Shihad's Jon Toogood: The Art of Making a Living and Valuing Yourself

Jon Toogood, the frontman of the Kiwi rock giants Shihad, is embarking on a nationwide tour to support his first solo album. As he chats with Liam Dann, it’s clear that Toogood is in quite a celebratory mood. You see, this isn’t just any album; it’s a heartfelt endeavor crafted to navigate the choppy waters of life’s challenges, including the loss of his mother during those infamous Covid lockdowns. It’s like he’s not only singing for his supper but also for some semblance of resolution.

In the land of New Zealand, where dreams of rock stardom often come with a side order of financial strife, let’s face it: nobody picks up a guitar expecting to retire to a mansion with a pet peacock. Toogood confirms what we already know: money has never been the main gig in music. “It’s really important to value yourself properly,” he quips. Ah, the words of a man who’s been through the grind! He reflects on his younger days when he was a *people pleaser*, undervaluing himself just to avoid offending others. It’s like the classic tale of the artist saving the day—by selling themselves short.

But in a twist worthy of a rock ‘n’ roll memoir, marriage and fatherhood flipped the script. Now, armed with a newfound seriousness about finances, Toogood finds himself in a much better spot. Finding financial success in New Zealand as a musician can be akin to searching for a good coffee on a dusty back road, but the acclaim from Shihad has opened doors that allow him to choose projects fueled by passion, rather than desperation. “I never do anything half-arsed,” he asserts, brimming with enthusiasm. “Voiceovers for ads? Bring it on! I’m always 100% on, ready to nail it.”

Enter Dana, Toogood’s wife, who has not only been a partner in life but also a financial guiding star. “What the hell, man? You’re Jonny f**king Toogood!” she rallied, making him realize that, yes, he must *value what he does*. It’s a moment where the rock star learns to appreciate the talent that comes naturally to him—cue the reality check.

Toogood’s narrative, however, takes a deeper dive as he discusses his conversion to Islam through his marriage. He offers a refreshing take on money, shrugging off the typical Western attitude of material accumulation. “We think of money as everything’s a gift from Allah...everything’s a gift from the universe,” he shares. It’s a perspective that invites you to ponder on what truly matters—at the end of the day, the question isn’t about *having*; it’s about *giving*. “You’re asked, what did you do with what I gave you?”

He recounts the transformation that occurred when Dana’s selfless spirit met his previous adverse relationship with money. “She would literally give her last $10 to someone on the street because it wasn't hers anyway, and somehow she’d end up with dinner comps by day's end!” The allure of material possessions fades away when the focus shifts towards uplifting others. “In the West, we’re taught to look at what others have and always be on the lookout for more. But if you focus on those in need, you truly find peace,” he reflects.

Yet, it's not all introspection and big ideas—Toogood also shares a few of his favorite tunes about money, his cherished Led Zeppelin album, and tales from his childhood playing cricket in Wellington’s Island Bay, where victory felt like a sweet song. His journey is a testament to the evolution of an artist grappling not just with melodies but with the complex rhythms of life itself.

Stay tuned! Jon Toogood’s new album, *Last of the Lonely Gods*, hits our ears on October 11, and he’ll be touring like a whirlwind until November 9—because when you’re on a roll, you keep rolling. And who knows? Maybe he’ll drop some wisdom platinum on us along the way.