New Star on the Scene J Mahon Returns with Soul-Stirring New Single “Begin Again”
Heading from Down Under Rises a New Star on the Scene J Mahon Returns with Soul-Stirring New Single “Begin Again” – Taken from Upcoming Album Begin Again, Again.
(Photographer – Ma’ayan Erica Amit)
With a voice that seems to echo from outer space and melodies that cut deep into the heart, belly, and mind, J Mahon emerges once more with a song that’s as emotionally raw as it is melodically luminous. His new single “Begin Again”, out now via Unique Records / Schubert Music Europe, offers listeners a vulnerable yet triumphant anthem.
Wrapped in an upbeat, piano-driven arrangement, “Begin Again” draws listeners into an intimate world of resilience, self-reinvention, and emotional clarity. With the poignant lyric “I’d give my life to begin again”, Mahon speaks to universal themes of struggle and renewal, delivered with trademark honesty and a strong sense of self-awareness.
“There have been so many times in my life where I’ve had to start over – changing countries, changing genres, getting clean,” shares Mahon. “This song is about those moments of transition. It was born in 2022 and held close until I was ready. When I finally recorded it with Syd Kemp, I found myself tearing up during the second verse. That never happens. It’s the most honest I’ve ever been in a song.”
Recorded in London with longtime collaborator Syd Kemp (Ulrika Spacek), the album was shaped over a year of patient and reflective songwriting. “Begin Again” is the first glimpse into a body of work that combines the diaristic lyricism of Mahon’s past with a newfound sonic maturity. Described as ‘Chamber Pop’ with a spirit akin to Spiritualized or Sigur Rós, Mahon draws equally from Sparklehorse, Daniel Johnston, and Townes Van Zandt – resulting in an album that feels deeply nostalgic yet unmistakably forward-facing.
Begin Again, Again reflects Mahon’s personal journey of recovery, geographic displacement, and artistic reinvention. It’s the first time the Australian-born artist has allowed himself to revisit and reshape material from earlier years – drawing from demos recorded between 2019 and 2023 to build a cohesive, emotionally rich record that pulses with longing and hope.
Notably, Mahon taught himself piano just days before heading into the studio, transposing his guitar-based songs into shimmering new forms. The track and the forthcoming album also feature contributions from Callum Brown (Ulrika Spacek), Victoria RH (vocals), and Clementine Brown (The Penguin Cafe, violin/viola), with Mahon himself handling the rest of the instrumentation and arrangements.
Mixed and co-produced by Syd Kemp, and mastered by Jason Mitchell (PJ Harvey, XTC, Aldous Harding), Begin Again, Again is more than an album – it’s a testament to transformation, an ode to perseverance, and a stunning evolution for one of today’s most intriguing independent voices.
