UltimateJonMcLaughlin

Backstage video

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:02:00 +0000

Here's a new video posted by Jon of Jon and the guys hanging out backstage before the concert at Wake Forest University last friday.

New Song Title Confirmed

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 01:13:00 +0000

Jon confirmed on his Facebook/Twitter that he had just finished a new song! Not sure if he meant finished recording it or writing it. It's a love song called "You Are My Girl Tonight".

http://twitter.com/JonMcLaughlin

"Just finished a new song. There is nothing like the day I finish a new song. It's called 'you are my girl tonight' ...it's a love song."

Please let us hear it soon Jon! :)

New update at ToBH

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 21:40:00 +0000

I posted a new update at Trail of Broken Hearts. I added a new section called "McL Archives". This section include bits of info and updates of Jon going as far back as 2003 when he started out, all thanks to Archive.org.

Check it out here:
http://trailofbrokenhearts.webs.com

Here is one of the items I posted: an 800x600 desktop of Jon. Right click and view image to view full size.

Jon brings the action-violence-comedy-drama-reality to you!

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 21:49:00 +0000

OK, maybe he (and I) exaggerated a little bit, but there's a video feature Jon will be doing every Wednesdays called "Video Wednesday."

Check his Youtube channel for the upcoming weeks' videos:
www.youtube.com/jonmclaughlin

Newcomer McLaughlin 'Enchants' music fans

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 05:44:00 +0000

Here's a small review of Jon by High Point University in North Carolina, posted in their Art & Entertainment section.
--------------------------------------

By: Scarlett Hester
Issue date: 8/21/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment

With an industry riddled with imposters and wannabes, it's hard to decipher genuine musicians behind all of the glitz and glamour of the media. Apart from all of the sex, drugs, and rock 'n roll, a person can begin to wonder: what happened to the music? What happened to talent?

Well, a small-town man can bring a breath of musical fresh air to those who want answers to all of those questions. Jon McLaughlin, an Anderson, Ind. native, knows how to rock a piano and exercise those vocal cords. Full of pure, raw musical talent, McLaughlin first appeared on the music scene with his debut record "Indiana" in May 2007.

However he may be more recognizable for his appearance in the Disney film "Enchanted." Remember the guy standng next to a piano in the ballroom serenading the ball-goers? Yep, that was him. His single "So Close" is what truly launched his musical career and led to the release of his sophomore album "Ok Now" in October 2008.

Written by Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz for the movie, "So Close" received an Oscar nomination.

Both albums, "Indiana" and "Ok Now," showcase McLaughlin's vocal range as well as his agility and confidence behind a piano. Unlike other artists, McLaughlin remains true to his music. Stylistically, there aren't any major changes between the albums, which is reassuring for listeners.

If there is any downfall to Jon McLaughlin it would be that his lyrics can be cliché. However, while they are cliché, it is a nice change of pace to hear songs about everyday things. He is able to add a catchy blues-like jazz twist on his songs, which complements the words he sings well.

It's obvious just by listening that this musician pours his heart and soul into his music. McLaughlin's music can definitely be classified as the "feel-good" kind of music. It's hard to not want to sing along or walk with a slight bounce in your step with his musical genius pouring through your ear buds. Despite your taste in music, it's hard to deny McLaughlin's talent.

So go ahead: grab a Jon McLaughlin album and get swept away into musical oblivion. Crank up the volume on your iPod, and prepare to smile.

Original source:
http://media.www.campuschronicle.org/media/storage/paper1319/news/2009/08/21/ArtsEntertainment/Newcomer.Mclaughlin.enchants.Music.Fans-3755546.shtml

Interview with Jon

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:17:00 +0000

Here's an interview posted by a writer from the Examiner on Jon's Facebook

Interview with Indiana born recording artist Jon McLaughlin
by Steffani Fox

I recently interviewed Indiana born musician Jon McLaughlin and he was more than happy to share his his musical ponderings with The Examiner. For more information on his upcoming Indianapolis show click here.

Do you miss Indiana and how often do you visit?
- I miss Indiana SO much. The good thing is that I'm in town pretty often for different reasons. Maybe once a month I'm in town. But my wife and I just bought a house in Indy so we'll be moving back in a few months. Couldn't stay away.

