The essence of music and its true meaning can get lost when we’re not familiar with an artist.
Music is an art form that allows us to tap into our deepest thoughts and emotions. Emotions and our connection to the artist are amplified when we have a sense of who the artist is. Having relatability with the artist means you’re also connected through life’s experiences.
Jono McCleery is one artist who you might not be familiar with but his recent video, “This Idea of Us,” a Vimeo Staff pick, is a prime example of how the visual aspect of an artist’s expression can impact the listener.
When founder, Corey Wesley came across the video for the song “This Idea of Us” by Jono McCleery, he was blown away, not only by the talented singer-songwriter’s sound but also by the visual interpretation of his lyrics.
Jono McCleery is an English singer-songwriter who was born deaf and became able to hear at age five. His debut album Darkest Light was released through crowdfunding and in 2011 he released his second album There Is. His definitive album Pagodes was released digitally in early October 2015 and vinyl followed shortly thereafter.
McCleery captivates listeners with his perfect blend of sound and genres when he sings. It is mesmerizing to listen to him sing as he combines contemporary folk and Spanish folk together, some jazz, layered with acoustic, ultimately producing perfection.
McCleery tours heavily through Europe and we were fortunate to catch up with him to learn more about the video, him, and his music.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a singer who grew up near London, I have released 4 albums and live for my music and family.
Your sound is quite unique in that it seems to be a blend of various genres but ultimately it’s undefinable which is really fascinating. Because of that I’m curious to find out what influences you musically?
Most of my influences go back to when I was a child: I would listen to my father and brother improvising on piano, and sing along to Soul Records, then later I got into Jazz, Folk, and Classical music, and now I’ll listen to anything that hits the right spot.
How did you come to be signed to Ninja Tune? Does the label’s history of focusing on EDM and Hip Hop influence you as an artist?
Through touring with Fink I first came into contact with Ninja Tune and eventually signed to them. Yes I think it has influenced me to collaborate with electronic producers and to be more open minded about my music direction. But essentially at the core of my music I think the old influences always shine through.
The video for “This Idea of Us” is very powerful. The two dancers struggling on the cliff together leading to the inevitable end is quite haunting. What inspired you to use this particular imagery for this song?
The credit for this film is all due to the lovely people at Greatcoat films: they originally got in touch saying they would like to work with my music, and sent me a video they had made for Honne ‘All in the Value’ which I loved. So I was very happy to trust their direction, and to not interfere with their vision. It was a beautiful surprise to see the end result for the first time, and I love how the film interprets my lyrics in a way I couldn’t have imagined.
What do you think is the biggest difference between artists making music in the UK and those making music in the USA?
I’m not really aware of there being a difference, partly because I shelter myself from current trends and scenes as it helps me to stay focused on what I want to communicate through my music. But also because I think a lot of artists are unique, and not necessarily a product of where they are from so it would be meaningless to categorise them.
What other projects do you have coming up this year?
We released Pagodes Live recently, which is a solo acoustic version of the album. And now I’m concentrating on writing my next album, and touring in Europe as much as possible (and hope to get to US!). There’s also a few collaborations to watch out for.
Our magazine is geared to gay men with an edge, we like to ask our interviewees, “What is something you have done that would be considered edgy, unconventional, or tight-lipped?”
I can’t think of a defining thing, but in general I think the way I have tried to carve my own path and follow my passions could be deemed unconventional. And in doing so – stood many times against non-supportive factors. Because at the end of the day if you don’t have your own approval, you have nothing, in my opinion.
Visit Jono McCleery’s site for tour dates.
A joint interview with Kinkster MAG contributing writer Ted Bishop Nieves
