On 29 November 2024, English singer-songwriter Jono McCleery will release Reconcile, his eighth studio album and first on the Sonar Kollektiv label. Known for his deep, genre-blending style, McCleery’s latest work draws from a fusion of jazz, folk, and soul influences, punctuated by a keen interest in electronic and avant-garde music. Reconcile is a reflective and profoundly personal project that not only pushes McCleery’s sound forward but also showcases his evolving artistry and desire to “put things right” after a few quieter years.

Since his self-released debut album Darkest Light in 2008, McCleery has built a distinctive catalog, with releases through the respected Ninja Tune Recordings and collaborations with Maribou State, Portico Quartet, and Maceo Plex. His music has attracted support from industry icons such as Gilles Peterson and Jamie Cullum, and he has toured internationally with Bonobo and Jamie Woon. With over 50 million streams on Spotify and several TV placements on shows like Queen Sugar and This Is Us, McCleery’s music has a proven reach and resonates widely.

For Reconcile, McCleery moved away from studio sessions with his live band, choosing instead to record solo in a secluded cabin surrounded by woodland.

“I wanted a space where I felt at ease and could completely immerse myself,”.

he explains

The album’s production is a blend of his own efforts and contributions from longtime collaborators Matt Kelly and Greg Haynes (aka Fybe One), as well as Dutch producer Jesse Koolhaas. This allowed McCleery to explore more intricate vocal arrangements and add his touch on double bass and percussion, creating a sound that feels both intimate and expansive.

The tracklist for Reconcile includes:

A1 – The One

A2 – To See You Again

A3 – So Messed Up

A4 – Like I Do

B1 – Only You

B2 – Reconcile

B3 – I Try To Remember

B4 – Let’s Get Back To It

The album’s cover art, a drawing by McCleery’s daughter, brings an additional layer of personal significance. The image, an abstracted flower that “resembles a bright star in the night,” aligns with the album’s themes of resilience and renewal.

“It’s imperfect, has sharp edges, and impressions of light. It reminded me of everything this album is about – surviving storms, emerging stronger, and still finding ways to shine.”

McCleery shares

Despite its acoustic roots, Reconcile nods toward the electronic as well, blending genres with finesse. Tracks like “The One” and “Let’s Get Back To It” feature carefully interwoven string and vocal arrangements, balancing between acoustic warmth and subtle electronic textures. Having collaborated with electronic artists over the years, McCleery wanted to create a sound that could be enjoyed both in solitary reflection and within a social, communal setting. The result is an album that feels intimate yet expansive, inviting listeners to connect on multiple levels.

At its heart, Reconcile is about growth, connection, and healing. In McCleery’s words, the album is “a chance to restart” and share something deeply personal with the world. His hope is for it to reach listeners meaningfully, helping them through life’s moments and transitions – a sentiment that has defined his career and artistry. With this release on Sonar Kollektiv, McCleery cements his place as a distinctive voice in modern music, one who brings sincerity and timelessness to every note.

Pre-order / Pre-save: https://sonarkollektiv.lnk.to/Reconcile