Few artists have had a journey to their debut album quite like Jon Muq. A lifetime of chasing sound has led Muq from his home country of Uganda, to a debut record on Dan Auerbach’s Easy Eye Sound label, and tour dates alongside Mavis Staples, Billy Joel, and Norah Jones. It’s the kind of musical fairytale that would sound too impossible, if not grounded in Muq’s authentic voice and undeniable talent.
“I’ve always had this ear that never forgets,” Muq shares as he describes his musical background growing up in Uganda. Though he didn’t have access to much recorded music, from childhood Jon found himself chasing sound, and devouring whatever music he could find. “My musical background was really narrow. Uganda as a country has almost 100 languages, and each tribe sings in their own language and has their own musical instruments,” he explains. It was difficult to get access to much popular music from around the world.
“It wasn’t until I was 15 that I understood I was musical,” Jon continues. “I would experience all these things that are musical, but I didn’t realize it was related to being a musician.” He would memorize and expertly mimic all sorts of sounds: melodies, people’s voices, distinctive dog barks. “I was just always drawn to good sound.”
Around this time, he came across a CD in his cousin’s house: the 1985 supergroup hit, “We Are the World.” “I was mindblown,” Jon says. “I had never before heard so many people sing on one tune. I only knew Michael Jackson out of all the people. And immediately that told me, if all of these people are fitting on one tune, then my voice can be on a tune as well.” “We Are the World” became the first song that Jon learned to sing and play. It also became his audition material that landed him a recurring hotel gig in Kampala. “I played for food – but the food was fancy as hell,” he laughs.
Eventually, Jon’s friend recorded a video of him singing and playing that led to an opportunity to join Norwegian Cruise Lines on a 6-month contract as a performing musician. Jon’s repertoire quickly grew; when people gave him recommendations, he’d use his limited time on shore to look up new songs and print lyrics so he could learn them. “By the time I left the boat, I sang 200 songs,” he recalls.
Following his cruise ship contract, Jon made his way to the United States through an event company that he reached out to for gig opportunities. “I called them, and within a week, I was in Austin, Texas. I had never heard of Texas before.” While navigating his new life in the U.S., metaphorical lightning struck: a Youtube cover video of Jon singing and playing The Beatles’ “Blackbird” made its way to Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys.
Dan messaged Muq with the offer to sign him to his critically acclaimed record label, Easy Eye Sound. “It took me a while to respond to that message because I did not know who that was,” says Muq. “I just thought it was a random dude sending me messages.” Connecting with Dan led to Jon’s debut record, ‘Flying Away,’ released in 2024. “We recorded the whole album in four days – sixteen songs,” explains Jon. “I was happy with everything and the results of the album because it was raw and organic.”
The twelve-track album showcases a timeless, vintage Americana sound, lifted by the ease and optimism of Muq’s songwriting and vocal delivery. Standouts include “One You Love,” with its catchy, pleading chorus, and the bittersweet, autobiographical “Flying Away From Home.” Jon shares, “[The songs] are about learning about a new culture: what’s the story behind the song, where you think you understand what it means, but there’s a different meaning attached to it. It’s always storytelling.”
For an artist just coming off his debut, Muq is already holding his own alongside seasoned industry veterans. He’s currently embarking on tour dates around the United States, including his first visit to Colorado for several shows, and a later fall tour opening for folk supergroup I’m With Her.
“All my songs are all about joy,” Muq explains. That pursuit of joy through music is a tangible thread, connecting Jon to audiences around the world inspired by his artistry and his story.
See Jon Muq at the Moxi Theater in Greeley, Wednesday August 13