Who are some of your influences?
-I've always wanted to be Billy Joel and Elton John. Billy John - that's who I've wanted to be since I was a kid. I think Billy Joel is one of the greatest lyricists ever. And another is Ben Folds. I remember the exact moment when I heard Ben Folds Five for the first time and, not to be dramatic, but I would say it changed my life. I've always wanted to be Billy and Elton but once Ben Folds was the guy who got me to actually give it a shot.

How did you manage to turn your accident into something so positive?
-Well at the time of the accident I had been into classical piano for 11 years already. So it was just time for a break (pun intended). I don't really know what would've happened if I had never had that accident but I was so burnt out that I really think I needed some time to just be a teenager and not think about music for awhile.

Who inspires you?
-I always feel like I'm not a real songwriter - for whatever reason - I don't write enough songs to be a songwriter, or I don't enjoy it enough to call myself a songwriter, or I'm not artsy enough, etc... So I really try to draw inspiration from ANYthing I can. Books, articles, conversations, movies, tv shows, blah blah...I feel like I need all the info I can get if I'm going to try to fake my way through this:)

Who are some of the major acts you've opened for?
-I've done tours with Kelly Clarkson, Sara Barielles, Marc Broussard, Paolo Nutini, and the amazing Jonny Lang. All great artists and some of the absolute nicest people in the world. I really haven't had any bad experiences on the road as far as touring with other bands.

Is there one particular song that truly moves you?
Among a long, long list of others - "Jolene" by Ray LaMontagne.

Thanks Jon and we look forward to your show on August 13th at the Indiana State Fair!

Original source
http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-18321-Indianapolis-Concerts-Examiner~y2009m8d8-Interview-with-Indiana-born-recording-artist-Jon-McLaughlin

New Album Info and Tour Dates

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:22:00 +0000

This e-mail was sent by Island Records HQ with a message from Jon himself:

"Dear Friends of mine -

Well, I have been at home for the past few months doing a ton of writing for another record and it has been a really, really, really great time. Good to just get off the road for a bit and live a somewhat normal existence for a second. And I promise I'm working hard to get these songs written and recorded and out for your gentle judgment/enjoyment ASAP.

In the mean time though I have some shows coming up that I wanted to make sure all knew about - here is the list...

August 13th - Indiana State Fair - Indianapolis IN
August 15th - Parkview Field - Ft. Wayne IN
August 29th - Augustana College Centennial Hall - Rock Island IL
September 4th - Southeastern Church - Louisville KY
September 11th - Wake Forrest U. Manchester Plaza - Winston-Salem NC

So there you go! New songs will be played and therefore heard so hopefully you all can make it out - Hope the summer's going great!

-j- "

For more info on the tour dates, check his myspace. :)

Jon McLaughlin - Brasilian Sites

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Here are 2 new sites dedicated to Jon McLaughlin for Portuguese-speaking fans made by 2 Brazilian fans of Jon.

Thalita's site: Jon McL Brasil
http://jonmclbrasil.blogspot.com/

Natália's site: Jon McLaughlin Brasil
http://www.jonmcl.net

Even if you don't speak/understand Portuguese, they're really nice sites worth checking out. The girls did a great job, so props to them. Good luck with your sites! ;)

Piano Man Feeling 'OK Now'

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 00:10:00 +0000

Jon
By Laura Edwards

Warmer spring weather means it's time to roll down the windows and pull out your sunglasses. Jon McLaughlin's new album, "OK Now" is perfect for blasting from your speakers as you drive down the road. TC talked to Jon about his music, what he was like in high school, and life in a small town.

He's been playing the piano since he was a boy, but now with his unique sound and probing lyrics, Jon McLaughlin is showing the world a new kind of piano man.

Dressed in a well-worn hoodie and faded jeans, Jon McLaughlin is the picture of mellow. He doesn’t fit the stereotypical mold of a guy with two successful albums and an Oscar-nominated song under his belt. There’s no false persona, no egotistical fronts — just a guy who genuinely loves playing music and sharing it with others. Talking to Jon, you realize he knows who he is and where he’s going. And he’s going big places.

Jon started taking piano lessons at age 4 and continued his classical training for years. However, as high school approached, Jon became less and less excited about playing piano.

"At that point I had only really played classical piano, which I was really bored with," Jon said. "When you are in high school, it’s not cool to play classical piano."

