Interview: Austin TX Based Artist Jonny O'Brien Talks About His New Single "Sabotage"
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“This record is really a claiming of power, a recognition that I can stand on my own and that my music can have an impact. When people listen to this record, I want them to hear something honest, and real... ”
If you had to describe your music to a stranger in three words, which ones would you select?
in three words, sincere, passionate, inspiring
Your awesome new single "Sabotage" is a featured song on your upcoming EP "Phases"; tell us about your creative process for its development, alongside producers Cameron Shephard and Evan Wynne.
I started writing this record or these songs at the beginning of the pandemic. I had no intentions at that point of actually putting out a record. it was more just to get some of the ideas and feelings i had had out on paper.
After I made the move to Austin, the songs started to take on their own life and once I linked up with Cam, the ball really got rolling and the record started to come together. I had never worked with Evan at playground sound before, that was a connection of Cam's through school, but once we met and shared the vibes/ideas I had for the record, I knew this was the team I needed to make it happen.
"Phases" is due out for release in November; what are you most excited about the EP's unveiling, and when people listen to it, what do you hope they take away from the experience?
This will be my first solo release since I was 18 years old. I have been primarily occupied with other bands and projects since and never really spent too much time working on my own material. I think I'm most excited about being able to share who I am and how I've grown over the last 10, 15 year; especially to those friends and fans that have been following me since way back when.
This record is really a claiming of power, a recognition that I can stand on my own and that my music can have an impact. When people listen to this record, I want them to hear something honest, and real. Yes, I love writing catchy hooks and choruses that get stuck in your head for days but I also want the listener to be able to place themselves within these songs and experience the stories firsthand.
Being based in Austin as an artist, what are some things you like about the city and dislike when it comes to music?
Austin is a great city for music! Some would argue the best. The main reason I moved here was to be surrounded by a community that values art, music and the pursuit of passion.
There are a ton of great artists here! The down side, there are a TON of great artists here haha. It's difficult to get recognized or make a name for yourself when the caliber of musicianship is so high. But in saying that, being surrounded by those artists pushes you to be better, to work harder at your craft. And that's where that great community vibe comes into play.
What is your all-time favorite song by another artist/band, and why?
I can’t really pick out an all time favorite song, but one of my favorites that come to mind is Johnny Clegg - Dela. It was the first song my wife and I danced to at our wedding and has been a song that resonated with me since my childhood. I challenge you to listen to that song and not want to dance.