Hi, who is Jon Fazal , how long have you been making music and how would you describe your sound?

Hi, well I’m a musician. I have been writing songs for seven or eight years now. It started off as a doomed attempt to imitate the bands I loved as a teenager, but has become, I hope, an outlet for something a bit more unique.

I wouldn’t know how to describe my sound- it comes from my own head so it’s hard to know what it sounds like to everyone else. The music I love the most is that which sounds raw and honest, and I suppose this is something I try to capture when writing and recording my own songs.

Are you currently recording any material and what should we expect at the BeatReview micro festival?

I am currently working on two EPs. The first one, ‘Letters from the Storm’, is a collection of songs I wrote throughout last winter, and the second, as yet untitled, was written this spring. So as you can imagine, the two have quite a different atmosphere.

Regarding the festival, I’ve been working under the name ‘Jon Fazal and the Sundance Kid’, the core being myself and my good friend Joe Tabrizi on drums. We should also be being joined by a violin player and a bassist on the 4th. It’s a lot more fun making music with other people, getting excited by each other’s ideas and being able to generally make more of a racket. We’ve recorded our first single ‘Buried Dreams’ and it’ll be out in June, so look out for that.

Is there a statement you want to give and portray as an artist?

I’m not sure if I have a statement to portray. It would be nice, through music, to frame an emotion within a three or four minute pop song and then be able to pass that emotion onto someone else. That’s the ambition of a lot of artists I suppose.

You have played your fair share of gigs in Cardiff what’s been your favourite venue and proudest performance?

I always love playing at Gwdihw, it’s more intimate than some of the other venues in Cardiff. I’ve never been that comfortable being given an elevated stage in a dark room, it’s always better when people get involved. That’s why busking is so much fun, or playing at house parties.

What do you do when you’re not making music?

I work night shifts, drink a lot of tea, look out the window and mostly think about making music.

If you could have anyone listen to your music who would it be?

I’m happy when anyone besides my mum has a listen to be honest.

What are you currently listening to any recommendations for our readers?

Rory and Ned. They’re playing on the main stage just before me at the BeatReview festival. Go and watch them because you won’t have heard anything like them before, and cos otherwise you’ll be kicking yourself when they’re massive! Scriber is also great, on the acoustic stage. Beyond the festival though I listen to all sorts of stuff.

Is there anything else we can expect from you this year?

Hopefully many gigs and lots more music from Jon Fazal and the Sundance Kid. We’re planning to record our album in July, it has been a long time coming and we’ve had ages to think about the songs, so there should be some gems on there.
We’d also like to do some festivals. Then at the end of the year get Christmas number one and buy horses.

And finally do you have a message for the BeatReview readers?

Be good. Eat your greens, drink plenty of water and that.