‘Start Again’ is the latest single from The Bones of J.R. Jones, also known as New York-based artist Jonathon Linaberry. This wonderfully atmospheric song explores the idea of breaking free from patterns of relationships and behaviours that don’t serve us or others. Linaberry explains the theme: “There’s a repetition and restraint to our lives and relationships that I think we all subscribe to to survive. We fall into patterns of comfort and norm. Healthy or unhealthy, it doesn’t really matter. The usual arguments. The usual blowbacks. The mutual attempts to understand the other’s side: that’s what I was trying to express in ‘Start Again’.”
Linaberry’s understated vocal is supported by subtle sonic textures; keys, synths and insistent percussion build steadily, slowly pulling you into his moody, late-night, cinematic, musical reflections. The overall effect is, simply, beautiful and remains with you after listening, like a profound conversation, emotionally exposing and vulnerable.
The accompanying video was created from footage of The Bones of J.R. Jones’ recent European tour, a stream of moments and memories from the road. Linaberry says of the video: “The talented Mike D’Alton (Seba Safe) shot this footage over three weeks of touring Europe. I was lucky enough to spend the better part of every day with Patrick Blaney, Conchur White and Mike as we managed to not get lost, sick or arrested. Only one of us got punched (that’s a win). Any touring musician will tell you it takes a special crew to hold it together on tour. I know there are probably thousands of touring videos out there, but when I look at this one, I really do feel the love – the relentlessness, the exhaustion and the pure joy and chaos of a successful show.”
This was the final single from “Radio Waves”, the brand new album from The Bones of J.R. Jones. Produced by Robbie Lackritz (Feist, Bahamas), the new collection is out now. Inspired by the music of the ’80s and ’90s and a deep nostalgia for the stories of his past, Linaberry notes: “I found myself missing what it felt like to have an album change your life, to listen to your cassette of ‘Born In The U.S.A.’ so many times you have to wind the tape back up with a pencil. These songs live in the night. It’s the sound of a kitchen heavy with the leftover heat of an August day and a table crowded with drinks, of arguments and first loves and first heartbreaks, of not living up to your potential, of breaking promises, of being human.” Great songcraft meets intimate storytelling. Be absorbed.
