John Donovan Album "Northern Moon" Review.

Artist: John Donovan

Album: Northern Moon

Released: 2025

Artist Website: https://www.jdonovanmusic.com/

Canadian born John Donovan's latest effort Northern Moon is a four song EP that is his fourth release. A relaxed and mature delivery is what Donovan is all about. These four songs are a wonderful and easy listen that is reminiscent of the softer side of The Eagles and The Little River Band. Like all great Americana music, it has many ingredients of roots music with strong hints of country peppered throughout.

Rumours, the first single is as catchy as they come. Donovan's voice has an infectious timbre. The song is well crafted and executed with conviction. The production is spot on with a perfect mix. This is one that is clearly angled directly at radio and I suspect it will do quite well. Although it comes in on the slightly long side for radio at 4:52 it definitely does not feel too long. If anything I would've loved to have heard the band open up on the outro, showcasing the obvious chops that are restrained here.

Townhalls and Taverns takes a turn closer to the country side of things. The Laurel Canyon side of country that is. This is a cut that would have sat perfectly on an Eagles album. A stripped down production on this one softens things up quite a bit. John Donovan is able to move seamlessly through the many dynamics that make up his work. He seems equally comfortable in the acoustic setting as he is in a full electric production, and this song is a shining example of it.

Moving into a more traditional country cut, 2nd Fiddle has an almost Texas Swing vibe to it. Classic country runs through John Donovan's veins and it is clearly exposed on this cool piece of music. It is a classic country track instrumentally, but  has a pop sensibility to the vocal. A tasteful guitar solo that I suspect is a Telecaster with a B- Bender running into a Fender amp brings us closer to Nashville with each tasteful double stop and major key country bend.

The final cut, Throws of Love was the standout track for me. An acoustic piece that is performed at a top tier level. The guitar is recorded exceptionally well with the perfect amount of reverb that creates a HUGE sound. The playing and vocal are relaxed like the other cuts, but this one has something else that I can't quite put my finger on. I suppose that is true of all great art though. There is the X factor that is indefinable, but also unmistakable when heard. This song has that quality of when the performer and song become one thing. That place where one and one equals three.

The writing on this album is adult themed with well arranged compositions. The recording was captured impeccably. The sounds are all very natural and swimming in warmth. The general vibe of the songs matches Donovan's voice masterfully, reminding me of how Mark Knopfler writes music that is suited for his voice on every level. These four cuts are this writer's first exposure to John Donovan, and they have certainly sent me looking for more of his music to add to my playlists. Fans of the more commercial side of Americana music will definitely enjoy this short but very sweet EP.

Check out the interview with John Donovan below!

Tell us the brief history of your band or musical career.

I began my professional performing career at the age of 15, spending decades playing in bars, festivals, and on stages throughout the Maritimes and North America. My sound is rooted in Celtic, Bluegrass, and East Coast Folk traditions, which has evolved to include modern influences that create a unique and captivating style.

My musical journey started with singing competitions, which led to a duo with my brother. We eventually formed a touring band that performed over 300 shows a year. Our focus was on East Coast Canadian, Scottish, Irish, and Celtic traditional music, largely inspired by my father’s record collection.

During this time, I began writing my own music. I had little direction or understanding of the work involved in being an original touring artist, but I knew I wanted more from my music. I transitioned from performing full-time to working in construction, which allowed me to continue making music on my own terms. This career shift provided a wealth of experiences that continue to influence my songwriting today.

I have lived across Canada and spent nearly four years in Texas from 2017 to 2021, living in Katy, Conroe, Corpus Christi, and other cities. My time in Texas significantly influenced my music, introducing me to Bluegrass and Newgrass sounds and the Americana vibe.

Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

My musical influences come from a wide range of artists and industry professionals. My early playlists included everything from Stan Rogers, Gordon Lightfoot, Cat Stevens, and John Allan Cameron to The Eagles, Chicago, Nirvana, and Pearl Jam. I also listened to a lot of '90s and 2000s country, including artists like Mark Chesnutt and Dwight Yoakam, as well as Bluegrass Revival. My sound was also shaped by Canadian oldies AM radio with artists like Jackson Hawke, Ken Tobias, Lighthouse, and The Guess Who.

