Singer-songwriter and Phoenix native, John Owen is a powerful, authentic new voice in the music industry. John is a truly self-made musician, learning how to play guitar and piano by ear, and spending most of his childhood recording acoustic demos using his computer mic and Windows Movie Maker. He since has stepped up to Garage Band, and also has producers working on his music that he writes and records himself. He is set to release his new single, “Basement Apartment” on April 2nd – which is also the date of his 25th birthday! The song has a catchy acoustic flair, while the lyrics highlight some of the difficulties John has battled with, such as depression and anxiety. Here’s a taste of the chorus:
“I don’t want you worried all the time ‘bout where my head’s at… Up all night in a basement apartment
Tryna figure out where the hell my heart went”
John had a relatable introduction to music by listening to his dad’s U2 and Springsteen cassettes, along with classic rock CDs burned from Limewire that his Uncle sent each month. While he enjoys writing and recording, John’s main priority in his music lies in face-to-face connection. In his live shows, he feels as though he is able to achieve a certain level of emotion as opposed to a recorded track. He hopes to translate this emotion to the audience, through his real and unfiltered presence, and his openness when covering topics like mental health. You can see John perform live at his next show on April 16 at The Nile Underground in Mesa, AZ.
While his onstage presence is moving, his upcoming release promises to be filled with intense emotions that are bound to affect even the strongest of listeners. The track includes lyrics that touch on the lethargy that comes with depression such as “waking up at 3 p.m. and feeling uninspired,” and lines that cater to individuals experiencing negative effects associated with antidepressants -“Lexapro just makes me paranoid about my feelings.”
The cover art depicts a hazy room flooded with water, and the blue hue adds to the feelings of solemn this piece evokes. “Basement Apartment” promises to bring out intense emotions in its listeners, and is an honest look into the realities many young adults face in the world today.
For more John Owen, check out his Instagram: @whoisjohnowen and website.