In 2020, Berlin-based artist Jon Moon graced us with the eight-track EP 'Brighter Day', a project that served as both a reckoning with the COVID-19 pandemic and a heartfelt farewell to his music idol, Vaughn Benjamin. With the pandemic period now behind us, it's time to fully embrace life once again. This is reflected in the title of Jon's new EP, 'Live That Life', which features nine tracks (six vocal cuts, two dubs, and one instrumental), and is emphasized in both the title track and 'Strong & Healthy'.
By Jah Rebel
In opener ‘Just Like We’, a duet with South African artist Reign Afrika, the latter sings: “I didn’t wanna get out of bed this morning, too much hate inna di air…”, making it resonate strongly with the recent wave of xenophobia and racism in the United Kingdom.
Our personal favourite from the track list is the delightful love tune ‘You & Me’, a tribute from Jon to his significant other, Bronwyn. She can be heard on the aptly titled ‘Different Style’, seeing Moon explore a dancehall vibe.
We get a first taste of rolling Virgin Islands basslines in the slow-paced title track ‘Live That Life’, and Jon Moon wraps things up with ‘Compassion’, another tribute to his great inspiration, Vaughn Benjamin, for which Moon drew lyrical inspiration from Midnite’s ‘A Reminder’.
As a bonus, we still get dub versions of ‘Compassion’ and ‘You & Me’ (those violins!), and the EP concludes with an instrumental of ‘Live That Life’.
Another highly enjoyable production from this talented German artist and his studio collaborator, Ganjaman!
Founder alongside Jah Shakespear who transitioned to this role in late 2014. Previously worked as critic and reporter, balancing passions for music and Haile Selassie spirituality.
August 11, 2024