So instead of music, Jon focused more on swimming, soccer and enjoying his high school years.

"In high school, I was kind of dorky, but I thought I was cool," Jon said. "I went to high school during the everyone-bleach-your-hair phase. I had bleached hair from like 8th grade to my senior year. I am surprised I even have any hair left now." The bleach may have fried his hair, but it couldn’t burn music completely out of his mind. Toward the end of high school, Jon’s family started going to a church with a bigger youth group. Some of the students in the group were in a band, and were in need of a keyboard player. Jon began playing with the group and his love for music was rekindled. In college, he began writing songs, and the rest is history ...

Jon's latest album is "OK Now," and the 80s pop sound, though drastically different from his first album "Indiana," is still rooted in piano.

"I just went with what I wanted to do at the time," said Jon. "I love 80s pop music but it's definitely not what I had started out with all the time. I definitely started at the piano."

The upbeat 80s vibe goes well with the theme of the album -- taking one moment at a time.

"A lot of the record is looking at life in the moment and basically not getting bogged down worrying about the future or the past really," Jon said. "Just kind of living at the moment."

Jon even carries the message specifically to high schoolers with he song "Four Years." Jon said the song was one he's been wanting to write for a long time to help teens remember that high school is not a matter of life and death.

"I wanted to write to all the high school kids so there's something out there saying [high school] is not everything," Jon said. "In four years, it's going to be over, whatever you built. It's kind of like a mini version of life. Whatever you do is going to be over in four years, good or bad."

As Jon's singles get more airplay, he's bound to catch the ears of thousands of new fans around the world, but no matter where he is on the charts, or what stage he's playing on, Jon seems to be the kind of guy who will always have two feet firmly planted on the ground.

Amy, Jon's wife, plays a big role in that. Because she goes on tour with him, she is by his side through all the ups and downs of making it as a professional musician.

"I've been really blessed to have a lot of great relationships in my life," Jon said. "But I would have to say the one now that's the most important in my life, the day-to-day the one I totally couldn't do without, would be my wife. She's the one. We're together all the time. Out of the year, we're together 364 days. She's the one the who's out on the road with me. When the shows are terrible she's there, when the shows are great she's there."

Jon has also attributed part of his calm, one-step-at-a-time philosophy to his small hometown of Anderson, Ind., an (almost) suburb of Indianapolis.

"[Being from a small town] influences me," Jon said. "I think no matter where you're from it does. If I grew up in Antarctica, I would write songs from that perspective. I think even if I were to never go back to Indiana, I'm still a guy who grew up in Indiana and never looked back. I can't change 25 years of being in the same town."

With a firm grasp on his past and a bright future in front of him, this traveling piano man is taking it one day at a time, and that's more than OK now.

----------------

About Jon

What song gets stuck in your head?
"All the Christmas songs."

What is your least favorite chore?
"Washing the windows. I'm terrible at it."

What was your high school mascot?
"We were the Highland Scots."

If you weren't in the music industry, what would you want to do?
"I'd want some field where there's no gray areas, like accounting... but I'm not good at accounting, so not that."

Do you have a bad habit?
"I correct people's grammar, like double negatives."

What's the last thing you do before you go on stage?
"Stretch a little bit and then jump up and down to get the blood flowing."

What is your favorite article of clothing?
"This really nice tux-jacket kind of thing. I don't even know who makes it, but it's one of those names I should know. I wear it like once a year."

TC Magazine Spring 2009 Issue
http://www.tcmagazine.org/pages/page.asp?page_id=64438

Indiana State Fair - August 13, 2009

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:01:00 +0000

Jon McLaughlin comes back to his home state to play the Indiana State Fair
August 3, 2009
Steffani Fox

" Jon McLaughlin is a pop singer-songwriter-pianist originally from Anderson, Indiana. He has been ticking the ivories since he was a young child. While attending Anderson's Highland High School he was involved in an accident that shattered both of his wrists. It was a painful event that could have easily ended McLaughlin's career, but he persevered and picked up his love of music by studying the fine art at Anderson University.

In 2006 McLaughlin signed with Island Records and on May 1st, 2007 released his debut album, Indiana, staying true to his hometown roots and gaining radio play and widespread fandom. His song, 'Beautiful Disaster' is an emotional and poignant story about a teenage girl going through rough times and its message is relatable and resonating.

