Jon McLaughlin is an Indiana musician who has garnered national acclaim for his passionate lyrics, hook-laden songs, and heartthrob image. He has released three albums independently and two with Island Records, the venerable record label. His music is popular in Indianapolis and around the world, and he is swiftly rising to superstar status.
Anderson, Indiana native Jon McLaughlin has come a long way from his humble beginnings in the Indiana and Indianapolis music scene. The singer songwriter attended Anderson University, where he studied music and was part of local record label Orangehaus Records. Today, he is a Grammy nominated performer whose music has appeared on nationally syndicated television, movies, and Indianapolis media outlets.
| Video of Indianapolis area musician Jon McLaughlin performing “Human” on television |
His work is largely influenced by pop artists such as Billy Joel and Elton John, combining meaningful, heartfelt lyrics backed by sweeping synth and masterful instrumentation provided by skilled studio musicians. Before becoming a smash success on the United States market, McLaughlin released three albums independently: Up Until Now, Jon McLaughlin, and Songs I Wrote and Later Recorded. Songs I Wrote… launched a national tour, where McLaughlin attracted the attention of other independent musicians. Currently, he is a member of Islands Records, with whom he has released two full length albums and an EP, Industry.
In 2008, Jon McLaughlin was catapulted to international success when he performed the hit song from the movie Enchanted, “So Close”, at the Academy Awards. The performance made the singer songwriter famous overnight, and vastly increased sales of his debut album, Indiana. His new album, OK Now, was released in October of 2008 and features the hit single, “Beating My Heart”, which has received airplay on Indianapolis radio stations and national radio stations.
| Video of Indianapolis area musician Jon McLaughling performing “Perfect” and “Beating of My Heart” |
Despite receiving national attention, McLaughlin still retains his love for his home state. On his website, he says that “The Middle”, a song from his newest album, is “about being able to take the Hoosier kid out of Indiana, but not being able to take Indiana out of the Hoosier kid.” As a matter of fact, his debut record with Islands is titled Indiana in tribute to the state he calls home. Jon McLaughlin hasn’t been blinded by the Hollywood spotlight of his recent success and still considers himself a born and bred Hoosier.
| Video of Indianapolis area musician Jon McLaughlin playing live from the Sprint Live Music Lounge |
Jon McLaughlin recently finished his national “Salute to 2009 Tour”, a two month romp through venues around the country. McLaughlin played in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, New York, Michigan, Wisconsin, and many other states, capturing the hearts of millions of new and long-time fans. In addition, in August of 2009 he’ll be gracing the stage of the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the Indiana State Fair in Indianapolis. It’ll be a triumphant return to his home turf, and he’s sure to get a warm welcome from his thousands of adoring Hoosier fans.
For more information on Jon McLaughlin, including upcoming shows, news, and song samples, please visit the singer songwriter’s homepage.
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