Today, I have a deep appreciation for music production, and I enjoy listening to the work of different producers from Nashville to L.A., and from Sydney, Nova Scotia to Vancouver, British Columbia. There are so many incredible artists releasing some of the best-sounding music of our time right now.

Currently, I listen to a lot of Americana and Bluegrass music. My influences in these genres include Alison Krauss, Marty Stuart, Kenny Wong, and artists from the group I'm With Her (O'Donovan, Jarosz, and Watkins), as well as Tony Rice, Sierra Hull, Molly Tuttle, and Zach Top.

What’s your favorite accomplishment as a musician thus far? 

Writing and recording my own music is a huge accomplishment. I believe songwriting is a personal and unique experience for everyone. Whether I'm inspired by a catchy lyric, a title, or a melodic phrase, it's amazing to see these songs grow from start to finish. You're never truly done creating, evolving, or learning until the final mix and master are complete. The learning aspect is critical—always be open to something new or different, allow for new influences, and let your work expand.

What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

In the music industry, it's essential to be kind and respectful to others. This costs nothing and requires minimal effort. The music business can be harsh, and it's important to accept that you can't please everyone. If you're not accustomed to criticism or differing opinions, it can be tough to hear, but it's part of the process.

Your circle of musical friends and peers will naturally change over the course of your career. This is a normal part of life as people move in different directions, and it's perfectly okay.

How has your music changed over the years?

"Northern Moon," and the music I'm currently writing for it, fully embrace an electric sound centered on my telecaster, all while maintaining an Americana, country, and folk style. I'm allowing the country influences to come through, as they are a significant part of my roots and are now defining my sound.

While I began my career as a Celtic/folk artist, writing music with a local, Scottish, and Irish feel, some of those early songs share a similar sonic landscape with what I'm producing on "Northern Moon." My previous record, "Southern Sun" (2023), marked a shift toward an Americana, acoustic alt-folk, and bluegrass-driven sound. That record also contains tracks that laid the groundwork for the style found on "Northern Moon."

How are you continuing to grow musically?

I am constantly working to improve my guitar skills. While I've had some formal music training that's relevant to my playing style, I try to practice every day and learn something new. Over the coming months and years, my focus will be on improving as a songwriter by writing better songs, attending workshops, and participating in collaborative writing sessions.

Describe your worst performance. What did you learn from this experience?

This is something I’ve dealt through the years—trying to get the band to sound just like the songs on my album. It’s been my biggest learning curve, to be honest. I’ve had to stop playing live and regroup a few times to get the sound just right, and I'm sure I'll do it again.

It's all about confidence and concentration; when you're worried about the band or the rhythm getting off during a solo, it just kills the vibe, the music loses its feel and becomes mechanical which isn't fun for anyone. Taking the time to get it right is worth it so we can all enjoy the music.

What are your biggest obstacles as a musician?

Social media was really tough for me to keep up with, but now I have some help managing my accounts, which is a huge relief. It’s so important to be active online if you’re making music these days. Being a content creator is just part of the job now, and I’m always learning more about it.

What strengths do you have that you believe make you the musician you are?

I think a few things really define me. I'm all about a healthy work-life balance, and I've got the discipline to put in the hours and get things done. I also make a point to listen to others, stay open to new ideas, and respect the experience people bring to the table. All of this has shaped me as a musician, and I think you can hear it in my songs. It's funny, but I've found that songs actually come to me more often and more easily when I'm super busy with life and work.

Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.

One of the most incredible experiences is the process of writing and producing music. However, the next best thing—and arguably the most rewarding—is performing live. Regardless of the venue or the crowd's energy, everyone in attendance is there to connect with the music and have a good time. That shared experience is something truly special.

On the flip side, my least favorite part of the music industry is the business side. It's a necessary evil that requires a lot of time and continuous learning. There are several essential tasks that fall outside of being a singer-songwriter that I'm not crazy about, such as the endless work of being a content creator, the constant need for shameless self-promotion (though I'm getting better at it!), and the effort involved in chasing algorithms and radio play. While these aspects are a must in today's landscape, they're the parts I enjoy the least.

