Jon McClure (Reverend and the Makers) on Robbie Williams, Mental Health and Is This How Happiness Feels

Send us Fan MailSome interviews feel less like promotion and more like catching up with someone who’s lived a few extra lifetimes since you last spoke. That was definitely the case when I sat down with Jon McClure from Reverend and the Makers to talk about the band’s eighth studio album Is This How Happiness Feels and their new single Messed Up featuring Robbie Williams. One of the most memorable stories came from the creation of the song itself. Jon revealed he spent three days awake with Robbie Williams, talking about everything from life to fame to personal struggles… and somewhere in the middle of all that conversation, Messed Up emerged. It’s exactly the kind of chaotic, emotional and honest story you’d hope for from two artists who’ve both lived through the highs and lows of the music industry. The conversation also circled back to the last time Jon and I spoke, more than a decade ago, when he was vocal about his frustration with radio stations favouring pop over what he saw as “real music”. Interestingly, he admitted his stance has softened over time, bringing a more balanced perspective to the industry now. Mental health also played a big part in the discussion. Jon spoke thoughtfully about why he connects with what Professor Green says publicly around mental health and vulnerability, particularly for men. And with festival season approaching, we also talked about what fans can expect from Reverend and the Makers live this summer… energy, emotion and probably a few unforgettable moments. 🎧 You can hear the full conversation now on The MarshyCast, available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts. Find me on all social media @paulswampymarsh