Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist Michael G. Jones has returned with a new single that draws directly on the tension between pursuing a dream and keeping a relationship intact.
by Paul Cashmere
Michael G. Jones has released Way Past Mars, a new single produced by TAXIRIDE guitarist and songwriter Tim Wild, with the song exploring the point where personal ambition and a relationship can begin pulling in different directions.
The song follows Jones’ previous single You Can Call Me Out and continues the musical approach established with his debut release, Hello World. Wild’s production gives Way Past Mars a strong rhythmic foundation, layered vocal harmonies and guitar work influenced by George Harrison.
The subject matter is more personal than the title might initially suggest. Jones describes the song as the closest he has come to writing directly about his own character, although its central character is dealing with a relationship that does not offer the same support Jones says he has experienced in his own life.
“It is probably the closest song I’ve written to my own character,” Jones says. “I’ve always been a dreamer and an optimist. I’m just lucky to have a life partner who encourages me to chase my dreams. In this song, the character isn’t so fortunate.”
That contrast provides the central tension in Way Past Mars. Rather than presenting ambition as an uncomplicated positive, Jones uses the song to examine what can happen when two people are no longer travelling in the same direction.
The musical arrangement was shaped with Wild, whose guitar contribution gives the recording a connection to Jones’ earlier work. The velvety guitar tones have been described as carrying a George Harrison influence, echoing the sound of Hello World while allowing the new song to move into its own territory.
Jones has resisted defining his songwriting through one genre. His releases have moved between pop, country, folk, Irish music and rock, a breadth he says reflects his approach to writing rather than a deliberate attempt to fit into different markets.
“As a songwriter, I don’t want to be restricted,” Jones explains. “I relish the creative freedom of lyrical storytelling and memorable melodies over the commercial limitations of sticking to a single musical category.”
That emphasis on storytelling is also reflected in the writers Jones names among his influences. Guy Clark, John Prine, Richard Thompson and Jimmy Buffett have each informed different aspects of his songwriting, particularly the use of narrative to explore emotions that extend beyond a specific character or situation.
“My songwriting is heavily influenced by some of my favourite artists, Guy Clark, John Prine, Richard Thompson, and a dose of Jimmy Buffett, to name a few,” Jones says. “They inspired me to write stories that evoke the deep, universal emotions lying inside all of us.”
Way Past Mars is the latest addition to a growing catalogue that also includes Irish Dawn, They Do Us Proud, You Can Call Me Out and Hello World. The songs collectively illustrate the range Jones is pursuing rather than establishing a single musical formula.
The new track is also featured on Jones’ debut album, A Life In Song, placing it within a larger body of work rather than treating it as a standalone release.
For Jones, the appeal of the song lies in the conflict at its centre. Dreams can be pursued with optimism, but relationships require two people to remain compatible with the direction that life takes them.
Way Past Mars is available now on major digital streaming platforms.
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