, Lifehouse and Switchfoot.) Jon also teamed up with some pretty reputable song-writers like Jason Reeves (Colbie Callait's "Bubbly") as well as writer/producers Tricky and The-Dream (Rihanna's "Umbrella"), Troy Verges (Kenny Chesney's "You Save Me") and Brett James (Carrie Underwood's "Jesus, Take the Wheel.")
"I was really excited to work with acclaimed L.A. singer/songwriter Bleau," said Jon. They co-wrote "You Can Never Go Back.
Jon feels fortunate to have the support of his label. With the industry struggling, there’s not many labels allowing artist to grow and develop their music.
"The album feels right for the next move in my career," said Jon. The slow pace is exactly what he wants. He's very content with supporting acts like Kelly Clarkson.
"It's stress-free. I mean you have to work a little harder to get peoples attention, but it always goes over well," he said. With the release of OK Now, he will take a short break and then do the media circuit of TV, radio, football games and interviews. You can currently catch the first single "Beating My Heart" on the VH-1 countdown.

Click here for larger image
Photo by Joe Koch

Source: http://www.hooplamusicmagazine.com/feature_artist/jon_mclaughlin/jon_mclaughlin.htm

donderdag 9 oktober 2008

Surprise For UltimateJonMcLaughlin Visitors

Here is Jon McLaughlin's very first independent album Up Until Now, recorded and released locally in Indiana in 2003 by Launch Records while in university. Some of the tracks were later re-recorded for his self-titled release in 2004.
Image and video hosting by TinyPic
Image and video hosting by TinyPic

Up Until Now (2003)

Tracklist:
1. Some Tight Fix
2. Giving You Reasons
3. Another Sun
4. The Way
5. Loving Me
6. All My Days
7. Once Again
8. Questions
9. Just For Now
10. Cool with the Outside

D/L here:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/s3etbb

If you want the scans only, you can d/l here:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/yjoz24

***Important Note***: If any other bloggers decide to upload this file for their blogs, please credit us. Thanks!

Take 5 (+2) with Jon McLaughlin

By Amy Sondova

“Beating My Heart” the first single from Jon McLaughlin’s sophomore album OK, Now (Island/Def Jam) has been making waves on the radio (both figuratively and literally) for weeks. Produced by Jon Fields (Switchfoot, Jonas Brothers), the album has a soulful, bluesy pop-rock inspired by the likes of Billy Joel, Elton John, and perhaps even John Mayer (though Jon is resistant to compare himself to his peers). Jon was kind enough to “Take 5 + 2” with Backseat Writer on the precipice of his album release, which was this Tuesday, Oct. 7.

You’re a Christian who’s also a musician, but you find the whole division between secular and Christian music a bit nonsensical. Why do you think it’s not always beneficial to listeners to throw music into these categories?

I think the categories prevent people from listening to good music. There’s a lot of good music out there and there’s some bad music, too (I have written my share) - the problem is that when I get put into a category of “Christian” music or “secular” music, or whatever, my music takes on all the stereotypes that that genre brings with it. So whatever a particular person feels about “Christian” music, good or bad, they’re going to put some of that on my music before even hearing it. And there are people out there who won’t listen to “Christian” music simply because it’s in that genre, and there are those who won’t listen to “secular” music for the same reason.

So, you’re that cute singer who belts out “So Close” in the movie Enchanted. Being a fan of Disney ballads, what was it like to perform one written by Academy Award winnining composer Alan Menken, who wrote songs for The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, and Beauty and the Beast? (Psst! Tell us a little bit about being on the set with Patrick Dempsey, Amy Adams, and the rest of the cast!)

I can’t even tell you what an honor it is to be associated with names like Disney, Alan Menken, Steven Schwartz… it’s ridiculous! Being on the set of the movie was really fun - I felt a bit out of my league working with Patrick Dempsey, Amy Adams, James Marsden, and Idina Menzel. They were all the nicest people and it was cool to get a glimpse of what their lives are like working late nights on the set and putting in such long hours.