McLaughlin's second album, 'OK Now' dropped in 2008 with the popular single, 'Beating My Heart'. When touring, McLaughlin puts on intimate, yet dynamic shows and makes his fans truly feel he is singing for them. His lyrics are thoughtful and profound, yet relatable and his charisma draws the crowd to their feet.

He undoubtedly sings from the heart and in doing so, earns the hearts of his many fans (many of them right here in Indiana). So, head out to the Indiana State Fair on August 13th, grab yourself a fried Twinkie, and settle in for a new caliber of music while supporting Indiana born Jon McLaughlin.

Indiana State Fair Events on August 13th:
9 a.m. –
9 p.m. Hoosier Heritage Day activities – State Fair Boulevard
Noon –
6 p.m. Family Day Midway Special – Midway
6:30 p.m. The Daily Parade presented by National City, now part of PNC – Main Street
6:30 p.m. WFMS Indiana Entertainer Night featuring Philip Steven & the Open Road and Casey Jamerson – Celebration Park
7p.m. Indiana MusicFest presented by Metromix.com featuring Jon McLaughlin, The Elms & The Why Store – Hoosier Lottery Grandstand "

http://www.examiner.com/x-18321-Indianapolis-Concerts-Examiner~y2009m8d3-Jon-McLaughlin-comes-back-to-his-home-state-to-play-the-Indiana-State-Fair

If you're in the Indianapolis area, be sure to check out Jon live on August 13th! You can attend the concert for free if you pay the fair admission.

8/13/2009 9:30 PM at Indiana State Fairgrounds - Hoosier Lottery Grandstand - 2009 Indiana State Fair - Indiana MusicFest
1202 East 38th Street, Indianapolis, Indiana 46205
Cost: Free with Fair Admission

Jon in new Demi Lovato song

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 19:37:00 +0000

Jon McLaughlin co-wrote 2 songs on Demi Lovato's new released album Here We Go Again: "Falling Over Me" and "Everytime You Lie". Jon also apparently provided background vocals in the song "Falling Over Me", mainly the chorus.

Listen to the track here:

Palestra Music Interview

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 02:27:00 +0000

Found an old but interesting interview video of Jon at the Sundance Film Festival.

"The Palestra Music Team sits down with piano man Jon McLaughlin at the Sundance Film Festival."

View here
http://www.thepalestra.com/pop-up.php?id=3479

Download here
http://www.thepalestra.com/videos/3479.flv
.FLV format - 15 MB

Trail of Broken Hearts Updates

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 22:50:00 +0000

Hey guys,

I'd like to thank everyone who's been checking out the site so far. I've already had a few people sign up (thanks!). The site has been updated recently. I added some of the videos that have been posted here in the Multimedia section, as well as all of Jon's independent album releases before Indiana and a few more rarities all in one place. Go check them out when you can ;)

Hoping for some new Jon updates really soon! Will keep you guys posted as soon anything new comes in :)

New Jon McLaughlin Fansite

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 02:38:00 +0000

Hello readers,
Just to give you an update... I just created/launched a new Jon McLaughlin fansite called "Trail Of Broken Hearts". Everyone is invited to sign up.

http://www.trailofbrokenhearts.webs.com/
(based on lyrics from the song "Human")

For those wondering, it doesn't mean I'll be giving up posting here. I'll still be updating as usual (whenever new updates pop up). I will definitely be updating over there like I do here. The site will mostly share info about Jon McL and a lot of files (music and pics) will be more organized. It's small but it's a start.

If anyone wants to suggest anything, contact me, or use the Contact form on the site :)

Thanks for checking it out.
Many thanks to Low-D for still keeping this blog up ;)

-Geckoman/Miguel

Jon's Twitter Updates

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 04:23:00 +0000

Here are a few recent Twitter posts from Jon regarding writing songs (upcoming album? :) ) if you haven't followed:

Nothing compares to finishing a song. Can't wait to see what you guys think of them...5:28 PM Jun 4th from Tweetie

---

writing/sweating5:27 PM Jun 3rd from web

---

Almost done with another song and I have no idea what it's about10:20 PM Jun 1st from web

---

long day of writing....turning mind off now9:50 PM May 27th from web

from: http://twitter.com/jonmclaughlin

Jon McL E-mail update

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Wed, 13 May 2009 18:33:00 +0000

Hey everyone -

Well, it's been a little while since we've talked via mass email and the only person who loves chatting via mass emails more than you is me. So here we are. I thought it was about time I let you all know what I've been doing since the end of the tour.

