- Artist Name: John McDonough
- Hometown: Austin, TX
What project are you currently working on?
I am about to release my new acoustic CD, ‘Second Chances’ on March 17, 2021. I have wanted to do an acoustic CD for a while, and I am very excited to share it! I picked my favorite songs from my previous releases ‘Dreams and Imagination’ (2014) and ‘Surrounding Colors’ (2016), and the CD came out better than I had hoped or expected. I was very strict in that the CD was only going to be two acoustic guitars, two vocals, and a string section, and the arrangements are just fantastic! The sound is quite full, and doing the CD this way really allowed my vocals and melodies to shine.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music and when did you know?
I have loved to sing for as long as I can remember. As a kid I used to crank my stereo and sing along pretending I was on stage! I was big tennis player in high school and college, so I wasn’t able to really get serious about music till my twenties. I have been playing gigs since my twenties, but never had the confidence to really go for it full time until about ten years ago. I was working as a psychotherapist, and was burned out. I decided then that music was the only thing I wanted to do, and haven’t looked back since. ‘Second Chances’ will be my fifth CD I have released in the last ten years, and in that time I have played over 500 gigs. I really love everything about music: writing songs, performing, singing, the challenge of getting better as a musician and the challenge of trying to write a great song. It took me a while to have the confidence to really commit to this profession, and I have been very fulfilled the last ten years.
If you weren’t pursuing a career in music, what would you be doing for a living?
I probably would go back to psychotherapy. I do miss helping people, I was a good therapist, and I still find it fascinating how a person’s history can cause mental health issues, and equally fascinating how certain techniques and human connection can help them heal.
What is your favorite downtime activity?
I have a ten year old niece who I am very close with. After 25 years in Texas, I recently relocated to the Chicago area, and a large motivation for the move was to be close with her! We spend a lot of time together, and it really fuels me. I am very lucky to be living right around the corner from her, so I see her almost everyday! We have a lot of fun together, and when I come back to my house I am ready to get back to work!
Who is your biggest celebrity crush?
I had the pleasure of meeting Zac Efron once, and he was very nice and personable. I think I will have to go with Zac!!
Who is your favorite sports team?
Tennis and hockey are my favorite sports, and I have been a huge Blackhawks fan for many years. They have been struggling the last few years, and Jonathan Toews is struggling with an undisclosed illness, so I am hoping he can make a full comeback and they can get back to the top!
What is the last movie you watched?
Just a few nights ago I watched Hidden Figures. It’s an amazing true story about African American female mathematicians who worked at NASA during the space race. Such smart and courageous women who deserve to be known and honored.
What is the last Album you listened to?
Two nights ago I listened to ‘My Spirit Sister’ by Joshua James. He is one of my favorite contemporary artists and I feel he has it all. He is a great guitar player, has a great voice, is a great songwriter, and has meaningful lyrics. I can’t wait for his next release!
If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I think I would have to go with ‘Sweet Baby James’ by the great James Taylor. I learned the guitar so I could play and sing “Fire and Rain,” and that entire album is just brilliant.
What is the greatest country song of all time?
Oh my gosh, this one is really, really tough! I might have to go with “Wichita Lineman.” Tough to say which one is best, but “Wichita Lineman” is my favorite.
What is your favorite city/town that you have visited out on the road?
I love Santa Fe! I love the land, the architecture, the native American culture and history in the area, the galleries, everything! I have played there twice on two separate tours, and both have been really great, fun gigs. I can’t wait to go back!
What is your favorite meal?
I could eat pizza for every meal, every day!! Cheese and black olive is my favorite, but there are many other types of pizza I am very happy with as well!!
Who is your dream duet partner?
Another tough one! Stevie Nicks is one of the coolest women I can think of. I love her and her whole aura. I would love to work with her and share the stage with her!
Who would you like to go on tour with?
You are killing me with these questions! It’s so hard to choose just one! I might have to say Billy Joel. I love his music and could listen to him every night. I think he is very funny and seems very smart, so I know he would keep me on my toes for the several months that we were traveling together.
What is your ultimate career goal?
My goal is to be successful enough where I can tour and play to people who come to hear me in intimate venues. My songs are very deep and serious, but I am a lot of fun. I love the nights when I can engage with the crowd, talk about my songs, and use my personality and humor to really connect with the audience. It’s tough to do that in bars and restaurants where people are eating and talking, and I am so appreciative of the nights when I really have the audience’s attention. I would also love to be successful enough where I can tour with a lead guitarist and a back up singer. Those elements add so much energy and interest to a show, and I would love to be able to offer my fans that every night