Cape Town-based singer-songwriter Jonno Sweetman breaks free from the rhythm section to embark on a soul-stirring journey with his debut EP, “Otherside.” Known for his sensitivity and versatility as a jazz drummer, Sweetman unveils a collection of finely crafted indie folk songs that transcend genre boundaries. The EP, a quintet of personal reflections, radiates with a vulnerability that brings a masculine warmth to the listener’s soul.
“Otherside” delves into the heart of displacement, a theme that resonates deeply in the post-COVID world. Sweetman’s compositions, conceived during the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021, serve as a poignant exploration of self-created displacement, emphasizing the redemption found in allowing and the reconciliation of being.
In the artist’s own words, “Everyone is on one side or another. We all go through times where we are underwater in some way. Let us celebrate our uniqueness and live and love.” Sweetman’s lyricism embraces the common human experience of feeling far from home, creating an empathetic space for listeners to connect with their own journeys.
During lockdown, Sweetman picked up his guitar and began sketching the foundation for the EP. Describing his approach, he states, “I had sketches on guitar that I would cycle. I would wait for a melody to come naturally and then let my mind free to sing any lyric that came to mind. I would record that and refine it until I could finally do final recordings.” This organic and introspective method resulted in a collection of songs that resonate with authenticity and emotion.
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