Singer-songwriter Jonathan Ogden has released an intimate new single When I’m Home, featuring Molly Parden.
The single is a stunningly intricate slice of warm, brooding folk that is bound to pull at heartstrings in no time. Jonathan and Molly’s beautifully whispered harmonies compliment each other effortlessly, creating a sound akin to the likes of Sufjan Stevens and Fleet Foxes as a result. Talking about the single, Jonathan explains, “I lost my Dad in December last year. He was a pastor and I learnt so much about God and faith from Him, just listening to His sermons and through conversations at home. It might seem a strange thing to say but his funeral was actually really wonderful because it was a reflection of his faith and his hope. While it was a sad time of loss, it was also a time when I realized the hope that he had was real, but it’s also a song that recognizes the ‘ache’ of a hope that we’re waiting for and haven’t fully seen yet.”
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Jonathan about the music, the motivations, the challenges and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
I grew up in a big and musical family. My dad was very much into 60s and 70s folk with great harmonies, I had a brother who was a DJ, and another who played jazz piano, I also grew up in church hearing hymns and worship songs – so my music is really a combination of all of that. Some kind of folk-jazz-electronic-gospel fusion!
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
Music has always inspired and fascinated me. I live in Manchester in the UK which is a big music city, and for a long time I would just go to concerts of any artist that sounded interesting and discover new styles and genres. I suppose for me, it started as a curiosity to see if I could create the kind of music that I enjoyed listening to, for myself. I had nothing but a laptop and MIDI keyboard, and a little desk underneath a bunk bed at my parents’ house. I would just sit there making beats and crafting melodies. But it also became an outlet and a way for me to process my thoughts and feelings – the highs and lows, my experiences, my faith, it’s all wrapped up in these songs. I didn’t know if anyone would even listen to them but I started to share them online and I was blown away when people started to reach out to say how much they connected with the songs and that it even helped to give them language to express the things they wanted to express themselves. That’s definitely something that drives me to keep going. But I also just thoroughly enjoy the craft!
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
I’ve always appreciated artists like Bon Iver, Toro Y Moi, Sufjan Stevens… I feel like they’re the kind of artists that have you on the edge of your seat because you never know what their next album is going to sound like. They’re always pushing creatively and trying new things. I want to be that kind of artist, and I think it comes from the fact that I just appreciate and enjoy so many genres and styles. My music taste has definitely changed over the years, but also week to week. One week I’m in a surf rock mood, the next I’m listening to hip-hop and the next I’m listening to Joe Hisaishi soundtracks. Anything with a good melody and good arrangement I just soak it up, digest it, try and dig into why I like it, and then eventually it gets reinterpreted through my own music. I never want to make the same thing twice.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
This latest album, Future Forever, is actually my first full-length solo album. I’ve made EPs, singles, beat tapes and they’ve all been pretty experimental and concept-driven. But when it came to this project it just felt like it was time for the album. In some ways it distills all the experiments and sounds I’ve tried out over the years into one complete release. But that was probably also the biggest challenge. Trying to bring all of those genres, and even collaborations with different producers, into a project that felt like a cohesive whole. Also I had the title for the album as soon as I’d finished the first song, and I knew I wanted to create a forward looking album that really digs into the theme of eternity.
What was the last song you listened to?
“Crumbling Together” by Mid-Air Thief. They’re a mysterious experimental band from Korea and there’s barely any information out there about who they are, but I love them so much!
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I must admit I’m streaming music 90% of the time, but I love the intentionality and almost ceremonial nature of vinyl. If there’s an album I really love I’ll try and get the vinyl. It’s a different, and slower listening experience, and I enjoy the physical product and knowing that I’ve done something to hopefully support the artist.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
I’m using Spotify most of the time. I’m discovering a lot of new music through their playlists which I enjoy. But I do also find some gems through soundcloud and bandcamp. And I love some of the mixes you can find on YouTube too! There are some really creative DJs and channels out there putting really well-made mixes on YouTube.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
There’s definitely just a lot more music out there now, and a lot more access. It can feel like you’re getting lost in it all sometimes. I suppose I don’t have a big marketing team behind me or anything like that. So social media is my primary way of connecting with people and getting the songs out. But I do enjoy that side of it – and making meaningful connections with listeners who connect with the songs is always encouraging. Although at times it can feel like you have to be a content creator as well as an artist these days, and we’re not all wired that way! Trying to find a way to authentically share my music without feeling like I’m just adding to the noise is a bit of an internal struggle.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
You can find me on Instagram, TikTok etc. @jonathanogdenmusic – if you don’t put “music” you get an NFL player! And my website is jonathanogden.co.uk
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Thanks for the opportunity to share my journey! I’m working on translating these new songs into a live experience right now, so watch this space for next year and I’ll hopefully be on the road.
