UNSIGNED ARTISTS - All Music Magazine UK's The Sound of What's Next - Johnathon Tate
ALL MUSIC MAGAZINE UK
THE NEXT BIG THING STARTS HERE
Every great band or artist has to start somewhere. Before the big stages, the record deals and the sold-out tours, there's a song, a dream and a determination to be heard.
At All Music Magazine UK, we believe great music shouldn't go unnoticed. Our Unsigned Artist feature is dedicated to giving emerging bands and independent artists a platform, a voice and the exposure they deserve. It's an opportunity to introduce themselves, tell their story, share their music and get in front of a wider audience.
We're always on the lookout for fresh sounds, new ideas and artists doing things their own way. Who knows? The next time you discover your favourite band, they might just be featured right here.
No record deal needed. No big-name backing required. Just great music and a story worth telling.
Giving independent music a voice.
Please meet
JOHNATHON TATE
1. Tell us a little about yourself and your musical background. How did your journey into music begin?
I am a 42 year old independent artist from Leeds, my songs came from the breakdown of a significant friendshid. As I’m in recovery it was a way of processing the thoughts, feelings and emotions without returning to previous destructive habits
2. How would you describe your sound and style of music to someone who has never heard you before?
My songs are story-driven, cinematic, deeply personal yet universally relatable. I’m very vulnerable in my writing and put my experiences into the songs. Sonically the two stand alone singles( Shadow Man and A Craving) last summer and my debut EP( Little Girl Lost) released last October are acoustic driven songs with an alternative indie/folk feel. I recently recorded my second EP which has a couple of songs using electric guitar that have a punk feel.
3. Who are your biggest musical influences, and are there any particular artists or bands that have inspired the music you create today?
I like artists like Stereophonics, Travis and Nadia Sheikh. Your influences aren’t really conscious I’ve always been a story teller. I was inspired to do this by Nadia as I saw what she was doing and the success she was having being independent. She showed me what was possible.
3. Where do you get your inspiration when writing and creating music? Are your songs based on personal experiences, stories or simply creative expression?
My songs are very much based my own experiences and the things I go through in my life. Songs are a processing tool and a way of understanding myself and my emotions.
4. What has been your biggest achievement as an independent or unsigned artist so far?.
There’s a couple the first being playing with others as part of Primal Live a seven week artist development program that culminated in a performance at Belgrave Music Hall in Leeds. We raised funds for St George’s Crypt who run the charity who run the rehab I was in just over three and a half years ago. The second being playing my debut London show at The Spice of Life in Soho at the end of August this year.
5. Being an unsigned artist comes with its own challenges. What have you found to be the biggest obstacles, and how have you overcome them?
I think the biggest thing for me is self doubt and wondering if I or my music is good enough. I find it hard to believe people are genuine when they give you a compliment. I just keep working keep playing and making music.
6. What's your creative process when it comes to recording and releasing music? Do you work independently or collaborate with other musicians, producers or songwriters?
I write the lyrics and melodies initially totally on my own. I have regular guitar lessons so bring songs to lessons. My tutor then offers melodic suggestions. But when it comes to lyrics they are totally my own. I’ve recorded recently with the a producer who did the sound at the London show. That was a very collaborative process, with him offering production ideas.
8. How important is social media and online platforms in getting your music heard, building an audience and connecting with new fans?
Social media is absolutely necessary to an independent artist in this day and age. It’s a marketing tool and a way of reaching people. I regularly do Tiktock lives which is a great way on finding new people.
9. What are you currently working on? Do you have any upcoming singles, EPs, albums, gigs or other projects you'd like to tell us about?
I recorded my second EP(Crucible) at the end of October at Arch 2 studio in West Ham. As I have said it features a more punk sound than the previous EP so I’m excited for people to hear that. Gig wise I have one at Cherrys in Hull on 22nd of November. I have a couple of podcasts due in November and December. And I recorded an episode of Mind Over Matter TV a mental health discussion program. That will be released in the near future.
10. Finally, where do you see yourself in the next few years, and what would you ultimately like to achieve with your music?
I want to keep making music and keep playing live. Keep connecting with people and enjoying the creative process and live side. I want my music to find it’s audience and those it resonates. I find amazing and surreal that people enjoy my songs and connect with them.
ARTIST INFORMATION
Artist / Band Name: Jonathan Tate.
Location: Leeds , West Yorkshire.
Genre: Alternative Indie/Folk with a little Punk thrown in.
Instagram: @jrtatemusic1984
TikTok: @Jrtatemusic
Spotify / Apple Music: Search Jonathan Tate on all streaming services.
Latest Release: Little Girl Lost released on October 31st 2026. My second EP Crucible will be released in early 2027
Contact Email:
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