My Mona - Johnny O’Neil

Johnny had this to say about the making of the video, “As “My Mona” is quite a sonic departure from other tracks on ‘Brand New Day,’ we wanted to make a video that is quite a visual departure from our previous efforts. In particular, we wanted to capture the experience of all that is involved in preparing for a show. This time around, we filmed in multiple locations, including live footage from a performance at “The Fine Line” in Minneapolis, rehearsing at our studio, “Bearded Maggie Studio,” and our antics on the bus at “The Minnesota Music Café” in Saint Paul.”

The song itself, one of three tracks on the album co-written by Johnny and his blazing lead guitarist partner, John Funk, has a distinct R&B, honky-tonk, Rolling Stones vibe, and tells the story of a touring musician sleeping in a roach-infested motel who’s missing his companion back home, even though she “treats him so cruel.” It is also the only track on the album without a guitar solo! Instead, the tune features a blistering sax solo by Jason Peterson DeLaire, who makes a cameo appearance in the video, along with Brianna Tagg-Jorgensen on background vocals. And speaking of the bus, it’s a 1948 Greyhound (built by GMC), restored by its owner, Dave Vonwax (aka, “Kid Rock”), who plays the role of the bus driver.

“MY MONA”
Songwriters: Johnny O’Neil & John Funk
Musicians: Johnny O’Neil: Lead and Backing Vocals, Lead and Rhythm Guitar
John Funk: Lead and Rhythm Guitar
Joachim Baecker: Drums
Benny Craig: Bass Guitar

Executive Producer: Johnny O’Neil
Produced by The Blood Brothers: Johnny O’Neil & Brian Bart
Engineered and Recorded by: Brian Bart at Logic Recording, Winterland Studios, and Pachyderm Studios April-September 2022
Mixed And Mastered by: Brian Bart at Logic Recording Studio

Videographers: Brianna and Kurt Jorgensen
Video Editing: Brianna Jorgensen
Band Scenes Filmed on Location at “The Fine Line” in Minneapolis, rehearsing at our studio, “Bearded Maggie Studio,” and our antics on the bus at “The Minnesota Music Café” in Saint Paul.”