Raw, introspective, and profoundly human, The Bones of J.R. Jones’ sixth album ‘Radio Waves’ radiates with the glimmer of dim summer streetlights and the resonances of memories in transit. In a discussion with Atwood Magazine, Jonathon Linaberry delves into themes of nostalgia, transience, and the subtle process of reconnecting with oneself.
These tracks are meant for nighttime – the kind of endless night where you drive just to listen to music.
A haunting light permeates Radio Waves, flickering between nostalgia and the present; a contrast between headlights glimmering on wet asphalt and the diminishing rhythm of soft summer streetlights. For Jonathon Linaberry, the creative mind behind The Bones of J.R. Jones, this glow became his guide. His sixth studio album is steeped in remembrance, movement, and a yearning to rekindle that childhood excitement connected to music—like when he’d eagerly await his favorite tune on the radio. This reflection is anything but polished or sentimental; it's raw, magnetic, and deeply human. As Linaberry aptly states, “All you have to do is tune in.”
Released on June 20th via Tone Tree Music, Radio Waves signifies a bold transformation for The Bones of J.R. Jones in both sound and spirit. Produced by GRAMMY-winner Robbie Lackritz (known for his work with Feist and Bahamas) and recorded in Toronto, this album represents Linaberry’s first collaboration with an external producer, allowing him to step away from the creative isolation that once characterized his work in favor of newfound clarity and depth. “I felt like I was the most whole I’ve been while writing these songs,” he shares with Atwood Magazine. “Most times I feel like I’m stumbling in the dark, but this time I knew what I wanted to create.”
The outcome is an album that feels both timeless and vibrant—lo-fi yet luminous, raw yet polished. Its sonic landscape balances the analog warmth of vintage AM radio with the introspection of late-night confessions; for Linaberry, these are the sounds and narratives of his own maturation. The album opens with “Car Crash,” a poignant introduction that encapsulates the human experience: “I want your whole heart, even the broken parts.” This track unfolds and resonates like a cinematic release, offering an intimate reckoning that finds solace in imperfection. Following it is the ethereal “Savages,” a nostalgic portrayal of youth and freedom (“We were savages, summer steamed off our skin”) that ignites with the intensity of fond memories.
While it's easy to get sentimental about childhood and the past, with the turmoil in the world today, I found comfort in revisiting the passions of my youth.
Across these eleven songs, tension and tenderness flow harmoniously. The haunting “Shameless” stands out as one of Linaberry’s favorites—“Something about that song captures how I envisioned the album sounding,” he remarks. Its verses resonate through deserted streets and half-lit bars like echoes of a once-vibrant love. The acoustic, folk-inspired track “Heart Attack” grapples with expectations and faith (“God ain’t waiting on me anyway”), while “Waste Some Time,” featuring Tamara Lindeman of The Weather Station, slows the tempo to something soft and lived-in. “You said a worried heart always keeps their ghosts, so it never sleeps alone,” Linaberry sings, his voice gently fraying at the edges. This moment of quiet revelation encapsulates both the fragility and resilience at the heart of Radio Waves.
This theme of duality—both the ache and acceptance—culminates in “Start Again,” the gentle, piano-driven conclusion of the album. Stripped down to its core, the song feels like a self-whispered prayer: “Fold us down into this land, close our eyes, start again.” This ending does not promise resolution but rather possibility—a reminder that healing is not about erasing the past but learning to cradle it with care. “I suppose I concluded the record with it because it felt like a strong way to exit,” Linaberry shares. “It has a unique flavor compared to the rest of the album… it's one of my favorite hidden gems.”
Despite its reflective nature, Radio Waves is not simply a retreat into the past, but a dialogue with it—a transmission from the same restless heart that has inspired The Bones of J.R. Jones for over a decade. Linaberry revisits his earliest passions—those late nights by the radio and those endless drives through the Catskills—not to relive them, but to comprehend how they have influenced the man and musician he has become. It’s the sound of someone rediscovering themselves.
All you have to do is tune in.
Since the release of Radio Waves, Linaberry has continued to be active. Following his network television debut on CBS Saturday Morning, he has approached the album through a fresh perspective
Anna Lynch’s debut single “Wake Up” is more than just an initial release; it's a complete release of breath. Blending jazz-infused instrumentation with a pop-infused warmth and introspective lyrics, the Manchester-based artist creates an auditory reminder that it's okay to fall apart, grow, and start anew.
Indie pop artist to watch, BEL, showcases an ethereal allure on “Parachute,” the vibrant and optimistic final song from her debut album, ‘Holy Grail.’
Canetis has released his new single, ‘JOANA’. Crafting a love letter to Brazil, the Italian producer DJ presents a colorful and energetic track. From
The Irish band Lankum has released their haunting version of The Specials' iconic track 'Ghost Town'. The group has created remarkable music up to this point, earning
When you imagine a Queens Of The Stone Age concert, you likely picture loud volumes, powerful riffs, and high-energy rock music. What you might not have anticipated is
London-based rapper and producer BLACK FONDU, who has roots in Accra, has revealed details about his upcoming debut EP. The genre-defying artist garnered attention with his latest single 'im not.
Raw, introspective, and deeply human, The Bones of J.R. Jones’ sixth album ‘Radio Waves’ radiates with the soft glow of faint summer streetlights and the resonance of memories in transition. In a discussion with Atwood Magazine, Jonathon Linaberry shares his thoughts on nostalgia, transience, and the subtle process of reconnecting with oneself.