The answer - writing. "Writing what?" you ask?....songs. Yeah, writing songs (weird that you had to ask). It has been so amazing to just be in one place for awhile and be able to spend some time getting some new material together. And the new stuff is REALLY coming in! I can't wait to get it out to you guys so you can hear it. Soon. Very soon.

It's also been really nice to just live some life (that isn't life on the road). You know, cooking, watching movies, getting stuck in traffic, etc... Yes, it's true, if you live on the road long enough you will even miss getting stuck in local traffic jams. I post all this stuff on Twitter and Facebook (and occasionally MySpace) if you don't follow along already!

Facebook.com/jonmclaughlin (I have 2 facebooks, one's an artist and one is my regular human one).

Twitter.com/jonmclaughlin

Also - My friends in the band Parachute (who came out on the Salute to 2009 Tour with us) have an album coming out MAY 19th!!!! Great guys. Great band. You should get their album!

Well, I hope you all are having wonderful lives and hopefully I'll see you soon!

God Bless!

-j-

Jon McL: Deeper Than You Think

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 01:00:00 +0000

Jon McLaughlin: Deeper Than You Think
By Supergina

Photo by Julia Barber

I had a lot of assumptions before talking to the almost 27-year-old singer/songwriter Jon Mclaughlin. You might have heard his song, “Beating My Heart,” on the radio. Most of my assumptions weren’t positive. I figured, oh great, another singer songwriter guy who has all his songs written for him and probably has an ego the size of Texas. He will probably put on a boring show by himself and a piano and I’ll have to sit through it. Come to find out that this Indiana-born polite man is actually quite the opposite. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to him and absolutely loved the energetic full band set he played with his band that he considers brothers. It was a pleasant surprise.

On March 1, I showed up to the Hard Rock Cafe in Sacramento to find the place closed, getting ready for the show. They allowed me in since I was “press” and then I proceeded to wait for the tour manager to get onto Jon’s bus. Contrary to my belief, he didn’t start with a bus. During their last U.S. tour, he toured with his band (the same one he is with now), Dylan, Lucas, Chad and Bobby, in a van and trailer. Living in a van and trailer, you really get to see the longevity of a band. Jon says, “The bigger you get, the more sort of disconnected everyone gets, not that you have to, you just have more opportunity to separate. On a bus you can do whatever you want. You’re in the town, it’s your day, but in the van, everyone is in it together. You’re stopping at truck stops together, you’re doing all this stuff together. As far as the progress of success, it’s sort of bittersweet.” Despite their having a bus, they mostly still maintain the duties of unloading and setting up their gear, as well as loading everything back up. Jon enjoys the humbling act, but won’t mind when he gets to the point that someone else can help out on a permanent basis.

On the bus, I briefly met Bobby, one of their guitarists, before he retreated to the back of the bus for Jon and I to do the interview. I am never a fan of awkward question-and-answer interviews. In that setting, the artists usually seem to have a preconceived notion of what is going to happen, what questions are going to be asked, etc. I set the recorder down and we just talked. Throughout the conversation, I learned that not only does Jon have an infallable sense of purpose and drive, he is one of the most laidback genuine people I have had the privilege to interview. One thing that I was very interested in knowing about Jon was his collaboration efforts with various songwriters on his latest album, “Ok Now.” Here’s what he had to say about that: “Songwriting is such an odd thing. It’s hard to be objective and it’s hard to even know if you are supposed to be objective about it, ya know. I didn’t want any help with it. I just wanted to do my own thing but I had all these great opportunities to write with these people. I could definitely see myself looking back and being like, why didn’t I take advantage of writing with these guys who are so established that I can definitely learn something from. Writing with them has definitely helped me. All of the co-writing that I have done I felt like I have learned for sure, from just writing with people. I have learned what I don’t like and what they do that I liked, all that kind of stuff. My goal is kind of to get to the point where I just want good music to go and be put out. I want good music that I am a part of, I don’t want to just take other people’s songs that someone has written for me, not that there is anything wrong with that, it’s just not what I want to do.” Hearing this from Jon was so refreshing. I was relieved to hear that he is an artist who values his musical integrity and doesn’t want to fall into the singer/songwriter pack of some of the top 40 artists.

