Jonas & The Jaguar Moon Unveil Explosive New Single “Believer”
Rock ‘n’ roll icon Jonas Tomalty makes a powerful return to the Quebec and international music scene with the release of Believer, a compelling and explosive new song, accompanied by a music video! As the first single from a new album expected in 2025, Believer was crafted under the direction of acclaimed producer, mixer, and engineer Dave Schiffman (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Audioslave, Adele, Chris Cornell). This song is a bold introduction for Jonas and his new all-star band, Jonas & The Jaguar Moon.
Returning to the sounds that have always inspired him, after exploring a variety of musical worlds from Montreal to Los Angeles and Nashville, the singer-songwriter reconnects with his rock roots. Supported by an incredibly talented band, including Steve Nadeau on guitar, Francis Fugère on drums, Alex Lapointe on bass, and Phil Beaudin on percussion, Jonas celebrates his comeback with a song that captures the raw energy and authenticity that have always defined him.
“Everyone faces their own battles. The question isn’t whether we’ll have them, but how we’ll face and manage them. These challenges shape us. Sometimes, we just need to embrace them and learn. And, of course, believe in ourselves. That’s the essence of Believer, because in life, we have to believe!” explains Jonas, who co-wrote both the lyrics and music.
Bridging the past and what’s to come for Jonas, this 90s-inspired track also debuts alongside a vibrant music video directed by Chris Carpenter, showcasing a captivating live performance by Jonas & The Jaguar Moon.
First off, care to introduce Jonas & the Jaguar Moon to our readers?
Well, first and foremost we’re a rock ‘n’ roll band. There are so many different worlds that float in the rock ‘n’ roll universe and I think we manage to touch a lot of them in our music without hanging on too tightly to one. We are four boys who met through the Montreal music scene and who have all been playing in different projects since the 90s. The band is vocalist, Jonas Tomalty, guitarist, Steve Nadeau, drummer, Francis Fugere, and bassist, Alex Lapointe. Not only do we have eclectic influences individually but we manage to bring all of those inspirations to the table when we are in the studio and on the stage. We love to blur expectations and we rely heavily on rich tones and rhythms. From 90’s post-grunge to trip-hop. From bluesy leather to 70’s blue jeans. Anything that has depth, a catchy flow, and a great storyline.
Your new single, Believer marks your return to the rock scene. Can you tell us what inspired this track, and how it reflects your personal and artistic journey?
I’m not sure I ever fully left the rock scene. Prior to the pandemic, I was curious to get a book of old songs recorded that didn’t necessarily land in the same park as I had been playing in before. I wanted to collaborate with writers and musicians that had a different story to tell. I’m blessed that I took the time to do it. It made me miss playing and creating rock music. I needed that. The best part of throwing away personal expectations is that you often find other parts of your creative being just sitting there. Untouched. Ready to be picked up and danced with. You also allow yourself to meet other creators along the way. Steve Nadeau, the Jaguar Moon’s guitar player and co-writer was a perfect example of that for me. We just kind of clicked instantaneously. Facing north. Into the wind. Journey bound. Our first release, Believer, really represents everything about this band. Where it comes from. Where it is going. There isn’t a better song of ours to spearhead the introduction of the Jaguar Moon to the world.
Working with Dave Schiffman, a renowned producer, must have been an incredible experience. How did his influence shape the sound of this new single and the upcoming album?
Dave Schiffman shines bright in so many ways. Not only does he boast an incredible catalog of artists that we have all idolized over the years but the real magic is just how different the results of all of those sessions are once on tape. From the Chilli Peppers to Audioslave, from Adele to Olivia Rodrigo. They all sound fucking amazing and they also sound…like themselves! lol Dave’s truest talent is letting a band be the best that they can be in that moment, leading them to water, and not kicking the shit out of the brilliance that makes them who they are. He can pick up on subtleties that we may be staring straight at but not be able to see. He’s also very instinctive and self-assured in his direction. That can be a very important point of cohesion during a band’s recording process. Can the lightning.
The music video for Believer captures the energy of a live performance. How important is the live show element for you when creating music, especially with this new material?
Our priority was to make sure to get that vibrant electricity that we are made of onto tape, and then to get it from tape onto a video screen to give people a taste of who this pack of wolves really are. There is a relentless chugging train in the undercurrent of this thing and we want people to hear it coming from miles away. We also have a killer team of young creatives working with us to help translate our psychobabble and to help bring those moments of chaotic inspiration to clarity. Chris Carpenter and his crew at cB4 Media are a great example. We just love hanging out and working with that kind of energy.
With the release of “Believer” as the first single, what can fans expect from the rest of the album? Will it continue in a similar vein, or explore different sounds?
There is a wonderful symbiosis in this collection of songs. They have the same mom and dad but definitely have their own thing going on and revel alone in their differences. The next big challenge for us is to take these songs to the stage and really let them exist in the wilderness. Honestly, this is all terribly exciting for us. We have never been more ready for the unknown journey ahead.