Jonas Brøg is a singer/songwriter who was born in Denmark but currently resides in the seaside town of Scheveningen in Holland. Not long ago, he released a single called ‘Mamacita’, and we at Indie Top 39 have had it on repeat ever since our first listen! The musician is busy putting the finishing touches on his debut album, Next Stop Good Vibes, which is scheduled for release at the end of summer, and we were thrilled when he agreed to be interviewed by us. Chatting about his creative process, his biggest musical influences, and his love for Scheveningen, please welcome Jonas Brøg.
Hey Jonas! We’re so excited to introduce you to our ever-expanding audience today. I must admit that my first introduction to your music was via your latest single ‘Mamacita’, but I know your musical journey started a while back. Could you tell us a little bit about what has led you to where you are today musically?
Hey, Indie Top 39! I’ve been a touring drummer, living my childhood dream for most of my adult life, until about 10 years ago, when I needed to re-invent myself. At that point, I felt that the dream I was living wasn’t my dream anymore. I started a new soul journey – producing different bands, then only mixing, then mastering, and then finally writing and producing for others. Though I had some good success, I never really felt at home in any of those disciplines, and that’s when I became a world champion burn-out, and everything stopped…
Then a completely different journey began. Healthwise, mentally, and physically, which at the time was the worst thing that ever happened to me, but now…it turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to me! I’ve been lucky to learn endless lessons about life, and how to live it more beautifully, calmly, excitingly, lovingly, smiling, and dancing daily!
For about a year now I can honestly say that I feel like the happiest, most hopeful, and most optimistic songwriter I know!
Jonas Brøg
I just have to ask… What was it like being a world-touring drummer? And playing live for the likes of Sister Sledge, Westlife, Gloria Gaynor, and Roy Hargrove?
It’s been absolutely wonderful for many years. I got to see a lot of the world and meet so many beautiful people. Really a dream come true!
I’ve fallen pretty hard for ‘Mamacita’. It’s just such a catchy, warm, and heartfelt tune! What does your latest release mean to you and how proud are you of it?
I’m glad you feel that way! You know when you look someone in the eye, and you share this fantastic mystical moment of being connected like never before? Like you’ve known each other for many lifetimes. That magic time when you sort of swim in a sea of shared emotions, a connection that’s so strong that it’s impossible to put words on it? Well, I’m sure you do! That’s what I’m singing about in ‘Mamacita’.
I’ve also been really getting into some of your other tracks, and your sound is truly so distinctive and individual. Not to get too dark or anything, but if you could only be remembered for one of your songs, which would you like it to be?
That’s a tough one mate! But I guess if I really had to choose it would be ‘That Feeling’.
We’re always intrigued by the different approaches that artists take when it comes to their creative process. Can you tell our readers a bit about yours? How do you take an idea and turn it into a complete song?
I write a lot of songs. Most of them aren’t good in any way, but sometimes I am gifted a good one.
Jonas Brøg
After quite some re-writing, if it’s potentially good enough, I take it into production and that’s a lot of fun. Just following where the song wants to go. I have a lot of abandoned songs that I started producing but didn’t take off for some reason, but once in a while a song just has something magic in it and I send a kiss to the muse!
Who are some of your biggest musical influences? Who did you grow up listening to? And would you say that your tastes have changed over the years?
I love Donavon Frankenreiter, Jason Mraz, Jack Johnson, Coldplay, and Xavier Rudd. But I don’t listen that much these days I must admit because I’m writing and producing my own songs a lot.
I know that you’re currently based in Scheveningen, the most popular seaside town in Holland. And just so you know – I’m jealous! You’ve said that “moving out here has changed my life”. Please tell us more.
Scheveningen to me is a place of magic. The vibe out here is beautifully serene and calming, but also very dynamic weather-wise. A lot of creative people are living here. Musicians, painters etc. It’s hard to explain, but I’ve never felt as at home anywhere else as I feel here. Not even where I grew up in Copenhagen.
This may relate to the question above, but when you’re not creating music, what do you enjoy doing? What does a non-music day look like in the life of Jonas Brøg?
I love the beach. Hanging out for a coffee with some friends at a beach cafe is wonderful. I do some surfing, go for a swim, play with my son who is a beautiful old soul, or try to steal a kiss from my awesome wife!
What would being successful in the music industry look like to you? And in a similar vein, what are your overall thoughts on the current state of the industry? What would you change if you could?
I think it’s very important to determine what success is for you, and not in regards to someone else’s success.
Do you know the saying “compare, and despair?” I try to live by that.
Jonas Brøg
I look forward to going back on the road and travelling all over the world, but this time, with my own songs, and together with my wife and son. Tour-life as a family. Hopefully, when budgets are bigger, I will bring out my band with us. I think we live in the most amazing times there have ever been in the music industry. Of course, there are difficult things about the current state, but I prefer to look at all the endless possibilities.
OK, Jonas – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you choose?
Honestly, I would bring my own upcoming album that I’m finishing right now. It’s called Next Stop Good Vibes and it makes me feel absolutely awesome to listen to it while sprinkling some fairy dust in the last mastering stages! So that’s 1! The second one would have to be a Best Of from Coldplay. And third, a Best of from Jason Mraz, John Mayer, or Bob Marley!
If you were allowed to collaborate with any musician or band, who would you choose and why?
Chris Martin, Colbie Caillat, Donavon Frankenreiter, Jack Johnson, Xavier Rudd. Just because I love them all!
Jonas, it’s been an absolute pleasure chatting with you! I know that your debut album, Next Stop Good Vibes, is scheduled for release at the end of this summer, and we at Indie Top 39 cannot wait to hear it! In a broader sense though, what do you hope for in your musical future?
I look forward to giving people some good vibes, some hope, some optimism, and some musical smiles. There’s enough pain in this world, so I’m handing out big musical hugs!
If there’s anything else you’d like to share with our audience, now is your chance…
Laugh, dance, and love as all out as possible!
Make sure to connect with Jonas Brøg on Instagram » Facebook
We added Jonas Brøg’s single ‘Mamacita’ to the playlist of all the artists we interviewed so far.
Don’t be shy to give it a listen!
