There’s a kind of magic in music that makes you feel like you’ve stepped back into a simpler time, a time of analog, long conversations without digital devices, and a sonic world built on feeling-fueled, organic performances rather than rushed, bite-sized content.
That’s where British Soul singer-songwriter MT Jones resides, in an in-the-pocket groove of authentic, soulful expression that feels reminiscent of ’60s and ’70s soul music while still sounding entirely like him.
As Jones puts it, “I just love how records at that time had proper live performers – real humans playing with each other, like The Funk Brothers and The Wrecking Crew. That whole way of recording has definitely had a huge influence on the record, as I wanted to create that same kind of live experience.”
Getting the chance to pick his brain on his start as a musician, his artistry, and what his debut album Joy embodies for him, it’s clear that Jones’ musicality grew from a deeply supportive background.
As he reflects, “I’m really grateful that my upbringing was really supportive and I was always allowed to explore what I liked. My school also played a big part, and a lot of my friends were into music too. Everyone had a pretty eclectic taste, so I was always exposed to loads of different things, and we’d play together all the time. I’m very fortunate to have had that, actually, thinking back. It definitely inspired my musicality.”
Jones describes his calling to music as a gradual progression, a journey that has been with him from the very beginning. He’s always found ways to immerse himself in sound, from busking on the streets of Chester as an 11-year-old to joining bands and performing at bars, weddings, and private functions. His path then led to session playing, giving him his first taste of touring, and eventually to creating his own music, bringing him to where he is today.
While some artists begin with a lyrical refrain or an earworm of a melody, Jones shared that his creative process changes each time. “In general, it tends to start with chords, then I mumble some words, maybe sing a line or two that I keep coming back to. Then I try and translate the mumbles until it starts to form something more coherent.”
Jones’ debut 11-track album Joy feels like a warm hug on a Sunday, surrounded by the people you love most, so it’s no surprise that the album’s title matches the spirit of the project. As Jones shares, “For me, the word joy encompasses a lot of things. It’s just about life itself, really – love, loss, and everything in between.”
Speaking on the album’s aesthetic, Jones explains, “I think it evokes a sort of early evening golden hour, a warm glow, light shining on the grass, that kind of thing. Sonically, everything sounds organic and real, like wood almost.”
When listening to Joy, each track flows seamlessly into the next, echoing the groove and introspection of Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On.
When asked about the cohesion of the project and referencing Gaye’s album as an example of a fully realized, cohesive story, Jones shared, “I love that album, and it definitely had some influence for sure. In terms of building a cohesive project, one of the main things was having the same live band play throughout the whole record. Jonathan Quarmby produced it, and I collaborated with a few different writers and also wrote some on my own. But I wanted to record it all in one place with the same players, and we did that at Rak Studios, which was amazing. I have to also give a mention to Sam Rabette, who was really integral to the whole process. He co-wrote some tunes with me and played bass on the whole record.”
Jones’ dream collaborator, past or present? “There’s so many, and I’d probably have a different answer to this every day. But a big one has to be John Lennon. I’d just do whatever he wanted to do. I wouldn’t be too fussy if I was in a room with Lennon, to be honest.”
While it’s clear that Joy will be the first of many records for him, Jones’ upcoming tour is scheduled to run from late March through October 2026. His main hope? “I just want everyone to have a good time at the gigs. Dance, connect with people, and sing along if they can. I’m excited for people to experience the album as a record and as a live performance too—I can’t wait.”
Get tickets to see MT Jones LIVE here.