Do you have any anxiety about performing live? 

Yes, I do get nervous, but not all the time. In this business, adopting a fearless attitude can be incredibly beneficial. I've learned to use a little bit of anxiety to my advantage, as I believe it helps keep you sharp and focused for the first couple of songs. After that, I find that a sense of ease and natural confidence takes over.

If you had to choose one... live performance or studio work, which do you prefer and why? 

I love playing live and connecting with people, but honestly, creating and working in the studio is my real passion. If I could just do studio work all the time, I totally would. I've been getting into producing and co-produced my last two projects, and I love learning from other people. Working with some of the pros in the studio is just magical. My biggest takeaway from recording "Northern Moon" was learning the difference between arranging and mixing. Since my music is pretty dynamic, it was all about letting the music breathe and move so you could really feel all the different emotions.

How do you prepare for your performances and recording work?

I do all my pre-production there before ever stepping foot in a professional studio. I typically create two or three different versions of a song, listening to them for weeks or even months and making tweaks until I'm ready to lay down the final tracks.

The best advice I've ever received was to invest in a home studio, practice to a click track, and write and arrange as much music as possible. This approach has been invaluable, allowing me to fully develop my ideas and ensure I'm completely prepared before I head into a major recording session. It's a game-changer that saves time and money while making sure my creative vision is fully realized.

What does your practice routine consist of?

I try to practice for two hours a day, a schedule I work hard to maintain, especially when I'm in the studio. Consistent practice is essential for keeping my hands and voice in top form. There are times when a two-hour session is impossible, so I make a point of compromising with a 15- to 30-minute minimum, focusing on scales and progressions to keep my hands nimble. I also use my frequent time in the car to my advantage, singing and exercising my voice. I enjoy using popular vocal exercises, like the "Mi Me Ma Mo Mu" drill, to make vocal technique work feel both productive and fun.

What do you like most about your new album? 

I've wanted to create a big-sounding record for a while, and my songwriting has naturally gravitated toward the sound you hear on "Northern Moon." As a multi-genre songwriter, I've finally found a way to capture my sound and seamlessly blend a few different genres together. My music has been heavily influenced by Celtic, folk, and country/rock traditions, and I believe I've successfully woven a little of each of these influences into this latest record. It's an album that truly reflects the diverse sounds that have shaped me as an artist.

What is the best way to stay updated on current news; gigs, releases, etc.

To stay up to date – check out my website @ www.JDonovanmusic.com

Anything you would like to share, from new merch to upcoming shows/tours or songs/albums?

More recording this November working on a new six-song EP, which is slated for release in the spring of 2026. A second five-song EP will follow in late summer of the same year. To promote our live act, we're producing a live "off the floor" performance video for YouTube, which we expect to have ready for release in October or November of this year (2025).

As for merchandise, I have CDs and some cool trucker snapback hats available to help promote the music. We are currently regrouping with new band members and will be focusing on promoting "Northern Moon" and the upcoming EPs, with the tour kicking off in the spring of 2026. I'll also be playing a few local shows here in beautiful Prince Edward Island and the surrounding areas between now and then.

Are there any artists outside of your genre that have not had much influence on your music that you enjoy? 

My playlists are all over the place, and I love it. I think everything I listen to ends up influencing my music in some way. Lately, I've had a lot of Hal Ketchum, Prince, Sabrina Carpenter, Molly Tuttle, Billy Strings, Sierra Hull, Alison Krauss, Keith Whitley, Nickel Creek and Marty Stuart on repeat. I'm also always spinning classic stuff like Kansas, The Eagles, Tommy Emmanuel, Tony Rice, Joni Mitchell, and Neil Young. And every now and then, I get hooked on a '60s, '70s, or '80s track that just grabs me—like "Little Town Flirt" by Del Shannon, "Don't Worry Baby" by the Beach Boys, or Todd Rundgren's "I Saw the Light."