If you were at SXSW earlier this year or watch lots of television, you may be familiar with Jonathan Clay…but for those who weren’t able to get to Austin…Jonathan Clay will be releasing his sophomore album, Everything She Wants on June 15th and it is good stuff!

His music has been heard on MTV’s The Hills, The Real World, ABC’s Lincoln Heights, The Lifetime Network, and quite a few more shows. Jonathan has worked with some of the best writers from London to LA and traveled the country touring after his debut album. In 2007, he was offered a development deal with Atlantic Records. Though due to creative differences, the deal did not last. Jonathan stayed dedicated to his music and released “The Acoustic Sessions” in 2008, endorsed by Levi’s Jeans. Today, with his second album about to release, get to know Jonathan in this interview below to find out about the artist you will be hearing lots more of on your favorite television shows!

Your music has appeared on so many television shows! Which show were you most excited to have your music appear on?
Hmm…I think The Hills because of the viewership. MTV is great for exposure and really helps build more of a following, so I was very excited about that.

Would you say you were more inspired musically in Nashville or NYC?
That’s totally apples and oranges. New York has an energy about it, you can develop a crush on the city, it’s so alive. Nashville is so nostalgic for me since I grew up in a small town. It’s a lot more familiar and what I am used to. I enjoy both places a lot and I think they were equally inspiring.

What went behind your decision to go to college in Texas & was it the music that led you back there?
I went to college because I thought that was what you did after high school. I knew I wasn’t really ready to run off with a career in music at that point. What led me back to Texas…the food is just too good here. (laughs) Seriously, Austin is one of a kind. It is a really diverse and vibrant city. There’s everything from hippies to computer science majors here. My family is here and it’s a very comfortable place for me. I don’t know if Austin is where I will be in 2 years but back then it worked and right now it works…but who knows where I will be a year or two from now.

Tell me about your experience at SXSW this year.
It was a blur. It was crazy. It was a lot of fun. I feel like SXSW is the time for the music business in Austin which is atypical for this town, so it’s a cool chance to network at home. There is constant music. I played a few shows, had some friends in town, and had a good time.

What’s your favorite city or venue to tour and perform?
That’s a tough one. I would have to say up and down the West Coast is my favorite place to tour.

Now what went behind the decision to having a band as opposed to going completely solo?
A few things factored into that. Once you get a taste of the on stage energy and chemistry of playing with a band, I think it is addictive and impossible to attain by yourself. The improvisation and communication, that in itself is an experience like nothing else. When I started out, it was more about the solo acoustic singer/songwriter but I like being pushed to be better by the band and changing up the sound a bit…and it just makes it a lot more fun.

What was it like working with producer, Kevin Kadish (Jason Mraz, Stacie Orrico) for the new record?
Kevin was great! I wanted to work with someone who would get me out of my comfort zone and Kevin did that. He is a super creative guy, he has an insane ear for melodies. He hears things that I don’t hear and he did a great job in bringing out the best of what I put on the table.

What was the most challenging song to write or just to share?
I feel like when you get in the studio, some songs, all you have to do is start playing and they reveal themselves. Though with other songs, you have to do a bit more searching. “Black Cat” was one of those, it wasn’t easy. We also had to work to develop “Carousel.” I knew what I wanted it to be but it wasn’t easy to get there. “Gyspy Woman” was fun and easy. You experience both sides of the spectrum when making a record.

For more visit, Jonathan Clay’s official website.