“Theres a brotherhood in the blues that reaches around the world. Its a language that we all speak, some places have a different take on it. Seeing how far it has reached, attention and detail it gets. I like being able to speak this language and share this with people.”

Jon Hines: Memphis Sun, Maple Blues

Jon Hines is a Cape Breton based, Canadian blues musician who has received national and international radio play across Canada, UK, and the United States of America. Fresh off a two month Australian tour, Hines is a two time winner of the East Coast Blues Society, “Maritime to Memphis” blues challenge, where he represented Atlantic Canada in Memphis, Tennessee during the International Blues Challenge, placing as a semi finalist in the 2025 band category. Hines is also a Blues Recording Artist of the Year award recipient for Music Nova Scotia and a two-time ECMA nominated artist for Blues Recording of the Year.                                    (Photo: Jon Hines, Canadian blues musician)

On September 5th, 2025, Jon Hines will release his first band recording, called Memphis Sun. Featuring seven masterfully crafted blues-roots songs backed by a powerful rhythm section. Memphis Sun highlights Hines’ swampy, gritty guitar playing, coupled with haunting vocals and storytelling. Jon is partnered with Godin Guitars, Black Mountain Picks and Wild Dog Stomp Boxes.

Interview by Michael Limnios                       Special Thanks: Sarah French Publicity 

How has the Blues influenced your views of the world? 

Theres a brotherhood in the blues that reaches around the world. Its a language that we all speak, some places have a different take on it. 

Seeing how far it has reached, attention and detail it gets. I like being able to speak this language and share this with people. 

How do you describe your sound, music philosophy and songbook? Where does your creative drive come from?

I would say I have a gritty moody sound. I like listening to music that has a feeling and tells a story. Thats how I approach my songwriting. You need to be ready to write down inspiration when it strikes.  

What moment changed your music life the most? What´s been the highlights in your life and career so far?

Theres a few moments prior, but I’d say going to Memphis as a solo act representing Atlantic Canada for the first time played a big part. With that turned into a chance meeting with the Australian blues society, helped sparked the creation of this record. From that experience, I was able to represent Atlantic Canada again in the IBCs, then tour the Australian outback playing blues for two months.

”There will always be a voice and an ear for blues. In my opinion, the role of music is to tell a story, share emotion. Spark a feeling, or trigger a memory. It needs to grab people somehow.” (Photo: Jon Hines, a Canadian blues musician who has received national and international radio play)

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of the past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

Older blues has more feeling. Live recordings off the floor were better suited for capturing that sound. I fear more about people forgetting where blues came from. 

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Work on your craft obviously, but don’t be afraid to reach out, ask or take a chance. Don’t wait, be professional, show up. 

Why is it importan we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today’s society?

There will always be a voice and an ear for blues. In my opinion, the role of music is to tell a story, share emotion. Spark a feeling, or trigger a memory. It needs to grab people somehow. 

What are you doing to keep your music relevant today, to develop it and present it to the new generation?

I’m sharing the music I fell in love with, gritty guitar with story telling, feeling and vibe. Story telling,  guitar playing as a solo act and band act. 

As an indie musician, how do you navigate the balance between creative freedom and commercial appeal? 

I dive into two different styles for my performances, I perform as a solo act, and a band act. Both give me creative freedom, but have a different appeal, based on the sound difference between the two. 

I like being able to dip my toes into two styles at once, reaching a wider audience.

John Hines Music  - Home

(Photo: Jon Hines)