Jez Bonham has recorded a raw folk autobiography disguised as a passionate alternative/singer-songwriter record. His debut EP combines slow progressive acoustic/electric guitar with almost hidden powerful tempo and musical changeups. His lyrics and sound march you forward from summertime bliss to painful relationships to a tortured mind.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jez about his latest release, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m from a small town, Revelstoke BC Canada (look it up, it’s amazing). I have lived half my life in big cities. My music so far has been therapy for myself. It’s autobiographical. It’s a release and letting go of all my likely self-induced insanity that I make it into folky, singer/songwriter songs. I wouldn’t say this is the style my music will stay forever, the very next album could be vastly different. Who knows, the next albums might be alt/indie or slow 70’s style funky love songs, that would be so amazing.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to keep going?
I’ve always been obsessed with music. By character I’m an extremely curious person and ever since I can remember I’ve always tried to understand what makes music work. Luckily, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a family full of guitar players, singer songwriters, family dinnertime opera singers, and all-around music lovers. It gave me endless opportunity to feed my obsession. When I find a new song or band I love, I’ll often listen to them on repeat all day long for weeks trying to understand what about it I love so much. Then I hunt down all their live performances, music videos and interviews find out everything about them. I need to know what makes all these musical geniuses tick. That’s what pulls me down this road.
It’s extremely hard to stay motivated to be in this business. It’s very hard and competitive, which is a good motivator. I certainly don’t do it for the money, at this stage everyone is asking me for money… to play my music. Trying to take money from a struggling artist is pretty nuts. I suppose it’s just the love of music that forces me to stay here. That and it’s pretty magical to touch someone with my music, it’s one of the truest feelings.
How is this new release different than previous ones? Were you trying to accomplish anything specific?
I released a single song called “Kansas” in 2013. That song was taken over from me by my producer. Not willingly. He tried to turn it into a pop radio top 40 type sound. It’s a great song.
This record was me and the producer collaborating. So, I was able to stay true to my style. It is a window into how I was feeling at the time of recording it. I’m a singer/songwriter so I wanted to showcase my lyrics and the sound. Not just one or the other.
Name one or two challenges you face as an indie musician in this oversaturated, digital music age? How has technology helped you (since we know it does help)?
It’s very tough to meet other positive musician who are genuine allies. Another issue for me is finding radio stations and playlists that are even interested in my style of music. At the moment there is a very digital autotune thing happening. That ain’t me.
One way technology has helped is being able to market myself to places without being signed to a label.
What was the last song you listened to?
I’m listening to, “Stuck with you,” – Huey Lewis and The News. As I write these answers!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
Vinyl 100% I have quite the collection myself. The best thing about vinyl is there is no skipping songs. Just put it on and enjoy, as the artist intended don’t let the “smart phone” attention span in.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I personally use google play music. Because they had a promotion going on for 6 months free.
Where is the best place to connect with you online and discover more music?
https://www.jezbonham.com/ My brand new website has it all!
Anything else before we sign off?
Dig deep to find new music and support your favorite artist! There is great music out there but you gotta dig! It helps much more than you’d expect!
