Originally from the Isle of Wight Jon graduated from Southampton University in 2006 with a 2:1 BA degree in Music. Before this further study he played in a variety of different bands helping them make their mark on the Isle of Wight music scene by touring relentlessly around the island. During his degree Jon played in two main bands with other students on the course: Waverly, a five piece experimental rock band, and Horizon, a seven piece trip-hop band.
This course and these bands helped Jon realise his capability as a musician and since graduating he has focused on this and has worked non-stop to achieve his full potential. Beginning in Southampton Jon set up a small business teaching guitar lessons, gigging and running open mic nights locally, as well as joining a new five piece rock band: 'Long Shore Drift' and gigging around the country. Jon progressed to living in the capital city gigging regularly at venues all over London. Here Jon worked with Albert Pinheiro (producer of Turin Brakes first album "The Optimist") and recorded the single 'Evolve'.
Early in 2008 Jon finished a six month stint playing in different venues in London every three to four weeks (Bethnal Green, Leicester Square, Camden etc), which began to build his exposure and create hype around Jon Hart Music. In March, he joined the established rock band Zhain as their frontman and began touring the world where he met Andy Fraser (Free), Eric Dover (Slash's Snakepit and Alice Cooper) and played with Luther Grosvenor (Ariel Bender - Mott the Hoople and Steelers Wheel). Apart from receiving immense praise from listeners to legends alike, Jon gained more knowledge, more gigging experience and raised the bar at every gig with his unique frontman performance. Jon left the band Zhain, to concentrate on his solo career, as this is where his heart lies.
In 2008, his solo material received a 'Fame Games Effigy Award' for his song "How do you like your Eggs". Early in 2009 Jon also reached the semi-finals of 'Testing 123' in Croydon and received masses of praise from the judging panel. With the success of the Mahogany Love LP, Jon found his unique sound and has now set up a strong foundation for future albums.
Late 2009 to present has seen Jon make the transition from solo artist to freelance musician. Jon now works with Sutton Music Service , Merton Music Foundation and Sutton Music Centre and teaches privately alongside his peripatetic teaching. He is involved in many projects but is always on the look out for new, and exciting projects. Jon is always working on his solo material and has now become a committed DIY artist and not only works at a professional level with his artistic side, but also divides his time to develop the business side of his music. Everything you have read, heard or seen about Jon Hart is genuine and that’s what comes across in his teaching, music, performances, websites and attitude.
