Jon McLaughlin, best known for the song “So Close” from the Disney movie Enchanted, is a 25-year-old singer/songwriter with all the qualities for a hit maker. When “So Close” hit the big screen, it propelled his first album, Indiana, to the number one spot on Amazon’s Movers & Shakers list. The single “Beautiful Disaster” was not only everyone’s Myspace name for months, but became a download of the week on Amazon, attracting 420,000 digital fans. Jon got the gig of a lifetime when he performed “So Close” at the Oscars, giving his career “a life of its own.”
After traveling on the road with singers like Sara Bareilles, Kelly Clarkson, and Duffy, Jon returned to the studio ready to transform his music. Out of that desire came the sophomore album, OK Now, due to hit stores in October 7. He got to work with new producer John Fields, who has worked with artists such as Lifehouse, Switchfoot, and Jonas Brothers. He co-wrote with Tricky Stewart and The-Dream, the writers/producers responsible for Rihanna’s “Umbrella,” and Brett James who wrote Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus, Take the Wheel.”
As a self proclaimed child of the 80’s, his latest single “Beating My Heart” has clear 80’s influence. The song “You Are the One I Love” was influenced by the rocky/dysfunctional relationship between Amy Winehouse and her locked-up husband Blake Fielder-Civil. He feels for them and seems to truly believe that love is just love, no matter how crazy it may seem to the outside world.
But it isn’t just love songs this guy does. In fact, he wrote the song “Four Years” about not giving into the fashion peer-pressure, and “We All Need A Little Saving” emphasizes the importance of friendship. McLaughlin covers every great artist of yesterday with the influence of the Beach Boys, Billy Joel, U2, and The Police.
Jon McLaughlin’s OK Now has it all: 70’s, 80’s, R&B and Soul. This Hoosier boy has what is takes to steal the spotlight. Classic model looks? Check. A crisp, dreamy singing voice? Check. Undeniable songwriting talent? Check. Yeah…he’s ready.
Check out the video for “Beating My Heart” HERE.
Learn more about Jon at his official myspace page: www.myspace.com/jonmclaughlin
“So Close” makes me melt into mush everytime. His voice and that song is good like maple syrup and pancakes.