Chicago producer and film composer Steve Jackson (Shonny Jones) has always had an intrinsic connection to music that palpably impacts how he relates to people and understands the world. Described as a “distributor of musical tastes”, Steve respects and values the impact of music on a particular moment so highly that you wouldn’t dare find him playing a random tune while catching a sunset at Promontory Point on a hot summer night; cruising in the car down Lake Shore Drive on a slow Sunday morning; or right before hitting smartbar for a night out. To Steve, the feeling of all experiences can be enhanced through precise musical selection. 

Steve brings these same curatorial tendencies and understanding of sound selection and combinations on a listener to his work as a producer and film composer. When you collaborate with Steve, you can trust he will come to the table ready to serve your artistic endeavor with care, technique, and passion, to deliver the highest quality output, within the parameters of your project.

“Steve’s deep knowledge of the studio, combined with his clear technical instincts and practical strategies, gives us the confidence to focus on what we do best as artists. He has a rare ability to support the creative process while quietly elevating every technical decision behind the scenes.”
-Keith Kusterer of Wicked Drawl

Working with Steve has been one of the highlight experiences we’ve had as a band. Recording 4 tracks during a 6-day lockout… [Steve made] it extremely fun and professional... He helped us discover our strengths and diagnose our weaknesses, to the point that he became known to us as Dr. Shonny… It was the perfect blend of guidance and exploration that gave us the ability to be the best version of ourselves. We have and always will recommend Dr. Shonny to every artist in Chicago and beyond.
-Midwest Blender Company

Genre is not a confining factor for Steve and in fact, his recording and producing portfolio spans jazz, country, indie, rnb, rap, rock, singer-songwriter, and more. However, you will of course find patterns in anyone’s work, and for Steve that is an inclination toward psychedelia, groove, and blending vintage recording techniques with modern capabilities. Check out his portfolio here.

As a film composer, he explores the possibilities of emotion and sound with his flute—whether ethereal, loving, chaotic, droning, or even painful. He leans toward surreal, electronic, ambient, and experimental approaches to compositions. Check out his work here.

Ultimately, in all his work, genre takes a back seat to Steve’s primary focus: collaboration in service of the music.