Edward Russell
Listening to Jonny Stemp’s music is like diving in to a bowl of emotions; dark, yet beautiful. The Brighton-based musician started making music when he was 11 back home in Newcastle, where he used to play on the university’s piano and also where he wrote one of his earlier songs, We’ll Find Out which gave him a bit of spotlight. It was featured in “Band Of The Week” on We Found New Music with Grand Owens (podcast 126). He wanted to start a new chapter in his life and moved to London where he joined Denai Moore, but that didn’t last long. He then decided to leave and start making music on his own again.
“Purge” was written with Tom McFall who has worked with big names such as R.E.M, The Killers, Snow Patrol and even Biffy Clyro. The song itself has Stemp’s stamp all over it; broody, captivating vocals wrapped in honest, emotional lyric.
“I wrote “Purge” when I was in a dark place, back when I was still living in London. Everything felt like it was falling apart at the time”, he said. “I was feeling depressed and seriously in the gutter”, he added. “But, although that was my inspiration to write this song, it’s not just about that. It can (also) talk about higher beings, mind expansion and general transcendental or enlightening experiences. I suppose it’s up to the person listening to decide which one suits them better.”
Have a listen and decide for yourself:
