Jon Penny surpasses expectations on debut single, "Still Smilin'"
Going above and beyond on an inspired debut single titled “Still Smilin’”, we’re loving everything about this first release from Jon Penny. Keep reading for an in-depth review of the track, in addition to a background on this emerging artist.
Not a stranger to music in the slightest, Jon Penny has essentially broken away from the band life and started out on his solo journey as a musician. Fine tuning his skills as a songwriter, producer, and singer, he’s come out with this spectacular new track called “Still Smilin’” that embodies his musical influences and inspirations. We found bits and pieces that mirrored Radiohead, Kendrick Lamar, and more, but ultimately it’s a new and original work that has started his path for a fruitful future.
One of the wilder sentiments is that this song was actually written in half a day and influenced by a single picture he found from when he was a kid. It’s a look back on the complications and road bumps of life, but honestly we found it to be quite optimistic as well after listening much closer to the deep themes and lyricism that he’s put forth. Released through this own label and brand called A.B.O.V.E, he’s already teasing a handful of single and video releases, set to come out hopefully sometime a bit later this year. After being enamored through our now multiple listens of “Still Smilin’”, we can’t wait to hear more in this same vein that effortlessly blends genre and style.
While Jon certainly leads with his impressive vocals that set the tone and the mood from the beginning, it’s hard not to mention the Hip Hop-inspired backing beat that also holds a ton of emotion in its simplicity. We wouldn’t necessarily call this song stripped back, but in a sense it shines the brightest with its minimalistic tendencies and doesn’t whiplash your focus from one idea to the next. It’s calming in its demeanor, but also opens up the listener to learn a little bit more about a musician that they may have otherwise been unfamiliar with previously. Whatever label you want to put on the song, genre-wise or sound, all we know is that we haven’t been able to stop listening sense it got sent our way!
For now, please go ahead and check out those important links below in order to listen, follow along, and to stay up to date for all new releases and information.
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