For Jon Muq, a singer-songwriter born in Uganda and now living in Austin, Texas, music is part of a larger conversation he’s having with the world and everybody in it. Drawing from African as well as western musical trends and traditions, he devises songs as small gifts, designed to settle into everyday life and provoke reflection and resilience. “These days the world is sad,” he explains, “so I wanted to make happy songs. I wanted to write songs that connected with the listener in a very personal way. When someone listens to my music, it’s not just about me and what I’m singing. It’s about how they understand the songs individually. I think these songs can speak many languages, depending on what you want from them.”

Muq’s experiences as a child in Uganda and as a man in America give him a unique perspective on the world he’s addressing. “I grew up in a very different life, where so many people pass through hard times just because they don’t have much. Our biggest issue was food scarcity. Then I came to a different world, which gave me a picture of how to write a song that can find balance with everyone wherever they are, whether they have a lot or not much.” With his May 31st debut album with producer Dan Auerbach and tours with Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, Amythyst Kiah, Corinne Bailey Rae, and others, Muq is expanding the scope of his music to speak to more and more people.

Somebody Someone is an alt-pop artist based in Austin, TX. Their songs invite listeners to ponder identity, belonging, and the fluidity of reality -- or just get hooked on a perfect pop chorus. American Songwriter premiered their debut track, “Better”, calling it “spellbinding” and “riveting.” "With an entrance like their single and video for ‘Better,’ Somebody Someone is well on their way to building a name for themselves," declared Ghettoblaster. New Noise called it "a stunning yet subtle piano ballad that’s notable for its raw emotion and powerful vocal performance.”

The artist’s debut single was quickly picked up and put into rotation
at KUTX, a rare move for a station that favors indie-rock anthems to piano ballads, and further evidence of the power of this particular song and recording.

Jon Muq Website
Somebody Someone Website

Photo Credit: Jim Herrington