“If you like heartfelt lyrics, raspy vocals, and the occasional existential crisis set to melody, I might just be your guy!” | JON ALLEN CHATS AHEAD OF NEW ALBUM ‘SEVEN DIALS’
INTERVIEW | JON ALLEN by Anne Kelly
As London singer-songwriter Jon Allen prepares to release his seventh studio album later this year, he stands out as an artist whose name might not ring a bell for everyone, yet his music has likely crossed your path in some form.
Releasing his debut album Dead Man’s Suit in 2009 to critical acclaim, Allen has gone from writing with an actual living Beatle to appearing on Later…with Jools Holland and even hearing his music feature in a Land Rover campaign. His latest single ‘Down With The Tide’ is the fourth teaser from upcoming album Seven Dials, which sees Allen expose a haunting and evocative portrayal of 18th Century London. With such a unique songwriting perspective, we just had to dig a little deeper, and get to know more about Jon Allen.
For those unfamiliar with your music so far, can you tell us about yourself and your music?
“Well, I’m a singer-songwriter who’s been described as ‘criminally underrated’—which is just a polite way of saying I’m still waiting for my big break. My music sits somewhere between folk, rock, and ‘that guy your dad insists you should really check out.’ Think of it as the kind of thing you’d hear in a cool indie film or playing softly in a bar where people pretend they’re not listening but secretly Shazam it. If you like heartfelt lyrics, raspy vocals, and the occasional existential crisis set to melody, I might just be your guy!”
Your new single Down With The Tide is a stunningly crafted piece of music. What does that song mean to you?
“Why thank you. It’s got a defiant heart. There’s definitely a theme of mortality running through it—none of us are getting any younger, but I’m damned if I’m going down without a fight. It was inspired as much by the cutthroat underworld of 18th-century London as by my ongoing efforts to make a living in the music industry. Turns out, the two have a lot in common.”
The song takes on so many different elements through its nearly six-minute duration. What does your songwriting process look like?
“Well there’s more than one way to crack a nut when it comes to songwriting. That’s something I have learnt seven albums in. For this song, I overheard somebody say the phrase ‘Down With The Tide’ and I thought that was a great song title. I had an old riff tucked away in the back of my mind for years, and I figured it was time to dust it off slot it in. It’s the tempo shift at the end that gives it the song a dramatic twist.
Your new album Seven Dials is set for release in early May. What can we expect from this fresh chapter?
“Well, World domination, obviously! The new album is inspired by the seedy underworld of 18th century Seven Dials, London, currently the heartland of tourism, theatre and shopping today. Hopefully people have the appetite for some lyrical storytelling, big riffs and moody moments. We are heading out on tour in the UK in May to play these new tunes for the first time and I can’t wait for people to hear them.
Are there any particular tracks you’re excited to share? Any personal favourites?
“I’m not just saying this because we’re talking about it, but Down With The Tide is a personal favourite. I also love the title track, Seven Dials—it has this 70s Elton John ballad vibe. Lyrically, it’s about a magnificent reign cut tragically short.”
A very famous name keeps coming up when people mention you—Paul McCartney. What’s the story there?
“Yeah, I studied at The Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, where Paul is a patron. My songwriting teacher must have pulled some strings because I ended up in one of Pauls one-on-one writing sessions. I was nervous as hell, but he has this way of making you feel at ease—just a normal bloke who happens to be, you know, a Beatle. I played him a song I was working on, and we wrote a middle eight together. He’s not getting a writing credit, though—he’s rich enough already!”
Do you have any dream collaborators?
“I’d love to work with Dan Auerbach—he’s got his mojo working as a writer, producer, and frontman for The Black Keys. I’d be really curious to see where he’d take my sound.
There are plenty of benefits to being a solo artist, but what are the biggest challenges?
“The good news is, I can play most of the instruments and produce my own records, which gives me a lot of creative control. The bad news is, the writing process can get lonely—it’s just me, a guitar, and the abyss! That said, I have a great live band. They keep me from going completely crazy.”
How do you feel about your local music scene right now? What do you think needs to change?
“Well, I live in London, so there’s always something happening. The one thing that never changes is that people still want to experience live music. As long as people keep showing up, there’s hope.”
Your tour kicks off in May! Are there any cities you’re especially excited to play?
“Out of all the dates, I’m especially excited for the Newcastle show at The Cluny. There’s just something special about northern crowds—their energy is unmatched, and they always sing their hearts out. I genuinely think they’re some of the most passionate music fans out there, and I can’t wait to experience that atmosphere again!”
Your track Going Home was featured in a Land Rover ad—but are you actually a Land Rover guy? If not, what car best represents you?
“If I were a Land Rover, I’d be a beat-up old 1970s Series III—rough around the edges but still making reassuring noises. Unfortunately, they didn’t give me a Land Rover, not even a toy one. I’m not bitter!
If you could write a song with anyone, who would it be?
“Honestly, I wouldn’t mind a second sit-down with Paul McCartney. Maybe this time we’d get past the middle eight and finish the whole song!”
Seven Dials is set for release on May 2nd and you can preorder a copy NOW
You can also catch Jon Allen live on tour with his band The Luna Kings; including a headline at London’s historic Bush Hall on 24th May and later appearance at Newcastle’s The Cluny on 20th June. Tickets are available HERE
Tour Dates
MAY
16th – Cardiff, Acapela Studio
24th – London, Bush Hall
29th – Haarlem, Patronaat
30th – Rotterdam, Rotown
31st – Utrecht, Tivoli
JUNE
1st – Groningen, De Oosterpoort
5th – Odense, Dexter
19th – Barnoldswick, Music and Arts Centre
20th – Newcastle, The Cluny
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