Exclusive Interview: Jonny Thorns

Feature

14 Aug

Jonny Thorns isn’t here to brood, overcomplicate, or make you feel like life’s a puzzle you’ll never solve. Quite the opposite—his upcoming single “What We Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Us” is a breezy, rock-tinged invitation to stop overthinking, lean into the moment, and take life as it comes. It’s got the swagger of classic rock, the warmth of jangly guitars, and a message that lands right in the sweet spot of mental well-being and feel-good escapism.

Hailing from Durham, England, Thorns has been steadily crafting his sound—equal parts heartfelt songwriting and guitar-driven energy—with the help of long-time producer Andy Bell at Blast Recording Studios in Newcastle. This track feels like a milestone in his evolution. Bell himself calls it “the best Jonny Thorns track ever”—and you can hear why within the first ten seconds.

The opening hook doesn’t waste time—it’s immediate, pulling you into a steady groove that hints at something bigger on the horizon. There’s a lot to admire here: Jonny’s soulful vocals carry a confidence that matches the song’s uplifting tone; the guitar work—both acoustic and electric—is intricate without being fussy.

Musically, the song sits comfortably in that space where British rock nostalgia meets modern indie charm. The Beatles influence sneaks in through the chord progressions—uncommon turns that keep the ear engaged—while Sam Fender-style guitar textures give it a more contemporary edge. Andy Bell even added shades of Alabama Shakes in the rhythm section, which makes sense when you hear James Wake’s drumming: relaxed and spacey in the verses, then punching hard in the choruses to really let the song soar. There’s also an undeniable Oasis-esque strut in the electric guitars during the bigger sections, especially after the key change.

Ah yes, the key change—a bold move that gives the final act a proper lift. Jonny admits it was a tricky part to nail on guitar, but the recording process was playful and experimental: multiple capo positions, layered acoustic overdubs, and a willingness to find the perfect tone. That patience paid off—the transition is seamless, and when the last chorus hits, it’s nothing short of euphoric.

Lyrically, “What We Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Us” is as straightforward as it is resonant. It’s about self-acceptance, loving the people who love you, and refusing to be crushed by worries about the future. Jonny’s own personal shift over the last two years—from overthinking to embracing life as it comes—fuels the sincerity in every line. In a cultural moment where conversations about mental health are louder than ever, the song’s optimism feels not just refreshing, but necessary.

The recording itself has a bit of magic in it, too. Blast Recording Studios has hosted the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Sam Fender, and Jonny clearly thrives in that environment. You can almost hear the camaraderie between him, Bell, and Wake in the final mix. It’s the sound of people enjoying the process as much as the product.

By the time the track reaches its final chorus, the arrangement is bigger, brighter, and bolder than where it started—just like the journey it’s describing. It’s the kind of song that leaves you with a grin, maybe even a little more faith in the idea that not having all the answers is actually a gift.

“What We Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Us” makes you feel good, makes you feel understood, and maybe even makes you put your phone down for three minutes to just enjoy the ride. And in 2025, that’s about as rock ‘n’ roll as it gets.

We spoke to Jonny about the track and his journey so far.

Do you have an interesting moment or story from your early life that has had a significant impact on your journey into music?

Jonny: I wasn't always particularly interested in music when I was younger, I do distinctly remember listening to Noel Gallagher's self titled solo album on holiday in July 2012 on holiday and I very quickly became obsessed with the music and the 10 songs on that record. That album was the segway into Oasis for me and from there I began to listen to all the other indie bands.

Are there any artists that were influential to your musical journey? How have they inspired your sound as an artist?

Jonny: I'm influenced by classic songwriting so as well as Noel Gallagher, Richard Ashcroft from the Verve is a major influence when shaping the sound. The Arctic Monkeys are another influence, although perhaps you wouldn't hear that so much in their earlier material, more so in the simpler writing on an album like Suck it and See. But there are numerous influences such as The Stone Roses, The Courteeners, The Smiths, Sterophonics, The Beatles, Catfish and the Bottlemen, The Lake Poets, Keane and Prefab Sprout. Some tracks I like to throw the kitchen sink at it and make uplifting rock music , whereas in others I prefer to write emotional acoustic songs which have been significantly influenced by Marty Longstaff from the Lake Poets and Noel Gallagher's solo material.

