Since I referenced Dan Auerbach’s production work with Marcus King in a previous post, now it’s time to shed light on another Dan Auerbach production project. Jon Muq is his name and his debut album Flying Away, is slated for a May 31 release via Auerbach’s label Easy Eye Sound. So who is Jon Muq? Great question!

He’s a Ugandan-born singer-songwriter who busked for homeless children after learning how to sing by listening to “We are the World” on repeat. From busking on Ugandan city streets to a gig on a Norwegian Cruise Line, Muq eventually found his way to Austin, TX. Since arriving in Austin, he’s shared the stage with the likes of Billy Joel, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples and Corrine Bailey Rae, to name a few.

His lead single “Shake Shake” might just be the best song we’ve heard this week. Muq is on tour through July with dates likely to be added in due course. His current slate takes him to Los Angeles’ revered Hotel Cafe, Kansas City’s inimitable Folk Alliance, Miami’s best-selling Cayamo Festival and some SXSW appearances in his new hometown. Bottom line: if he’s near your city, do yourself a favor and see him. He’s the kind of artist you’d like to be able to say you saw first.

Feb. 10 – Austin TX – The 04 Center
Feb. 13 – Houston TX – McGonigels Mucky Duck
Feb. 20 – Los Angeles CA – Hotel Cafe
Feb. 22 -Kansas City MO – Folk Alliance
March 1-7 – Miami FL – Cayamo Festival
March 13 - Austin TX – Continental Club / SXSW
March 15 - Austin TX – SXSW
April 8 – Washington D.C. – Pearl Street Warehouse
April 11- New York NY – Rockwood Music Hall
April 13 – Philadelphia PA – World Cafe Live
July 5 – Marshfield MA – Levitate Festival