A Q&A with Jon Allen
Gritty Storytelling and Classic Rock…
What’s the title of your latest release, and what does it mean to you?
‘White Gold’ is my latest single from the upcoming album Seven Dials. It’s a wild ride through the seedy underbelly of 18th-century London—think cobblestone streets, shady dealings, and smoky taverns. The title refers to the illicit sugar trade at the time, a nod to the hustle for power, wealth, and the kind of trouble that keeps a city alive.
What was the hardest part about putting this release together, and why?
The hardest part? Balancing my love for classic rock—think The Faces and Free—while not getting lost in the over-polished, overproduced sound that’s everywhere today. It’s a fine line, but I’d rather sound real than perfect.
Who produced the release – what did they bring to it? If you produced it yourselves what do you enjoy most about producing your own material?
I took the reins on ‘White Gold’ and the entire Seven Dials album. I’m a multi-instrumentalist, so I had my hands all over every note. The fun part? Watching a track evolve from a basic riff or piano hook into something fully fleshed out. There’s nothing more satisfying than sculpting a song from scratch until it screams “done!”
What do you want the listener to take away from listening to your music?
Honestly, I don’t overthink it. If it makes you dance, cry, or just zone out while scrubbing your bathroom tiles, then I’ve done my job. Music speaks to everyone differently, and that’s the beauty of it.
How does a track normally come together? Can you tell us something about the process?
I used to think songwriting was about waiting for that lightbulb moment, but now I know it’s about consistency and hard work. Inspiration comes from anywhere—a phrase in conversation, a riff that won’t leave my head. You need to be in that flow state. Sure, some songs are duds, but you’ve got to write through the bad ones to get to the good ones.
What band/artists have influenced you the most since you started this project, and why?
I’ve always been drawn to storytellers—Tom Waits and Dylan being the big ones. Yeah, I know, name-dropping Dylan is a cliché, but it’s real for me. They have that raw ability to take you to dark places with words and melody. With Seven Dials, I wanted to tap into that—dark streets, dark stories.
What countries would you like to tour? Are there any standout venues you’d like to play in?
If I could step onto the stage at The Fillmore East in New York, I think I could die happy. Hendrix, The Dead, The Allman Brothers—history is soaked into that place. Also, the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco—where Scorsese filmed The Last Waltz. That’s where legends are made.
If you could pick one track for our readers to listen to in order to get a taste of your music, what would you pick, and why?
‘Down With The Tide’ from my new album. It’s a seven-minute journey through everything I’ve got—highs, lows, gritty storytelling, and epic rock moments. It’ll take you places.
What ambitions do you have for the band/your career?
Grow the audience. Become that “must-see live act” that people can’t stop talking about. I want people to leave the show thinking, “That’s why I go and see live music.”
Finally, as you leave the stage, what are your parting words?
Thanks for choosing to spend your hard-earned cash to see live music and, in the words of John Lennon, “I hope we passed the audition!”
For more info about Jon Allen, visit jonallenmusic.com or follow jonallenofficial on Instagram.
