Golden Mixtape

You may know Jonathan Jones from such bands as Waking Ashland and We Shot the Moon. What you may not know, is while this talented young lad from San Diego has fronted two successful indie/pop rock bands, he also has a new solo album out entitled, Community Group, which is sure to make waves in the oceans of your cochleae. So hold onto your browsers, and be prepared to surf the sounds of unconventional instruments while a tribe of pianos (with lasers!) await you on the shores.

Ashley Jean: I’ve known you personally since the beginning of your first band, Waking Ashland, emerged. Since then, you’ve branched out in the industry and even started a second band, We Shot the Moon, and then of course released some independent solo stuff Welcome Home and We Were Young. However, I’m interested in knowing what you feel distinguishes your album Community Group from both We Shot the Moon and Waking Ashland records. But here’s the catch: I want you to describe the difference by referencing each band to a particular superhero (i.e. Spiderman etc.)

Jonathan Jones: Community Group has a much more rounded out sound. It’s definitely more organic in that I used all real instruments. There are a lot of strings, brass, harps, and glockenspiel all over the record and of course a ton of piano. The way all those instruments mix together is what sets CG apart from other albums I’ve done.  Waking Ashland would be like Superman; We Shot the Moon would be like Robin in that it longed to be Batman (a.k.a Waking Ashland), and my solo stuff would be like…hmmm. Ran out of super heroes I know!

Ashley Jean: Speaking of superheroes and communities: how would you save the people in your community from natural or alien disasters? Would you have like a piano that shoots lasers? I’m curious what kind of superhero you’d be!

Jonathan Jones: Oh wow you’re really going with this superhero business! I am thinking teleportation would be really cool…not sure how that could save my community though.

Ashley Jean: Musically, it seems you have really taken chances and, although you haven’t strayed from your pianist roots, on the new record there are some interesting instruments which have found their way on some tracks. (I’m talking about “Duracell” and tubas, here.) In the process of writing it, did you ever fear that fans would not take you seriously with the incorporation of such a different instrument?

Jonathan Jones: I didn’t really think about my fans this time. This was an album more for myself and about reigniting my passion for music. I needed a break from the piano pop-rock that I’ve done for the past 7 years.

Ashley Jean: Is there anything you’ve abstained from, musically or otherwise, from repeating on this record that you’ve maybe done on previous records?

Jonathan Jones: Over done production. There aren’t any tricks. It’s all real.

Ashley Jean: Obviously in this day and age it’s important to communicate with fans on social networking sites. Do you feel that has enhanced your music in a communal sense?

Jonathan Jones: Of course it has! It’s a real joy for me to share in the musical experience with my supporters. I would always hope to be on equal ground with them. Lately, I have been doing some pretty cool twitter chats.

Ashley Jean: Community Group just dropped today, and next week you begin a small tour beginning in Utah. Which songs are you itching to play from the new album?

Jonathan Jones: Definitely looking forward to playing “Duracell,” “Community Group,” and “Hey Andy.”

Ashley Jean: Still on the topic of tour, is it just going to be you and a piano, or are you planning on bringing a full band with you?

Jonathan Jones: I will be brining a full band.

Ashley Jean: Now I know you’re not one to give away the meaning of your songs, but I’m curious as to what each item on Community Group’s album cover represents. There are all these homey items in the middle of a park. Is that a metaphor for something that the music cannot otherwise lead us into?

Jonathan Jones: The songs continue to examine my faith and where I have arrived. They also tackle not living up to expectations and finding the good in unconventional times.

Ashley Jean: If you had to go back and change the album art from any band (not just your own), which album would it be and what would you replace it with?

Jonathan Jones: Switchfoot’s first album: Legend of Chin.

Ashley Jean: Finally, because I cannot get off the theme of communities, pick some songs (again, not your own), which you think sound better sung by a crowd in unison than on a record.

Jonathan Jones: “Yellow Submarine,” hands down the best. And “Wonder Wall” by Oasis.

Check out more from Jonathan Jones here!