Jon Muq - “Shake Shake”

SXSW 2024 - OEB Score: 8; Popularity Index: 2

Pairs Well With…Leon Bridges, K’Naan, J.S. Ondara

After a couple years of previewing Jon Muq’s SXSW sets with no original music released, we finally have the throwback R&B-pop artist’s debut Flying Away due later this year. Produced by Dan Aeurbach, it’s nice to see early single “Shake Shake” embrace more Afrobeat than the acoustic soul of his introductory performances. Sunny percussion and melodies lay a relaxing air for Muq to share his love and light on the surprisingly upbeat highlight. “Runaway” does show that other side however, a sweet ballad that takes advantage of Muq’s naturally textured vocal. Both paths are pretty and fulfilling - Jon Muq’s joy comes through so cleanly in his performance, forthright and genuine from note one. (Kevin McStravick)

2023 Review: There’s a lot that Jon Muq has. A natural, rich vocal tone, sweet R&B-leaning songwriting, raw acoustic performances - the only issue is that Muq doesn’t have any proper music out yet. This is the second SXSW in row where that is the case, but he’s still an artist worth banking on. There’s charm the exudes from Muq’s performance, cozy in a way, yet still going hard into acoustic-pop vocal runs. Luckily a couple outlets have shared sessions with Jon Muq that show off a vulnerable, softly confident artist that can hush the right venue and give the audience a real, emotive experience.