Exclusive interview with 'Isolation's Jonny Ong

1. Where did the inspiration for your upcoming release, ‘Isolation’, come from?

I had just come out of a long term relationship and decided to lock myself away from society and spend the time writing music and escaping it all. The outcome was an outpouring of 15 amazing heartfelt tracks for the album.

1. Loneliness is a very appropriate theme right now, during quarantine! How are you coping? Do you have any tips?

To be honest I spend most of my time cooped up in my home studio anyways, so I would say I’m coping quite well. Definitely glad that I chose this career path. My tip would be to learn something new and keep your mind occupied, whether it’s an instrument or a foreign language, use the time wisely. I am learning the trumpet, and no doubt we will hear the results on the next album.

1. You are greatly influenced by psychedelic music - do you remember what the first psychedelic song you heard was? How did it make you feel and why did you fall in love with it?

It was ‘Strawberry Fields Forever’ I absolutely love that record. Everything about the track fascinates me from the Mellotron flue, John’s surreal lyrics, the beautiful instrumentation and the psychedelic breaks. Even until this day I make a point to listen to it at least once a week.

1. What varied elements can we hear combined on ‘Isolation’? What was the song writing process like for you?

The song writing process for the album was born out of heartbreak. They do say it’s one of the best emotions to draw on when writing songs and music There is an eclectic mix of instruments from all over the world which combine to create something fresh, something heart felt and something inspirational in the make up of the album.

1. What can we expect next from you?

We are just finalising the mixes, the video and imagery for my next single from the album. The track is entitles ‘Fools’ and will be released mid May 2020.

Thanks so much Jonny! Stay safe everyone! xo