The Songwriting Journey of Jon McCollin: Industry Advice & Working With Preston Pablo
I had the pleasure of speaking with Jon McCollin, a talented songwriter whose work has been heard alongside artists like Preston Pablo, Jayd Ink, CLUB BOYBND and more. With a deep passion for storytelling through music, Jon has carved out a unique space in the industry, blending emotion and melody to craft unforgettable songs. In our conversation, we discussed his journey into songwriting, the creative process that fuels his work, and the valuable advice he has for aspiring songwriters looking to make their mark.
Jon McCollin's Journey into Songwriting
How did you get into songwriting, and what inspired you to pursue this career?
"I started out producing music in secondary school while growing up in Barbados. I was lucky enough to get an opportunity to work in a studio where I got to see some of the best in the country do their thing. During that time, I co-wrote and produced a single for Alison Hinds, the Queen of Soca. Over time, I found myself drawn to songwriting — melodies naturally came to me, and I really enjoyed the process of bringing a song and concept to life. That’s when I knew this was what I wanted to do as a career."
Memorable Studio Moments
Can you share a memorable studio moment or collaboration that stood out in your career?
"One that really stands out is working with the homie Love Mansuy, an incredible artist and songwriter. We locked in for two days and ended up cutting 10 records. The energy was just right, to be honest — everything just flowed, and the vibes were immaculate. Moments like that remind me why I love this work so much."
Balancing Artistic Vision and Collaboration
How do you balance your artistic vision with the needs or input of the artists you’re working with?
"As songwriters, we’re in the service industry — our job is to bring the artist’s vision to life. At the end of the day, they’re the ones performing these songs for years to come, so they need to feel a connection to them. My goal in the room is always to help them curate their world through that song, whether that means structuring the story, piecing elements together, or stepping back when necessary. It’s really about knowing when to contribute and when to let instincts lead the way."
Advice for Aspiring Songwriters
What advice would you give to up-and-coming songwriters looking to break into the music industry?
Learn to Record Yourself: "Before anything else, learn how to record yourself. The fewer barriers you have to creating, the better. Invest in a basic setup, learn how to create a sonically pleasing demo, and start building your catalog."
Consistency is Key: "Set a goal to write and record one song per week and stick to it. The consistency will help you improve naturally."
Focus on Quality: "Compare your songs to those you admire, analyze what’s missing, and keep refining your craft."
Speed and Efficiency Matter: "As you level up, speed becomes key — being able to create at a high level, quickly and consistently, is what will set you apart."
Juno Award Nomination and Industry Recognition
You were recently nominated for a Juno Award for your contributions to Preston Pablo's Anywhere But Here EP. What was that experience like?
"I co-wrote and worked on the vocal production for a couple of records on the EP, collaborating with Preston and some other amazing talents to shape these songs. It was an incredible experience. Being familiar with Preston’s music, I was excited to be a part of this project, and seeing it get recognized at that level was really special."
What’s Next for Jon McCollin?
What are your future plans and projects?
"More of what I love — continuing to collaborate with my favorite artists and producers, making as much music as possible, and growing my catalog. I’m also focusing on building the IMGRNTS brand and working with my team to explore new partnerships and opportunities. The goal is to always keep evolving, creating, and pushing things forward."
Conclusion
Jon McCollin’s journey into songwriting is an inspiring testament to hard work, passion, and dedication. His insights provide valuable lessons for aspiring songwriters looking to break into the industry. From honing your craft to embracing collaboration, his advice is a roadmap to success in the competitive world of music. Keep an eye on Jon’s future projects as he continues to make an impact in the industry.
