Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how your childhood impacted your musical direction?
A: Sure! My philosophy is that in essence you are me – so you already know heaps about me. I was delighted to leave childhood…. My songs are prayers of gratitude for not being a child anymore!
Q: How are you planning on growing your fan base and sharing your music with the world? What message do you have for anyone who is about to discover “Jont”?
A: I’ve written a memoir about a very particular story in my life – of how I discovered I had an 8 year old daughter living in Nova Scotia, Eastern Canada and came to be her dad. My songs are woven into the audiobook. As well as putting out my current set of recordings as an Album in November I will next year be releasing this audiobook memoir which is called “The Inkling” and connecting to the world in that way.
My songs come out of a desire to know myself more deeply. If you do too then you might appreciate the journey I have gone on throughout my career. There’s a lot of music there and I’ve been told by many people that they find it to be a special kind of medicine, heart medicine, a healing balm and sometimes even a catalyst for growth.
Q: Who is the most inspiring artist for you right now? And where do you find inspiration for making music?
A: Two of my contemporaries from the UK are making the most progressive and best music in the world right now: Polly Paulusma’s album “Wildfires” and Eska’s single “Magic Woman” are the kind of deep work that is possible in the field of the singer-songwriter.
Inspiration is not found anywhere. When it is time, it is time.
Q: Can you tell us about the story or message behind the song, “The Next Ramana Maharshi.”?
A: I prefer to let people listen and work that out. It’s all there, in the words and the melody and the arrangement. Perhaps you can print the lyrics out….that’s all you need. It’s all there.
Q: How would you describe your sound in one word for potential listeners?
A: Cashmere
Q: Did you face any challenges while writing or recording “The Next Ramana Maharshi”?
A: No
Q: What is the message of your music? And what are your goals as an artist?
A: I am you, you are me, we are here to love one another, to learn how to be more kind and thoughtful. The burden you carry and the pain you feel is not YOURS, it didn’t start with you. We are all old travellers, working on some old news. Only you can save yourself. As a human and an artist, I seek to embody this knowledge more and more and to know myself more and more and to share what I find as generously as I can.
Q: Who is your dream artist to collaborate with? (dead or alive)
A: Nina Simone
Q: What is your advice for people interested in pursuing music as a career or for those trying to enter the industry?
A: To not listen to musicians who want to give you advice
Q: If you could go back in time and give a younger you some words of wisdom, what would they be?
A: You will be very good – you have everything it takes. But right now, you’re not as good as you think you are. Work harder. Be humble. Work on your gratitude.
