MT Jones may be early into his solo career, but his music sounds like it belongs to another era. With a mix of ’60s soul, jazz, and classic R&B, the Liverpool musician has built a sound that feels nostalgic, yet modern. After years spent collaborating and touring with artists such as Jalen Ngonda and Lauryn Hill, Jones is now stepping into the spotlight with the release of his debut album JOY with a growing audience on both sides of the Atlantic.While gearing up for his upcoming U.S. tour and opening performances for The Heavy Heavy, Jones spoke with me about his live shows, his debut album JOY, and what it has been like stepping into a solo career.
When did your relationship with music first start to feel serious for you?
Actually, quite early on. I’ve always loved music, so all my efforts kind of headed there as soon as I started playing and writing.
What typically inspires you to start writing a song?
It’s really different every time, and I tend to act on feelings. Something could have happened on the day, or that week, or it could be something that has been festering for a while without me even realising.
But I like to just sit at a guitar or piano, and just play and mumble until something of significance pops out, then follow that.
Do your songs tend to come more from personal experience or from observing the world around you?
Both, but I would say more often it’s drawn from personal experience.
Are there themes you find yourself returning to without even realizing it?
For sure, I mean there’s a lot of different ways you can feel about different feelings at different times in your life. So, there’s always a new angle you can approach it from.
How has growing up in Liverpool and the UK music scene shaped you as an artist?
There’s obviously a huge history of great music coming out of Liverpool and the UK and I think there still is. It’s a vibrant scene and it’s great to see so many bands and artists do their thing.
How does it feel to finally have your debut album out, especially after spending so much time working alongside other artists?
It feels really special. It’s felt different to releasing singles for sure. With an album you get to show quite a few more sides of yourself, so I hope people can hear that and relate to it
Do you have a favorite song, or a favorite memory tied to one, from the album?
It’s a track called ‘Why I Cry.” It’s ultimately a song about loss, but I think it feels sonically uplifting. It’s one of my favourites to perform live.
You’re headlining a U.S. tour this summer. Does performing in America feel different from performing in the UK?
I love to perform anywhere, but playing in America recently has been a real dream come true. It’s where a lot of the music I love was created. So, it has felt really inspiring every time.
You’re also opening for The Heavy Heavy. How does your mindset change between an opening set and your own headline show?
I think while performing live, I always just go in with the same intention. I just aim to get the songs across as well as I can & hope people take something from it.
Your music has strong ties to the ’60s and ’70s era of music. What continues to draw you to that era?
I just love the songs, the writing, the chord changes. Everything.
A lot of your music feels timeless while still sounding modern. Is that balance something you consciously think about?
I wouldn’t say so, I just try to make out what I’m feeling at that moment, and try and follow where the song wants to go.
What do you hope people take away from your music?
I just hope they can relate and connect with it someway. As a songwriter, all you aim to do is make someone feel something.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited about right now?
I am really excited to be out touring the record, traveling the world, and connecting with new people every day. It’s a real blessing to be doing this and I’m a happy passenger.