After your appearance in Enchanted, sales of your first album on Island/Def Jam soared, causing many people to cling to your heart-wrenching song, “Beautiful Disaster.” What inspired the writing of this song?

The great thing about “Beautiful Disaster” is that it’s relatable. That’s also the unfortunate thing about the song. Everyone has a weird, warped image of themselves on some level and this song doesn’t really offer a solution to the problem (although I wish it did) but it at least lets people know that everyone’s in the same boat.

Similarly, on your new album (which is amazing) you composed the lyrically-driven song “4 Years” which encourages kids to just be themselves. Why did you write this song?

“4 Years” is a song I’ve been wanting to write for a long time. Ever since I graduated from high school. I just wanted to write a song that would remind high school kids that high school is not the rest of your life…and that every decision in high school is NOT life or death. When you’re 15 it’s hard to see past graduation day and part of you feels like the world you’re in while you’re in high school will be for the rest of your life - but it’s not true….it’s just 4 years.

Ok, Now’s first song “Beating My Heart” was actually written “on the spot.” Can you regale me with the story?

Well, it had been over a year since I finished Indiana and I was experiencing a little writer’s block but it was beyond time for me to start writing songs for the new record. So I was wracking my brain but nothing was coming. So one day, the band and I were at a sound check and Chad, my drummer, asked me to play some of the new material I had been working on. I didn’t have anything written but I didn’t want to admit to the band that I was having writer’s block so I said I had this new song, it’s not quite finished, but here it is…and that’s what came out.

I’m gonna make this a “Take 5″ +2 because I have to ask a Billy Joel question because you’re such a big admirer of his work. If you were asked to perform a song on a Billy Joel tribute album, what song would you pick and why?

I would do ANY Billy Joel song because they’re all awesome…but if I had to pick one I would probably pick “New York State of Mind” - I just love that song. Everything about it.

Since you’re “the movie song guy,” which song from Ok, Now is predicted to be the next “movie song”? I’m thinking “We All Need Saving,” but what’s your take?

I think you’re right. There’s just something about “We All Need Saving” that feels like film. It just feels like it should be synced up to that one scene in that one movie.

Source: http://backseatwriter.wordpress.com/2008/10/09/take-5-2-with-jon-mclaughlin/

woensdag 8 oktober 2008

"Another Layer"

Here's the track Jon recorded for the soundtrack of the film Bridge to Terabithia, called "Another Layer".

Image and video hosting by TinyPic

D/L here: http://www.sendspace.com/file/ehrqm7

Exclusive Amazon.com Interview with Jon on OK Now

Here you can view the new Amazon.com exclusive video of Jon talking about his latest release "OK Now"
http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m2OHFSX55TY29P/ref=flash_player_2_preplay

D/L the video here:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/3dvo8g

dinsdag 7 oktober 2008

Christian Music Today Review

Jon McLaughlin
OK Now (Island Records)
Released October 2008
By Russ Breimeier

*** (3 Star) Rating

Sounds like … glossy AC pop reminiscent of Mark Schultz, Michael W. Smith, Scott Krippayne, Dave Barnes, and Matt Wertz.

At a glance … compared to McLaughlin's impressive 2007 debut, the glossy pop songs of OK Now lack the depth and distinctive hooks to be as memorable.


It's been just 15 months since Jon McLaughlin made his national debut with Indiana, but a lot has happened in that time. Strong reviews and various movie soundtrack appearances had already made him a rising star, but then his music sales spiked the day after the 25-year-old singer/songwriter performed "So Close" from Enchanted on the 2008 Academy Awards. From there, he's only gained exposure by touring with Sara Bareilles, Duffy, Kelly Clarkson, and other prominent names. It's a good thing he was able to strike while the iron was hot by quickly recording a follow-up … or is it?

Largely produced by John Fields (Jonas Brothers, Lifehouse), OK Now finds McLaughlin broadening his sound from the more organic piano-pop of his previous release. The stylistic variation works when the hooks are strong and the style is focused. "Dance Your Life Away" is a fun, fluffy throwback to '80s rock about living for the moment, and "Why I'm Talking to You" uses soulful '70s pop—sorta like Billy Joel meets Stevie Wonder—as a pickup line to the hot chick at a party.