Photo by Julia Barber

In talking about music, he mentioned that he is really into Bright Eyes lately. He just recently discovered their sound a few weeks ago and he says it has been inspiring him ever since. In his past interviews he has divulged his ’80s fandom, but this time however, he didn’t seem to focus on it very much. It seems that he is really trying to expand his sphere of influence when it comes to songwriting, and is looking forward to new things that may inspire him to write.

After the interview, I went back into the Hard Rock and had a chit-chat with the sound guy. He told me that Jon’s band was one of the tightest soundchecks he has ever done. The guys all wear in ears on stage and have a separate stage mix that they have dialed in for every show, so it’s fast. He just has to get the levels out to the crowd and then they’re basically done. He said they only ran through one song or so and that was it.

There were some radio station listeners waiting outside to get into the show. Shortly after opening doors, the opening band, The 88’s, started. I was so tired and the free drink I received from the Hard Rock actually made me even more sleepy, instead of perking me up as I had hoped. The 88’s kept me awake for the most part. They had an interesting retro type sound. A little dancy, a little weezerish. I am glad that I stayed to see Jon and his band play, even though I was exhausted. I asked Jon about the whole him and his band thing, and he said, “Over the past two years it has definitely become a band more than just me playing with some hired guys, not that it ever was that. They’re my band, I love ‘em. They do contribute a lot of ideas live and stuff, we all contribute. I have two guitar players and we have started some songs together as of late.”

Jon’s live show was much better than I expected. Not only are the musicians in his band talented (can you say, five-part harmonies?!), they’ve got stage presence too. It really was like seeing a band and not at all like a singer/songwriter show. If it wasn’t for Jon’s energy, I could have almost been more mesmerized by Bobby, the guitarist in his tight pants and boots wailing on guitar solos left and right. It could have been because I was sitting on his side of the stage and he kept making eye contact with me so it was distracting me from watching Jon. Either way, Jon definitely has his own style. He vaguely reminded me of Jonathan Jones - ex waking ashland frontman turned singer/songwriter. Jon doesn’t sit much on stage, he more hovers over the stool in front of his piano. He does a sort of “stand, lean, lunge” into the keys. He licks his fingers quickly (perhaps for entertainment value?) before taking on the keys. He uses very quick movements and raises his hands higher when playing than I am used to, so it almost looks as if he is slapping the keys - sometimes his hands were just a blur.

On the one song where Jon was front and center (a Beatles cover of “Come Together”), I watched and remembered what he had told me on the bus: “It’s different because I am always used to having something, even if it is just a guitar. It’s kind of a security thing so it’s been really good to just for a couple minutes on this song it’s just me. It’s just you, which is a really naked feeling; you either go one way or the other, and if you go the right way it’s very liberating, it’s cool.” Remembering that and watching him made me giggle and hope that he was up there not feeling naked. He is definitely more comfortable behind the piano.

I was very entertained by the show, and from the looks of the extremely varied crowd, they were too. I had done a quick demographic sweep while I was there, and there were anywhere from 16-year-old fans, to middle-aged women, as well as men of all ages and types. If there was no show going on, there was no way – from the looks of the crowd – that I would have been able to tell what type of musician was playing that night. I was sitting next to two hardcore fans who had met Jon in Santa Cruz. They were both 18 and had driven from Auburn to see him. They were really excited and knew almost all the songs.

I am thankful that I did the interview with Jon. It really changed my opinions on this singer/songwriter, and will hopefully allow me to be more open-minded next time I hear a top 40 hit, instead of scoffing, “sell out.” Jon’s career is very important to him, but so is his wife (he has her name tattooed on his arm) and his potential family. Eyes glimmering, he says that he is hoping there will be kids in the future, and that he can work that into a touring schedule. He has a very realistic view of the future that actually inspired me. He says, “I feel like you just have to keep a completely clean slate and just see, especially with the life that we lead, it’s like, just see what happens. I am trying to just be a little more ya know, stonerish without being a stoner, just kind of go with the flow. What else are you going to do?” I’d like to just leave it at that.

