▸▹ Jon Bongly is a force of positive energy, spinning original and remixed beats including funk, soul, blues, ska, UK garage and assorted electronica. One of the pioneers of electro swing, retro remix and world beats in the UK, he also likes pulsing techno and wriggling tropical beats ◂◃

In 2022 Jon played at Big Love Festival in Wales, Small World Spring Festival, Give!, Friarstock, and continued his residency at The Magic Garden in Battersea. During the last few years Jon has played at Glastonbury, the Isle Of Wight Festival, Latitude, YNot, Give! and Sundown festivals. He has performed regularly at Boomtown, Womad, Glastonbury, Secret Garden Party, Istanbul Jazz Festival, Artisti in Piazza and Django Festivals in Pennabilli, Italy, and Cloud Cuckoo Land, as well as Festival Number 6, Glade, Strawberry Fair, Harlequin Fayre, Big Love, Bimble Bandada and Small World festivals, with numerous appearances at the London Remixed Festival. He has supported Parov Stelar at a sold-out gig at the Forum in Kentish Town, London, and has travelled regularly to the famous Babylon Club in Istanbul to perform marathon Friday night sets. He supported French act 'Zaz' in KüçükÇiftlik Park, Istanbul, performing before a crowd of about 8,000.

He has played alongside: Parov Stelar * The Correspondents * Dirty Honkers * Swing Republic * Sweet Life Society * Gypsy Hill * Bart & Baker * DJ Chris Tofu * Kormac * Grant Lazlo * Dutty Moonshine * Phil Mac * Jamie Berry * Electric Swing Circus * Kid Kasino & Shea Soul * Odjbox * Fred Balkayou * World's Tallest DJ * C@ In The H@ * Big Swing Soundsystem * Elle & The Pocket Belles + Mista Trick * Jamie Berry * Ecklectic Mick * The Chicken Brothers * Smerins Anti-Social Club * The Egg * DJ Switch * Will & the People * Mr B The Gentleman Rhymer * John Fairhurst * The Turbans * Duncan Disorderly & the Scallywags * Sashi & the Wildbeans * Too Many Ts.

He was a seasoned regular behind the decks at the legendary Electro Swing Club in London, as well as having a twelve-year residency at The Magic Garden in Battersea, and has run regular nights 'Secret Swing' and 'Swing Loaded'.

These are some covers and self-penned ditties. I have been told that I sing a lot about trees, leaves and pools. Probably because I go swimming every day at Tooting Bec Lido.

As featured on BBC Radio 3 and BBC 6 Music:
'music to connect the concrete to the stars' -here's some work in progress- The Albums are there free on Spotify and Apple, and (if you want to support a penniless writer)  Bandcamp :-)

A big thank you to all who stop by to listen. I am grateful for any and all support!

My first album, Head on Straight, can be found on all streaming platforms. My second album, A Long Way from Hell, will be out sometime this summer. You can find versions of many of the songs that will be on it here. 

You can also follow my YouTube Channel, if you would like. Someday I will add content... promise. https://www.youtube.com/@damiansmithandthejourneymen

About Me:
While I do record and release music independently, my true passion is in the songwriting. I would love to write with or for independent artists, so if you are interested in co-writing for your personal release or recording one of my songs, please reach out.

Round Corners is: James Swayne: keyboards and vocals; Jon (Bongly) Tubmen: drums and percussion; Max Warner: bass, guitar and vocals.

Max Warner is following