Too often, however, the pop exploration makes McLaughlin's sound indistinct and generic. Much of that is due to the songwriting. With little more than atmosphere going for them, the songs gravitate toward simplistic and repetitive relationship sentiments ("Always on My Mind, "Smack Into You"). At least "Throw My Love Around" succeeds in spite of that, only because it has a better written melody.

McLaughlin is at his best when the lyric is more specific or personable. In "Four Years," he depicts time in high school as frivolous and fleeting. With "You Can Never Go Back," he warns against living in the past (while amusingly giving some musical nods to late '70s pop). He expounds on the need to lean on others during hard times through the harmony-laden "We All Need Saving." The songwriter is at his most confessional with "The Middle," lamenting that fame and celebrity has cost him time with loved ones: "Let me tell you now where I went wrong/Hollywood is just another place I don't belong." As far as spiritual content, only the single "Beating My Heart" vaguely suggests that we exist because God gives us life and purpose.

Despite glossy production, McLaughlin's pop-perfect vocals, and some nice piano runs on his part, it's merely pleasant overall, not memorable. Compared to Indiana, the focus on OK Now is more on pop music than songwriting depth. As such, the album is simply OK.

Track Listing
1. Beating My Heart
2. 4 Years
3. You Can Never Go Back
4. Thing That You Say
5. The Middle
6. You Are the One I Love
7. Always On My Mind
8. Smack Into You
9. Dance Your Life Away
10. Why I'm Talking to You
11. Throw My Love Around
12. We All Need Saving

Source:
http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2008/oknow.html

OK Now bonus track "Good Enough" & Digital Booklet

Here is the OK Now bonus track "Good Enough":
http://www.sendspace.com/file/ncyxq9

Also, here's the OK Now Digital booklet that was included in the iTunes purchase of the album (in PDF format)
http://www.sendspace.com/file/t1usqp

Staring too long at the pics may cause you to faint :P

zaterdag 4 oktober 2008

Making of the Video: Beating My Heart

Here's an oldie, but a goodie:

Making of Beating My Heart music video

http://video.islandrecords.com/premiere/artist/Jon-McLaughlin

Jon McLaughlin Contest

Photobucket

"Jon McLaughlin releases his sophomore project,
OK Now (Island/Def Jam), October 14, featuring
the hit single “Beating My Heart.”
And we’re giving you a chance to win the new album.
Plus, one lucky fan will receive an iPod Nano loaded
with Jon Mc Laughlin tunes.
Enter now through street date for your chance to win!"

Source:www.ccmmagazine.com

3 New Songs From "OK NOW"

Photobucket

Hey people!
Sorry 4 the lack of posting :(
But thank God Miguel is there to post a lot!
Tnx Mate!!
So here I have 3 new Jon tracks from his
upcomming album "OK NOW" 4 u!

D/L: Things That You Say
D/L: You Can Never Go Back
D/L: Why I'm Talking To You

Njoy!!

vrijdag 3 oktober 2008

Pre-Order 'OK Now', Get Autographed Booklet

You can now pre-order 'OK Now' at MusiChristian.com and get an autographed booklet (from Jon) while supplies last!

http://www.musichristian.com/sys/product.php?PRODUCT=561056

Pre-order now! And don't forget to pick up his album in stores on October 7th or online on iTunes and Amazon.

T Minus 7 Days (4 days actually!)

Tuesday, September 30, 2008

T Minus 7 Days...
Current mood: excited

So I'm in St. Louis right now, sitting in my hotel room writing this blog to you all to let you know that it's October. Guys, it's OCTOBER!!
We have only 1 week until the new record comes out.
168 hours from right now.

I am really excited. This is me excited. I want to thank all you guys who bought "Indiana" and made that record such a success and I really hope you all go out and buy this new one. If you liked "Indiana" then you'll like this one, I think it's even better.

7 days...

Ok now... Hope all is well with everyone -j-


http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendID=6082022&blogID=437455792