How To Build A Kite

The Rainbow Mark

Aquarians

A Straight Line

Love Like This

Cities & Seas

Toy Hearts

Mind Travels

EP released on 7 April 2013

Reviews for Woodnotes

"Meur has managed to pull off a solid effort with winning arrangements and lyrics", Poached, 19 April 2013

"... he definitely has the potential to carve out his own niche, if this strong debut is any indication", Material World, 17 April 2013

"A mix of wistful songwriting, delightful arrangements and a voice that evokes nostalgia, Woodnotes will definitely take you places", Bandwagon, 9 April 2013

"Such is his disarming candour, you're sold", The Straits Times, 5 April 2013

This EP was made in Singapore between December 2012 and March 2013.

All songs written and arranged by Jonathan Meur, except “I Carry Your Heart” (poem by e. e. cummings). Drums arranged by Jason Cruz. Additional piano arrangements by Elizabeth Saw.

“i carry your heart with me(i carry it in”. Copyright 1952, © 1980, 1991 by the Trustees for the E. E. Cummings Trust, from Complete Poems: 1904–1962 by E. E. Cummings, edited by George J. Firmage. Used by permission of Liveright Publishing Corporation.

Jonathan Meur: Vocals, Guitar (track 5), Keys (track 6) 
Rachael Teo, The SMU Chamber Choir: Vocals 
Les Merquita: Guitar 
Elizabeth Saw: Keys 
Cheryl Lim: Trumpet 
Ngai Jia Ming: Alto sax 
Debra Leong: Violin 
Zhong Ren Koh: Cello 
Seow Yi Zhe: Double bass 
Jason Cruz: Drums

Amelia Lee Jing Wen, Valerie Tan Sok Hiang, Petrina Phua Sing Yee, Fiona Caroline Jee, Ryan Chow, Charles Yap Chou Hur, Joseph Tay and Kenneth Yeo Wei Qiang are part of the SMU Chamber Choir and appear courtesy of the Singapore Management University. Les Merquita is part of and appears courtesy of One Hat Town.

Recorded by Ah Boy at TNT Studios (drums), Patrick Chng at The Neptune (lead vocals) and Patrick Chng and Alan Bok at Thom’s Loft (all other instruments). Mixed by Patrick Chng at The Neptune (tracks 1, 3, 6, 7), and Seow Yi Zhe and Ting Si Hao at Home Ground Studios (tracks 2, 4, 5). Mastered by Adam Dempsey at Jack the Bear’s Deluxe Mastering.

Artwork: Maëva Poupard 
Photography: Chia Perq Jon (reddotphoto.com.sg) 
Layout and design: Benjamin Cheh Ming Hann 
Logo: Archer Alif (archeralif.com)

Produced by Jonathan Meur

Woodnotes

I Carry Your Heart

For the longest time, I'd wanted to sing something more meaningful than just "happy birthday". So here it is. What I'd really want to wish anyone on their birthdays.

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LYRICS

The years keep on rolling 
Just like waves 
Like the waves of our lives that they are 
Every new strike is an open invitation 
A dare to sail on 

Happy birthday my friend 
Here’s to the wish 
That you speak in your heart 
That makes you a dreamer 
That you be content and at peace 
With your deeds and intents 
In your heart of hearts 
That’s what I really want to wish you 

Hope that you get all the things 
That you long for and the wisdom 
To long for things that elevate you 
Hope every glance in your rear view 
Shows only the moments of pleasure 
Hope you remember 
The many ways you were made 
To feel cared about and seen 
Spurred on, admired, alive 

Happy birthday my friend 
Here’s to the spring in your step 
That defines you, you go-getter 
That you be content and at peace 
With your deeds and intents 
That’s what I really want to wish you 

Happy birthday my friend 
Here’s to the resolve in your stare 
And the kindness in your eyes 
That you be content and at peace 
With your deeds and intents 
In my heart of hearts 
In my heart of hearts 
In my heart of hearts 
That’s what I really want to wish you 

So happy birthday

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CREDITS

Vocals / Guitar: Jonathan Meur 
Trumpet: Jonathan Baird 

Written by Jonathan Meur 
Recording, additional programming and mixing by Gabriel Lynch 
Mastering by Lee Williams

Happy Birthday (What I Really Want To Wish You)

Jonathan Meur was born in France, grew up on the tropical island of Mauritius, and has been living and making music in Singapore for the last ten years. As a child, Jonathan's love for music grew from singing roles in school projects (including a production of Les Misérables) and an early obsession with Björk. 

After moving to Singapore, he participated in a range of productions while at his alma mater, from a cappella concerts (with SMU VOIX) to rock (SMU Sound Foundry) and classical (Vladimir Martynov’s Singapore). He also wrote music for TV commercials and plays. 

Jonathan started writing his own songs in 2008. A fusion of folk, pop, rock and classical, his music has drawn comparisons to the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Kings of Convenience and Regina Spektor.

In 2012, Jonathan was one of the acts selected to take part in the Noise Singapore Music Mentorship Programme, as well as a featured artist at the Singapore Writers Festival. In November, he also contributed the song “December By The Isle Of You” to Christmas in Singapore, a compilation album of original songs in support of the Rare Disorders Society (Singapore). In April 2013, Jonathan released Woodnotes, his debut EP, as well as Live at the Esplanade, a selection of live tracks performed with Australian singer-­songwriter Gabriel Lynch. 

Jonathan kicked off 2014 with a VIMA nomination for “December By The Isle Of You” in the “Best Pop Song” category and a residency at Lowercase at Lasalle College of the Arts. In July 2015, he released How To Build A Kite, his first full-­length album, with a sold out gig at The Substation. A music video was also released for lead single Toy Hearts. 

Jonathan Meur

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