How would you describe your sound to new listeners? What do you think sets you apart?

Jonny: I try not to write the same track twice to keep it interesting for myself and the listener. I write on an acoustic guitar so that is often driving my music how I love to rock my songs up with soaring electric guitars particularly in the chorus sections of my songs. I do also enjoy just playing an acoustic song accompanied with piano also though. My upcoming album is rocking but also quite eclectic so there is something for everyone, despite being an indie album at it's core.

What’s your creative process? Where do you normally start when it comes to writing and recording? Do the lyrics come first?

Jonny: I always start with an acoustic guitar and chip away at chord progressions and melodies. I'll record a voice memo so I can store all my ideas but generally if it's any good I'll remember it in my head anyway. I only go after working on a melody and chord progression if I deem it any good, I don't waste time on anything I'm not into. Lyrcis are always an after thought but generally the first line informs the rest of a song. My song's are personal and my upcoming record is all about those closest to me, my family, my girlfriend and friends. I always layer stuff up in the studio but I always begin with the acoustic guitar.

Tell us about the key contributors to this project.

Jonny: Having written the track on acoustic guitar myself, I took the song to Andy Bell at Blast Recording studios in July 2024 in Newcastle. He is my main producer and has produced the majority of my upcoming second album. Although I played all the acoustic and electric rhythm guitar on the song, Andy played bass, some additional lead guitar and keyboards, contributing to the massive sound. James Wake played drums on the track, creating a great energy to the track and enabled the song to rock in the chorus sections as well as playing more relaxed fills in the verses.

Who influenced this release?

Jonny: In terms of the chord structure, the song was inspired by artists such as The Beatles due to some of the uncommon chord changes as the song progresses. Their can also be a similarity in the sound of the guitars to Sam Fender's mid tempo tracks, such as his song "Saturday". Andy the producer picked up on an Alabama Shakes influence, and suggested this as a starting point for the drums. The rock guitars in the choruses also are a nod to classic rock artists such as Oasis.

What's the story behind this release?

Jonny: The song is about learning about your own place in the world, self acceptance and being happy and content with yourself and your life. Your loved ones are all that matters and the people that care about you. The idea that life is not worth overthinking and that you can't worry about the unforeseen or the future; live in the moment. It has been in the last two years that I have changed my state of mind and really started to respect my life and who I am.

Tell us what makes this release stand out and why it's significant.

Jonny: I love how the track starts with the hook straight away and hooks listeners from the the first few seconds. It includes some of the best vocals I have ever recorded which are sang with a confidence. The whole rocking vibe of the track makes me feel amazing and I love how the song keeps getting bigger after the second chorus. The key change and drop down section before the last chorus kicks in is epic in my book!

Where did the recording take place?

Jonny: Blast Recording Studio in Newcastle! It took place in July 2024, it is possibly the most fun I have ever had in a recording session! I have watched my music evolve and improve in that studio over the years and I have a great love and respect for Andy Bell my producer who has worked with me over the last 4 years. Artists such as the Arctic Monkeys and Sam Fender have previously worked their which is very inspiring!

What was unique about the recording process?

Jonny: We started with acoustic guitars and a guide vocal to get the track started. I was nervous about recording the guitars for the key change as it can be a tough part to play on guitar! Luckily Andy recorded me playing this key change in many different ways , for example playing guitars with different capo placings and overdubbing acoustic guitars to find the best sound! The transition sounds great on the record! It was until we put the drums down and then the electric guitars however that we realized the song needed to be a rock track! You can hear it it the whole vibe of the song!

Do you have any recent or upcoming performances to highlight?

Jonny: I hopefully have a gig at a well known Newcastle venue in early November in the works , but I can't confirm this just yet at the moment! Hopefully more news on that soon!

Could you share a memorable quote about this release or your journey as an artist?

Jonny: “This is the best Jonny Thorns track ever man!" from Andy my producer. I have never really written a track in this style before so it was exciting to see the track evolve and work on something slightly different to my norm! I can now see where he was coming from!

Is there anything additional that would be valuable for our readers to know?

Jonny: I think the song has a positive message, particularly in this day and age where their is such a huge emphasis placed on mental well being. To make an uplifting song in this context is an amazing feeling!

”What We Don’t Know Won’t Hurt Us” is available now on all major streaming platforms