J Mahon unveils his highly anticipated album, Begin Again, Again, marking his first release with Unique Records / Schubert Music Europe. This collection of songs represents a pivotal moment in Mahon’s artistic evolution, capturing the essence of a ‘true’ album experience—one that evokes the nostalgia of teenage years spent with headphones on, lost in thought and wonder.
Taking inspiration from the raw, unfiltered honesty of Sparklehorse and Daniel Johnston, Mahon shapes an uplifting yet introspective ‘Chamber Pop’ soundscape. Fans of Spiritualized and Sigur Rós will find familiar comfort in his expansive arrangements, while his soulful voice and poetic lyricism place him among luminaries like Jeff Buckley, Townes Van Zandt, and Joanna Newsom.
For the first time in his career, Mahon revisits and reworks material from a broad range of demos spanning 2019 to 2023. This deliberate and considered approach ensures each track retains the immediate, diary-like intimacy of his past work while embracing a newfound maturity. Recorded over the course of a year, the album was crafted in collaboration with London-based producer Syd Kemp (Ulrika Spacek), allowing the songs to evolve organically.
A striking example of Mahon’s dedication to his craft came just a week before recording began. Upon arriving in London, he rented a rehearsal room with only a piano—an instrument he had yet to master. Teaching himself to play, he transposed the album’s songs from guitar to piano, ensuring he could deliver the performances himself in the studio. This adaptability is a hallmark of Mahon’s artistry, enabling him to present his material in fresh and dynamic ways, both live and in the studio.
Lyrically, Begin Again, Again is deeply personal, exploring themes of recovery from addiction, childhood friendships, and the transient nature of home—an ever-changing reality for Mahon, who lived in over 13 different houses before graduating high school. While his words often carry a melancholic weight, the album’s instrumentation breathes a euphoric hope into the songs, embracing a brighter future with open arms.
With Begin Again, Again, J Mahon offers a transcendent listening experience—one that is both deeply introspective and universally resonant. As he embarks on this new chapter with Unique Records / Schubert Music Europe, Mahon reaffirms his place as a singular voice in contemporary music, poised to captivate audiences worldwide.