Posted: April 15, 2009

Original source:
http://fringemag.com/features/jon-mclaughlin-deeper-than-you-think

UPDATED: Human (Alternative Version)

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 20:49:00 +0000

Here's another new track I acquired: an alternative version of Human from Indiana. The vocals and music are completely different. The song is listed as a "new radio edit", but it sounds more like a demo.

http://www.sendspace.com/file/0ux145

Here's the full version of the track. It used to be on Jon's myspace playlist. Thanks to reader saugun for providing it!

http://www.sendspace.com/file/0ltv3p

Enjoy :o)

ETA: I apologize for the lack of updates recently. There hasn't been any news concerning Jon now that the album promotion/tour has ended. I will post whatever new items I find on the web from time to time.

Beating My Heart (Early live version)

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Sun, 29 Mar 2009 21:09:00 +0000

Here's an early live version of BMH, performed in 2007 when Jon opened for Kelly Clarkson.

Thanks to Homertilicus for sharing the link.
As he pointed out, this version has a piano solo instead of a bridge before the last chorus. Obvious change being that a bridge was added and the piano solo was removed in the final cut of the studio version.

Enjoy

Dance Your Life Away (Alternative Version)

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Thu, 26 Mar 2009 20:14:00 +0000

Here is an alternative version of Dance Your Life Away from an OK Now promotional CD I received. Looks like this version was going to be released until it was changed to the current version that we already have.

Dance Your Life Away (Alternative Version)
http://www.sendspace.com/file/67yyd0

If you listen *really* carefully, you'll notice the difference (actually it's just obvious ;) )

Enjoy!

Something To Believe In

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 00:59:00 +0000

Here's a track featuring Jon McLaughlin titled "Something to Believe In". It appears in Randy Jackson's Randy Jackson's Music Club, Vol. 1.

Something to Believe In
feat. Van Hunt, Jason Mraz and Jon McLaughlin

http://www.sendspace.com/file/xq1n4j

More Pics - Jon McL in 2005

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Here are more pics of Jon, this time from 2005.
Photos by robalan

http://www.flickr.com/photos/robalan/sets/72157612327976837/

Borders CD Signing - Washington D.C.

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 06:38:00 +0000

Here are a few pics of Jon's CD signing at Borders in Washington DC, USA on 12-17-2008 from Contactmusic.com

More here:

http://www.contactmusic.com/pictures/jon_mclaughlin/1-1

A Day On The Road

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Wed, 04 Mar 2009 01:01:00 +0000

Here's Jon's new Youtube video where he shows us what a typical day is like on the road. There's even a shower scene! (not like that though... :P )

D/L video here (.mp4 format- 22 MB)
http://www.sendspace.com/file/7v7fqo

3 New Songs + Concert review

msoto1285@verizon.net (Geckoman) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 20:35:00 +0000

Here are three new songs that have been captured on video for the past couple of months during Jon's concerts. Hopefully this is a sign of a new album coming soon (perhaps at the end of this year or early next year!?)

Tentatively titled: You Belong With Me

Audio mp3:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/mngjma

Eyes On You (this one was actually performed early 2008 and would have ended up on 'OK Now', unfortunately it didn't)

Audio mp3
http://www.sendspace.com/file/mhjdzm

Untitled (jokingly titled "Streets of Philadephia" at the night of the performance)

Audio mp3:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/sl6y1c

Additionally, here is a brief review from our friend Homertilicus, who attended the Jon concert at the SOMA in San Diego, CA on the 27th of February.
-----------------------------------------
The concert ended fairly early. Doors were at 7:00pm. The opening act, Blue In The Face, took the stage at like 7:30pm. Jon came out at about 8:30pm. He played until 10:25ish and the show was over.

After the opening act finished, Jon's band started setting up. The stage didn't have a curtain, so we could see all the stagehands and band members setting up their equipment. I saw Dylan and Bobby come out and test their guitars. There was a stagehand testing Jon's keyboard and mic. And I guess the sound level was waaay too low since Dylan had to recheck it and retest it a few times until we finally heard sound from it. They set up for a while, then they disappeared backstage.

With no curtain to block their entrance, the band members finally took the stage and picked up their instruments. Jon just came right out with them. He didn't make a later entrance or anything grand. He just walked out on stage with everyone in the dimly lit stage and put up his hand to greet the crowd. There was only about 100 people there, maybe less. The venue was small and it wasn't even filled. I think it's because Soma is a punk rock/hardcore venue - so no one knew Jon was playing there. There wasn't a marquee or anything outside that had Jon's name or anything.

