Tell us about yourself and your music
My name is Jon River and I’m a recording artist from Middletown, RI. I grew up in a few New England towns and I started writing music as a hobby about 10 years ago. I have many influences and am a huge fan of many genres, from country to blues, to modern rock, however, my music is 100% me.
Talk to us more about your latest release
My latest release is an EP of 6 songs titled “Learning To Fly”. I wrote these songs after a tough career transition last fall. Its a music project that focuses on persevering and following your heart.
What inspired you to write this release?
Ever since I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a songwriter and artist. After years of working as a mortgage and IT professional, I realized that music is my purpose, so I made the transition to writing full time. I cope with stress by writing, playing, and performing, so it was a natural process for me.
Describe the writing and recording process
I wanted to feel like it was something I didn’t have to force myself to do or overthink, so I just wrote whatever came to mind, and the writing just flowed from there. In the past, while attempting to write, I would overthink or easily become distracted. I wanted to make sure I was in a pure relaxed state of mind, without outside distraction.
The recording process felt natural and very validating. I was determined to nail my performances, and it felt like a dream come true.
Any plans to release a video?
Any plans to hit the road?
With the ongoing Covid19 crises, touring for the remainder of 2020 will be limited to small, intimate acoustic performances at local venues throughout the Newport RI area, as well as live streaming events, while working on material for my first full album. I am currently working with a few programs for online streaming to feature on youtube channels, to audiences of greater than 500 subscribers.
In the future and for 2021, I plan to hit the road and gig wherever I have the opportunity.
As an indie artist, how do you brand yourself and your music to stand out from the rest of the artists out there?
I try to be as authentically as possible. That means that I do not overthink or try to be someone that I am not. What makes my music unique is the fact that there is not another Jon River on this planet, so just being myself helps me stand out from the crowd.
Who have you been listening to lately?
I have been listening to a lot of the latest country, and I cycle my listening to include some of my personal favorites from other genres. I have been also listening to a lot of Hawaiian reggae, an artist by the name of Kolohe Kai, it is just very authentic and honest.
Who are your biggest influences?
My influences are all over the map from Journey, Led Zeppelin, Breaking Benjamin, Dave Matthews, Jason Aldean, Incubus, and Ed Sheeran to Amos Lee, Sublime and Bob Marley. It is quite varied but I love them all the same.
Tell us about your passions
I am deeply passionate about a lot of things. I love working on cars and building them up, I also am a huge gamer in my free time. I dabble in art and love to workout and occasionally weight train. Lately, I have been really enjoying traveling and enjoying nature walks.
What else is happening next in your world?
I am writing pre-production ideas and developing new song ideas for my first album! I am also promoting my latest release as much as I can. I am finding clever ways to raise money to fund my next music projects.
Thanks for an awesome interview, Jon River
Connect with Jon River
Website: https://www.jonriver.comFacebook: http://www.facebook.com/ijonriverInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/ijonriverYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jsantos9987LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-santos-59a76266/Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/jonriverReverbnation: https://www.reverbnation.com/jonriver?profile_view_source=header_icon_nav
