Jonny O'Brien

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jonny O’Brien.

Hi Jonny, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My musical journey started at a very young age. I was born and raised on a military compound in Saudi Arabia and access to music teachers or lessons were hard to come by. I first started with piano at 6 with the promise that if I could learn to read and play music that my parents would buy me a guitar and at nine, I made that happen. By that point, things had changed and I had access to a few different teachers on the compound. One was at school and taught me the basics, while the other two lived on the compound with me. I was able to learn blues and rock phrasing from one teacher while the other taught me how to write songs (he had written and played for Santana in the 70’s, still blows my mind today). And from there, the journey never ended. I always knew I wanted to make music so that has been my priority. I’ve been lucky enough to have played with many bands, recorded a few records and traveled a bit. But now, I’m embarking on the hardest part of the journey, pursuing a solo career. And that comes with trust and confidence in yourself, your art, and pulling from deep reserves to remain determined and driven with the ebs and flows of life.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The biggest struggle for me has been finding the confidence to stand on my own as a solo artist. I suppose it’s easier when multiple people are working on a song together, there’s a shared responsibility and a shared liability. But when it’s just you, there’s a boldness or bravado you need to weather the good and the bad and still keep writing, singing and performing. I’m still learning that, but thankfully I have a great support system to help in times of need.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I write mainly pop songs but I pull from many different genres for inspiration. I’m known for having a soulful voice and writing songs that make people want to sing along so I focus on Melodie’s and having something catchy to keep the listener wanting more. I’m most proud of the next step I’m taking in my career, which is recording my first solo record and being lucky enough to work with the incredible talent here in Austin.

What do you like and dislike about the city?
I actually love how healthy and active the city is. I’m a very active person myself and I love that people here are always out running, walking, riding bikes, going on hikes, paddle boarding and generally loving life! I would say the only gripe I have is probably the same as everyone else’s…traffic. Which actually isn’t even that bad so really, I got nothing bad to say about Austin. - Voyage Austin