By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
It is a pleasure to welcome singer-songwriter Modern Love Child to Jake’s Take.
Modern Love Child is Jonny Shane’s stage name. Earlier this decade, he traveled across the country to Venice Beach, California. After finding moderate success with the Los Angeles band Blue Blazer, he decided to march solo and find a new sound. Eventually, Jonny found hope after random encounters with Ben Kweller. Together, the duo created tracks that became the basis for Modern Love Child’s first album, MLC, which is expected to be released in October on Believe Music.
In this edition of The Five Question Challenge, Modern Love Child talked about his friendship with Ben Kweller and why he wants to collaborate with Kanye West and Cardi B.
Jacob Elyachar: Could you please share your origin story with my readers? How did you come up with the name: “Modern Love Child”?
Modern Love Child: My friend got a new surfboard called “The Love Child” and the name of the company he bought the board from is called “Modern Surf Board Designs,” so when he got the board, I wanted to look up videos on YouTube of people riding this specific board, and typed in “Modern Love Child surfboard,” and was like, “Woah, Modern love Child would be sick band name.” I have had tons of different band names, and this one is by far, my favorite.
Jacob Elyachar: You released the music video of an acoustic version of “Just for Kids” with singer-songwriter Ben Kweller and his son. How did that collaboration come about?
Modern Love Child: I was at a coffee shop in Venice Beach, he was an idol of mine, so I went up to him and introduced myself. Three months later, I am in another small coffee shop in my hometown in Darien, Connecticut. I saw him again. I got chills because I knew it meant something more significant. Now he is like a big brother in the music world to me. We write together, tour together, and he’s brought me into his whole network. It was meant to be.
Jacob Elyachar: What have been some of the challenges that you faced throughout your career? How did you overcome those obstacles?
Modern Love Child: I have just become the ultimate optimist. My best friend and first bandmate committed suicide while in college, and although that was such a terrible and heartbreaking experience, it compelled me to keep chasing our childhood dream of playing music. Then, my dad died while I was recording my debut album. He was my biggest fan, and now I know I have another angel looking over me. Generally, I try to stay positive. So any time I am rejected from things, or negative things happen, I do not let it get me down, because the fire inside me burns too strong.
Jacob Elyachar: Who are your dream collaborators (singers, songwriters, and producers)? How would a team-up with them enhance your sound?
Modern Love Child: Kanye West, Cardi B, or Drake. I feel like if I did a song with any of those people I would not have to work at a yoga studio anymore. I think I could sing a hook for them and crush it. Or Brandon Flowers because he is my idol.
Jacob Elyachar: If you had the opportunity to meet with aspiring singer-songwriters who want to enter the recording industry, what advice would you share with them?
Modern Love Child: Get good at figuring out music industry peoples email addresses and relentlessly chase your dream. That is what I am doing. Still working on it.
You can connect with Modern Love Child on social media. Visit his Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube channels
