Steven A. Jackson Jr. (a.k.a. Shonny Jones) is a Chicago-based music producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumentalist, DJ and music obsessionist. Described by friends as a “distributor of musical tastes”, Steve has always had a special connection and understanding of music, that for most of his life was a primary way he connected with those close to him. He was the kid geeking out about old records, the guy at the party on aux–whether by choice or demand–and the friend with the impeccable new music recs. 

After being introduced to DJing by a roommate in college, Steve began his first foray into the creation side of music. Something that was intended to be a closeted hobby soon became a sidegig. Coupled with the experience of working as a stagehand at local venue Canopy Club, these experiences spurred the first inklings of the thought of pursuing a career in music, which led Jackson to host two philanthropic concerts at university. Even after that, he continued down the traditional path, getting his degree in Psychology and then moving to Rhode Island and San Francisco to work as a property insurance adjuster.

But in 2020, all that changed. 

A tenacious businessman and artist, in less than five years on the Chicago music scene, Steve has forged a professional career for himself, lending his talents and perspective to an array of projects. Some highlights include: 

  • Scoring the music for Chicago director Kevin Strader’s indie short-film Mojo, the winner of the Best Dark Comedy Film Award at the 2023 Portland Comedy Film Festival and Award Winner at the November 2023 Chicago Filmmaker Awards

  • Being featured on Chicago variety show "Welcome to the Show"

  • Recording and producing numerous singles and EPs with various bands and artists such as Midwest Blender Company, Rhys Steele, The Unresolved, Morgan Lee, Joseph Ozment, Fruit Lo0ops, and more.

  • The release of his own EP under his producer name, Shonny Jones: a beginner’s mind  

Steve also can be regularly found playing flute and/or keys around Chicago in the bands "Head" and “The Metalliques”, slinging the tunes for outside hangs with friends, and trying his feet at salsa dancing.

~ Daniella Smith