Last week we told you about Jon Mullane and the release show for his new album and the documentary about his life. Today we will be reviewing that album, and sharing our interview with this amazing indie artist.
Shine kicks off with an old-fashioned 90’s rocker “My New American Girl,” which immediately lets the listener know that Mullane has come to play. It is catchy, up beat, and totally radio friendly. That trend continues with the second track, “Shine on Tonight,” and the third track, “Way Up,” which could be the new anthem for positivity.
Honestly, there isn’t a weak track on this album. The hits just keep coming in track four “In Your Life” and track five “Don’t Let Go,” before Mullane changes gears with a power ballad at track six, “Any Other Way.” Track seven brings us the amazing hit “Born Beautiful” before giving way to the rocking “Take me Away” at track eight. The album closes with two more amazing tracks, “So Into U” and “Body Rock” before providing a bonus track remix of “Any Other Way” with just piano and voice. “Body Rock” is perfect rocker that puts an exclamation point on the statement that is Shine.
All in all, this album has set the bar for indie pop/rock and made Mullane the frontrunner for an LA Music Critic Award for the second half of 2016.
Now that you’ve read the review, sit back and learn things about this amazing indie artist.
IVB: How long have you been performing?
JM: Since I was 15, in high school.
IVB: Who do you consider to be your influences?
JM: U2, Bowie, any song with a great melody!
IVB: What makes your new release so special?
JM: Every song on this album creates a sense of enthusiasm in the listener, and I have been told by many that the songs bring them both comfort and optimism.
We’ve released three singles and music videos before releasing the album, one of which, ‘My New American Girl’ broke Top 40 on the Hot AC Billboard Radio chart.
The music video for ‘Any Other Way’ won an HMMA (Hollywood Music in Media Award) for Best Music Video.
The song, “Born Beautiful,” encourages all of us to embrace the beauty we can find within ourselves, and through this song and its video, in which a young woman rejects suicide, I have formed partnerships with mental health organizations, including the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA.org), the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI.org – US), and the Campaign to Change Direction (changedirection.org – US), to help raise awareness and change the culture of mental health.
Essentially, I’ve developed a musical story leading up to the release of the full album.
IVB: What are your future plans?
JM: The album release last Thursday was coordinated with the release of a documentary about my life and music career, Jon Mullane – Shine On.
My current single from the album, “Born Beautiful,” has been released as well as a video for the song, which has been nominated for a 2016 IMEA (International Music & Entertainment Award) for Best Music Video. I have also been nominated for Best Pop Artist this year.
After the release party, I will be going out on tour across the US, Canada, and Europe. Tour planning is underway.
IVB: Do you have any stories you want to share about your band – touring, recording, or fan interaction.
JM: There is nothing more fulfilling than hearing from a fan that has been touched by my music. I received this e-mail from a fan in Austria:
“Hi my friend Jon,
I pray, that all is well with you and your dear ones my friend?
Really always newly thanks for your amazing music, to me, you are one of the greatest composers and musicians of all time and I always hope, that you and your mates will make in the near future another record. I will forever support you and still love all your albums so very much.
Sadly, my beloved dad Peter is very weak and down, the side effects of the chemotherapy are horrible.
But especially I never give up to trust in God and music always is medicine to me too.
Take care my friend, know, I always appreciate you Jon and keep you and all the ones in your life in my prayers and thoughts too.
Sending you all my best wishes and kindest regards from very hot Austria,
yours forever friend and fan”
Mullane is a wonderful addition to any listener’s “must-have” indie music catalog. To find out more about him, check out his website and Facebook pages and follow him on Twitter and Instagram.
