McL plays NAMM concert

Jon shared the stage with the likes of Jason Mraz, Nat King Cole and Michael McDonald at the NAMM Day 2 concert on January 16th in Anaheim, CA. The NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants) is an annual dealer show that features performances from artists.

Source 1:
http://www.ocregister.com/entertainment/set-229543-songs-singer.html

The night's strongest performances came from singer-songwriter-keyboardist Jon McLaughlin and, later, Jason Mraz.

McLaughlin displayed his amazing skills when seated at the piano, and how his fantastic voice brought added power to his performance. His set was anchored by poignant versions of "Beautiful Disaster" and the exquisite "So Close" (featured in the movie "Enchanted").

Source 2:
http://soundcheck.freedomblogging.com/2010/01/16/namm-day-2-jason-mraz-vince-gill-michael-mcdonald-more-stand-out-at-yamaha-concert/17863/#more-17863

Beating My Heart Live at the IN State Fair

Live performance of Beating My Heart at the Indiana State Fair in August 2009, with various clips of activities happening at the event. Directed by Dan T. Hall

Jon on WZPL Smiley's Christmas Carol

This is a bit late, but Jon will be a special guest at WZPL's Smiley's Christmas Carol tomorrow morning at 7am, December 18 [it's almost midnight as of this posting]. I'm not sure of any other details. For those in the Indianapolis area who know about this and plan to attend... have fun!

http://www.beefandboards.com/

http://www.wzpl.com/pages/5875735.php

http://blogs.wzpl.com/hunter/2009/12/17/quickpost-200/

Tomorrow at Beef & Boards SMILEY’S CHRISTMAS CAROL — Jon McLaughlin, Subway Jared, Carl Brizzi, & Pat Carlini. Show starts at 7a

http://www.facebook.com/notes/wzpl-fm-indianapolis-z995/wzpl-smileys-a-christmas-carol-live-radio-theatre-7a-beefandboards-starring-jonm/395315035416

Throw My Love Around - Live Performance

A performance of 'Throw My Love Around has finally surfaced on Youtube. It's a song that Jon rarely played since his 'OK Now' release or hasn't played at all to my knowledge:

Throw My Love Around (with Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers)

Backstage video

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

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

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!

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

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

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