Jonah Kagen’s “Moon”: A Luminous New Chapter in Pop Storytelling and Connecting Through Song
A significant new chapter has dawned for acclaimed pop singer-songwriter Jonah Kagen, marked by the release of his captivating new single, “Moon.” This track is more than just a song; it’s a declaration of artistic intent and a beacon of optimism, signalling a fresh direction for the Savannah, Georgia native. “Moon” stands as Jonah’s inaugural release since joining the prestigious roster of Arista Records, and it undeniably makes a brilliant first impression. Through shimmering melodies and heartfelt lyrics, Jonah demonstrates not only his evolving songwriting prowess but also the distinctive warmth and power of his voice. This lunar-inspired love song offers an ideal introduction to new listeners, embodying the very essence of Jonah’s artistic vision.
In an exclusive conversation with HollywoodLife, Jonah shared that “Moon” profoundly “represents everything that I want to be as an artist and everything that I want to share with people through music.” While the accompanying music video visually places Jonah in a desolate, dusty landscape at its outset, the song itself is anything but barren. Instead, it flourishes as a vibrant and hopeful anthem, inviting listeners to find solace and connection. Its universal themes of longing, distance, and enduring hope resonate deeply, making it a powerful testament to Kagen’s ability to craft music that is both deeply personal and universally accessible.
Elaborating on the track’s dual nature, Jonah explained to HollywoodLife via email, “To me, it is a song that you want to scream at the top of your lungs, and that makes you move, but it also tells a very real story with lyrics that mean something and real instruments behind it.” This description perfectly encapsulates the song’s dynamic blend of infectious energy and profound emotional depth. “Moon” arrives just months after Kagen’s initial breakthrough with his debut original single, “Broken.” That track gained widespread attention after Jonah actively engaged his TikTok followers, encouraging them to “co-write” segments of the song with him. A similar interactive approach fostered anticipation for “Moon,” with Jonah noting that the song “had the potential to really resonate with a lot of people.” He passionately added, “all I want to do with music is to connect with people and make them feel something special.” This dedication to fostering genuine connection with his audience is a hallmark of Kagen’s burgeoning career.
During our extensive chat, Jonah delved into various aspects of “Moon,” offering insights into his creative process and future aspirations. He revealed his most cherished lyric from the song, shared tantalizing hints about what fans can anticipate from him throughout the latter half of 2021, and playfully addressed the burning question of whether the distinctive moon tattoo prominently featured in the music video is indeed a permanent fixture or merely a visual flourish for the production.
HollywoodLife: Could you tell us more about the core inspiration behind “Moon” and what specifically led you to choose this particular track to launch the next significant chapter of your career?
Jonah Kagen: There was a very specific period not long ago when I found myself geographically separated from someone deeply important to me. One particular night, I was outside, and the feeling of missing that person was even more intense than usual. I distinctly remember looking up at the sky and being struck by a profound realization: no matter the physical distance between us, the person I longed for could also step outside, look up, and see the very same moon that I was gazing upon. That thought brought an immense sense of comfort to me, a quiet assurance, and it has genuinely stayed with me ever since. I believe there’s an extraordinary amount of hope encapsulated in that sentiment – the knowledge that a meaningful connection endures, and the simple act of “just keep looking for the moon” can be a source of solace. I felt a strong desire to share that powerful, hopeful message with others, and so, the song began to take shape.
Regarding the decision to make “Moon” the cornerstone for this new phase in my career, it was a very intentional choice because this song truly embodies everything I aspire to be as an artist and everything I wish to convey through my music. For me, “Moon” isn’t just a catchy tune; it possesses that infectious energy that makes you want to shout the lyrics at the top of your lungs, compelling you to move and feel. Yet, beneath that vibrant exterior, it delivers a deeply authentic narrative, carried by lyrics that are rich with meaning and supported by the warmth and texture of real instruments. Much like “Broken,” my previous single, after teasing “Moon” on social media, it became clear that it held the potential to deeply resonate with a vast number of people. Ultimately, my primary goal with music is to forge genuine connections with listeners, to evoke a unique and special feeling within them, and “Moon” perfectly achieves that.
HollywoodLife: A playful but intriguing question: Which came into existence first – “Moon,” the song, or the distinctive moon tattoo visible on your hand in the video?
Jonah Kagen: The song definitely came first! The tattoo you see in the music video is actually a temporary one, carefully applied for the shoot. However, I’m so fond of the design and its connection to the song’s meaning that I’m planning to get a real, permanent version very soon. It’s a symbol that has come to mean a great deal to me.
HollywoodLife: When you were writing “Moon,” did you already have a vivid visual concept for the music video in your mind, or did this intricate visual tableau for the video only begin to form and develop after the song itself was fully complete?
