Jonathan McCarthy

Rock / Pop / Alternative

Winston-Salem, NC

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About

Jonathan McCarthy is an anomaly. Judging by the current state of the majority of Christian radio, it would seem as though making music with artistic value as well as deeper purpose is a conflicting vision. Re-worked versions of re-worked versions of songs have seemed to take the place of genuine creativity, and the genre of "Contemporary Christian" music has become somewhat of an oxymoron. Yet Jonathan has successfully walked a thin line of cultural and artistic relevance while maintaining his integrity as both a musician and a person. Not many artists are capable of playing shows weekly while still successfully planning and leading two modern worship services a week for more than 1,200 people, yet Jonathan has made it seem only natural.

Jonathan's music could very well be considered an anomaly as well; working from the tried-and-true blueprint established sometime ago by Irish mega band U2, Jonathan's music is the next generation offspring of alternative European rock and disarming electronic sampling. Drawing well-deserved comparisons to Mute Math, The Postal Service, Delirious?, and David Crowder Band, Jonathan's music is a breath of fresh air in a music world polluted by recycled formulas and overdone clichés. Those musical influences coupled with an uncanny knack for writing addictive hooks makes for a dangerous combination.

After traveling to Nashville to work on several other recording projects, and armed with a wealth of untapped material and creativity, Jonathan made the decision to embark on his career as a solo musician. Beginning with about ten songs as candidates for his first record, Jonathan selected five that would become the songs to launch his career and headed into the studio. Recorded over several months in spring and summer 2007 in Washington, D.C., Jonathan's debut record "Escape From Me EP" was mixed by Tony Alany (The Pat McGee Band, Andy Zipf) and engineered and produced by the talented Paul Barber (Ben Kweller, My Favorite Highway).

Since the EP's release in September 2007, Jonathan has toured extensively in the southeast, playing all types of venues, from clubs to coffeehouses to churches. Working out of his home in Winston-Salem, NC and venturing into all parts of the state as well as Virginia, Tennessee, and South Carolina, Jonathan is steadily building a strong fan base with his engaging live performances and natural, confident stage presence. Though still a young record, "Escape From Me EP" has already received significant play on radio stations across the country, reaching as far as Oregon.

Versatile is another word that could be used to describe Jonathan. For his live sets, Jonathan rotates between a solo setup, a full-band setup, and a unique duo setup with his electric guitarist, Philip Pledger. Yet he is always accompanied by his trademark programming, a surprising and magnetic element that brings something new to each audience he plays for.

To listen to his music, please visit jonathanmccarthymusic.com. For booking, press and other inquiries, please email jonathan.d.mccarthy@gmail.com.