J Mahon Unveils Debut Album “Begin Again, Again” Under Unique Records / Schubert Music Europe
J Mahon has officially released his highly anticipated debut album, Begin Again, Again, marking a significant milestone in his artistic journey and his first release under Unique Records / Schubert Music Europe. This album is a carefully crafted collection that captures the immersive spirit of the “true” album experience—a nostalgic nod to the teenage years spent lost in music, headphones on, imagination running wild.
Drawing inspiration from the raw honesty of artists like Sparklehorse and Daniel Johnston, J Mahon creates a vibrant yet reflective chamber pop soundscape that stands out for its emotional depth and cinematic quality. Fans of lush, atmospheric sounds reminiscent of Spiritualized or Sigur Rós will find themselves drawn into the album’s rich textures. Yet it is Mahon’s soulful voice and poetic storytelling that truly define Begin Again, Again, earning him comparisons to songwriting legends such as Jeff Buckley, Townes Van Zandt, and Joanna Newsom.
Begin Again, Again is a unique project in that J Mahon revisits earlier material—demo recordings created between 2019 and 2023—and carefully reworks them rather than writing entirely new songs. This approach preserves the raw, diary-like emotion of the original demos while infusing them with the maturity and growth of an artist who has evolved in both sound and spirit.
The album was recorded over the course of a year in collaboration with London-based producer Syd Kemp, known for his work with Ulrika Spacek. Their partnership allowed the music to develop organically, resulting in arrangements that feel both intimate and expansive.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Begin Again, Again is Mahon’s dedication to creative reinvention. Upon arriving in London to begin recording, he rented a rehearsal space that contained only a piano—an instrument he had never played before. Undeterred, Mahon taught himself piano and transposed the entire album from guitar to piano, a feat that speaks volumes about his commitment to authenticity and artistic growth.
Lyrically, the album is deeply personal, confronting themes such as recovery from addiction, the fading bonds of childhood friendship, and the search for belonging. These themes are shaped by Mahon’s own nomadic upbringing, having moved through more than thirteen homes before finishing high school. While the lyrics carry moments of melancholy, the musical arrangements often bloom with euphoric hope, offering a sense of optimism and promise for the future.
With Begin Again, Again, J Mahon invites listeners into a world that is both introspective and relatable, crafting an album perfect for long walks, late-night reflections, and quiet moments of emotional exploration. As he embarks on this new chapter with Unique Records / Schubert Music Europe, J Mahon confirms his position as one of contemporary music’s most emotionally resonant voices—a rising talent destined to connect deeply with audiences around the world.