Jonah Kagen: I wouldn’t say the exact visual concept for the music video was fully formed in my head during the songwriting process. However, the foundational storyline and emotional arc of the narrative were definitely present from the very beginning. Once the song was finished, it became incredibly straightforward to articulate the visions and feelings I had for its visual representation. Director Eliot Charof then took those initial ideas and truly brought them to life in a way that was not only faithful to the song’s spirit but also exceptionally beautiful and evocative. His interpretation perfectly captured the essence I envisioned.
HollywoodLife: Do you have a particular favorite line or lyrical phrase within “Moon” that resonates with you most deeply?
Jonah Kagen: That’s genuinely a tough question to answer, as there are so many lines in “Moon” that I find incredibly powerful and cool. I think it’s a three-way tie for me. The first is, “‘Cause it shines the same wherever you are.” This line directly encapsulates the original idea that sparked the entire song – the comforting thought of shared experience across distance. The second is, “If you stay within the light, I’ll always find you.” This phrase embodies the core hopeful message I was so keen to convey; it speaks to enduring connection and unwavering presence. And finally, “I know that we are greater than the sum of our hearts.” I particularly love this line because it’s thought-provoking and carries a deeper philosophical weight. It introduces the beautiful concept that when two people are truly connected, their combined strength and spirit transcend the individual components, forming something even more profound and powerful together.
HollywoodLife: While it’s always challenging and somewhat unfair to pigeonhole an artist’s unique sound, how would you articulate your musical style or “vibe” to someone who has never had the pleasure of hearing your music before? Perhaps you could complete this sentence: “Jonah Kagen’s music is perfect for those who want to _____”?
Jonah Kagen: Another excellent, yet difficult question! I think I would fill in that blank with “feel a wide range of emotions.” My artistic philosophy centers around a profound appreciation for the entire, rich spectrum of human emotion. Whether it’s joy, sorrow, hope, or longing, I genuinely strive to explore and express all these complex feelings through my music. I want listeners to embark on an emotional journey with each song, allowing themselves to experience and connect with whatever feelings my melodies and lyrics stir within them.
From a purely musical perspective, my sound is firmly rooted in acoustic foundations, emphasizing the authenticity and warmth of real instruments. However, my creative explorations don’t stop there; my music branches out into a diverse array of different genres and styles. Sometimes, you’ll hear a distinctly pop sensibility, while at other times, it might lean towards a more dance-oriented rhythm, or even a heartfelt folk narrative. Ultimately, I believe my music is consistently catchy and memorable, designed to stick with you long after the first listen. More importantly, it’s crafted to evoke something truly special, something that resonates deep within, making you feel understood and connected.
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HollywoodLife: Do you hold a particularly cherished or vivid moon-related memory? I vividly recall one summer night where the moon shone with such intensity at midnight that the entire landscape felt bathed in a soft, ethereal dusk.
Jonah Kagen: Without a doubt, the most poignant moon-related memory I have is that pivotal night that directly inspired “Moon.” The memory of looking up at the sky and finding such profound comfort in the shared sight of the moon with the person I was missing is incredibly fond, though it also carries a touch of bittersweet nostalgia. It was a powerful moment of connection across distance. Beyond that initial inspiration, there have been several nights since I wrote the song where the moon has appeared astonishingly bright or unusually large and close. These sightings now feel even more incredibly special to me. There’s a truly unique and cool feeling that comes from creating something so personal, writing lyrics from the heart, and then genuinely believing those very words as they play out in your own life and experiences. It’s a full-circle moment that deepens my connection to the music.
HollywoodLife: As 2021 progresses, what’s the overarching plan for your career? Can fans anticipate live performances or a tour in the near future? And perhaps most excitingly, will you be gracing us with even more new music before the year concludes?
Jonah Kagen: I am incredibly excited to share that I have tons of new music already in the pipeline and on its way! My passion for performing live is immense, and I’m genuinely eager to start playing shows. However, I still have one more semester of college to complete, which is a significant commitment for me. In addition to my studies, I’m also a dedicated soccer player for my school team. So, my immediate plan is to finish out my last season of soccer and successfully complete my final set of classes. Alongside these academic and athletic commitments, I will absolutely continue releasing new music consistently. I also aim to do as many live performances as my schedule allows during this period. The ultimate goal is to enter into 2022 fully prepared and ready to embark on a comprehensive tour, bringing my music directly to all my amazing fans. I truly can’t wait to share all of this new journey and experience with y’all!
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Jonah Kagen’s evocative new single, “Moon,” is out now and available on all major streaming platforms. Don’t miss this illuminating track as it guides you through Kagen’s vibrant new artistic phase.