A Stirring Meditation on Recovery, Belonging, and Emotional Rebirth
J Mahon, the enigmatic songwriter known for his disarmingly honest lyricism and soul-stirring vocal delivery, has released a brand new single and video from his upcoming album Begin Again, Again. The new single, The One Thing That Remains, arrives as a poignant glimpse into the emotional and sonic depth of the full-length record, which is set to arrive later this year.
After years of cultivating a deeply intimate, almost confessional style, Mahon set out in 2023 to craft something more expansive—a true album, echoing the sacred teenage ritual of lying on a bed with headphones on, lost in music and the mystery of what’s next. Drawing inspiration from the tender vulnerability of Sparklehorse and Daniel Johnston and channelling it through the lush lens of Chamber Pop, Mahon has found new sonic territory reminiscent of artists like Spiritualized and Sigur Ros.
Yet, Mahon’s work remains distinctly his own. With a voice that recalls the haunting grace of Jeff Buckley and the lyrical candour of Townes Van Zandt and Joanna Newsom, he guides listeners through themes of recovery, fleeting friendships, and the ephemeral nature of home. This new single serves as a reflection on emotional boundaries, gratitude, and finding strength in the few who truly remain.
Watch the lyric video for The One Thing That Remains
“Much like the rest of the songs I write, this was written in one sitting of a few hours,” says Mahon. “Even when other people fall away from you, when you have a partner that you feel truly understands you and sticks by you is the most important thing. This doesn’t necessarily need to be a romantic partner—it can be a friendship, or even a song.”
Buy / Stream The One Thing That Remains
Begin Again, Again is the first time Mahon has drawn from a broad archive of material, selecting songs written between 2019 and 2023. This deliberate, reflective process—co-produced and mixed with Syd Kemp (Ulrika Spacek)—has allowed the record to evolve naturally over the course of a year. The result is Mahon’s most mature and cohesive work to date. With drums by Callum Brown (Ulrika Spacek), violin and viola by Clementine Brown (The Penguin Cafe), additional vocals from Victoria RH, and mastering by Jason Mitchell (PJ Harvey, XTC, Aldous Harding), the album is as emotionally rich as it is sonically lush.
Notably, Mahon taught himself piano in a rented rehearsal room in London just days before recording began, translating songs originally written on guitar into delicate, nuanced piano arrangements. This spirit of transformation—musical and personal—lies at the heart of Begin Again, Again.
Follow J Mahon