Jon opened the show with "Always On My Mind" playing guitar and then moved into "Beating My Heart". The setlist was, and I don't remember the exact order: "Always On My Mind", "Beating My Heart", "Perfect", "You Are The One I Love", "Human", "Amelia's Missing" (with extended instrumental break, yay!) "Indiana", "Why I'm Talking to You", "Come Together" (Beatles cover), "You Can Never Go Back", "Piano Man" (Billy Joel cover), "Mary Jane's Last Dance" (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers cover), "Indiana" and "Four Years". The encore was "Mary Jane" and "Four Years". Oh and he played a new song, which he says is untitled, but it's pretty clear that it's called "You Belong With Me" since that's the main part of the chorus and keeps getting repeated. It's an uptempo piano rock song. The music is reminscent of U2's "Beautiful Day".

He said that when he's having fun on stage, he likes to sing songs that aren't his, but songs that most people will know. He said he sings enough songs that no one knows - his songs. When he sang "Mary Jane", he dedicated it to a girl in the audience who said it was her birthday and he even said happy birthday to her after the song. And he dedicated it to his former college dormmate who was in the audience but didn't raise his hand to be recognized. Jon said his roommate was always playing that song in college, so he sings it now.

After the show ended, the crowd dispersed really quickly. There were a lot of people hanging out in the lobby waiting for Jon to come out, but they quickly left after like 10 minutes. Then the security kicked everyone out, so we waited outside the front entrance. Then the security locked the front doors and told people that Jon wasn't coming out and that we should all leave. A lot of people left, but a group of girls circled around the back of the building. I followed them with my friend. We waited around by the backstage exit for Jon. And another group of girls waited by his tour bus. After waiting for a little while, I noticed that the girls by the tour bus were taking pictures. I didn't know if Jon was there cuz I couldn't see him and I thought that maybe the girls were just taking pictures by the bus. Turns out, Jon was on the bus and he came out to take pictures with everyone and sign whatever they had.

So the group I was with by the backstage exit made our way over to Jon. I got a picture with him, he signed my CDs and laughed when he saw I had his self-titled indie album. He was like, "whaaaat? I don't even own this one anymore...." and he smiled. I shook his hand this time and thanked him. Even though I've met him once before, I was still super nervous. I wanted to take a separate picture with just me and him, but there was a group of girls still waiting and Jon was cold. He was still wearing the same thin little T-shirt he had on stage and he was like, "geez, why's it so cold here tonight" when he was signing my CDs. Ironic, right? Since he just said on stage that San Diego has fantastic weather. Poor guy. It was like 50 degrees, but he was sweating on stage and I think his shirt was still a little wet so that made him colder. Still, he stayed out there and greeted everyone and signed stuff for everyone. There must have been like 20 people all together. He's a trooper and was super nice.

Jon's voice was on point at this show. He sounded absolutely fantastic on every song and never hit a bum note. I love that even with a small turnout, he still gave a passionate, energetic performance. The upside to the venue was that the sound was fantastic. When I saw him in LA at the El Rey Theatre, I stood too close to the stage and missed the "sweet spot" of the sound system. So it was hard to hear him clearly since the sound system was positioned to be best heard by the center of the room. At Soma, I was in the sweet spot and close to the stage. The bass was thumping so hard you could feel it and everything was clear. Loved it!

Here are some great pics he took at the concert:

http://i43.tinypic.com/34yyy3d.jpg

http://i44.tinypic.com/2zp0409.jpg

This one is epic
http://i44.tinypic.com/2ibl2tj.jpg

http://i39.tinypic.com/aubk40.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/2a83tbt.jpg

http://i40.tinypic.com/29lbodw.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/29wk9d3.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/zt82v6.jpg

http://i42.tinypic.com/bc5l5.jpg

http://i41.tinypic.com/auwa3n.jpg

His signed CDs:
http://i39.tinypic.com/25fpx83.jpg

**Please do not take his pics and claim them as your own. You can ask him in the shout box if you want to post them anywhere else (if he doesn't mind).**
-----------------------------------------
Thanks for the review bud!

And enjoy everyone :o)