Interview with John Zonn [johnzonn] on Whohub

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What do you do? What is your musical specialty?

My special-i-ty is recording and performing lyric-based songs, in which I mostly sing and play Spanish Guitar. I also design the whole concept of the recording as an art-piece, plus I use the Internet and other media to self-promote. Further to this, I play drums in an Irish Folk band that I am also the manager for, plus I write music reviews. To get a fuller picture, please check my website: johnzonn.co.uk

Do you work alone or in a group? If in a group, who are the others you work with?

As a solo artist I work mostly alone, but I gain inspiration through friends and family. When performing in a band, I work with 5 other musicians.

Is there a web address where one can listen, see, or read some of your work?

Please list any awards, competitions, or other acknowledgments you would like to mention.

In 2005, I gained a 'Silver Artist Award' through 'Radio Gets Wild' Internet radio station. In 2008, I judged and reviewed entries to the '1st Annual Native-E Awards', which is for Native Americans and Canadian Aboriginals.

Please list discography in which you have participated.

John Zonn:
2009 - Separation Anxiety - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Perc., Virtual Keyboard, Prod.
2008 - Back In Blighty EP - Vocals, Guitar, Percussion, Production.
2007 - Los Galgos EP - Vocal, Guitar, Production.
2004 - Portfolio Career - Vocal, Guitar.
2004 - Don't Speak Too Soon (single) - Vocals, Guitar, Bass.
2001 - Photocopy Of My Mind - Vocal, Guitar, Percussion, Psaltery, Production.

The Cracklin' Griffins:
2007 - Live At The Dyke Tavern - Drums, Backing Vocals.
2006 - Five Ashes - Drums, Backing Vocals.
2004 - The Cracklin' Griffins - Drums, Backing Vocals.

John Gardner:
2003 - 1-2-3-4, We Don't Want This Bloody War (a live soundtrack from February 15th 2003 Stop The War march) - Recording, Production.

Blast:
1997 - blASt EP - Bass, Backing Vocals.

Big Jim & The Weedkillers:
1998 - Secular Angels - Bass, Backing Vocals.
1996 - She's My Angel EP - Bass, Banjo, Backing Vocals.
1995 - End Of The World Girl - Bass, Banjo, Backing Vocals.
1994 - Girl With The Dyed Red Hair - Bass, Banjo, Backing Vocals.
1993 - Drink Yer Beer - Bass.

Black Cat Bone:
1994 - Black Cat Bone EP - Bass, Backing Vocals.

Alias John Riley:
1988 - Hard Fruit - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Percussion, Other Instrs., Production.
1988 - Precarious Flamingo - Vocals, Guitars, Bass, Percussion, Production.

Seven Sisters:
1987 - Live At The Star, Croydon - Vocal, Guitar.
1986 - Seven Sisters EP - Bass, Vocals, Rhythm Guitar.

See http://www.gardneronline.co.uk/jrdiscs.html for more details.

How did you begin making music? Who introduced you?

A friend at school, when I was about 8 - we used to alternate between chopstix piano and coffee-tin drums. Also, learnt some music at school. Started playing guitar when I was about 11 with Leslie Worth (late Watercolour Artist). Progressed to Steel-string with friends, then Electric thanks to Kieron Hunter, then Bass when I was 16. Started first band when I was 12. Never looked back!

What was your musical education?

Mostly self-taught and incidental learning from other musicians, but also a year of Classical Guitar tuition and I took part in music lessons at school, which was generally singing.

When did you realise that making music could be a way of life for you?

1988, when I was 19, but then I gave it up for a few years and took it up again in 1993, aged 24. As a way of life, I guess really it must have been some time in the years since 1997, when I did my first solo show.

When do you have your most lucid moments, in the morning or night?

Mostly first thing in the morning, or late at night.

Have you ever awoken with a melody created from your dreams?

Yes, it happens all the time :^D

How do you know when a song is finished or needs no more changes?

I just do. But even then, it could be that if I spend some time recording it, something might change about it and then if I spend time rehearsing or performing it, that's when further small changes could occur. Essentially, I like to get the bare bones down straight away.

What part of your job is your least favourite?

In terms of songwriting and recording and performing songs, I like most of it. However, if I was to have least favourite moments, they would probably be when I am waiting for other people to respond, or when I get interrupted by other people when doing something crucial...grrr!

How often do you practice?

It varies. If I have a gig coming up, I might practice 2 or 3 times a day, but other than that it might only be once a week or less.

How do you feel right before going out on stage?

Alive, nervous, excited, electric...

Which musicians or groups have been inspiring to your career?

The Beatles, Beck, Bjoerk, Jacques Brel, The Byrds, David Byrne, JJ Cale, Canned Heat, Cardiacs, Cat Stevens, The Cranberries, Crowded House, Diego Brown & The Good Fairy, Bob Dylan, The Doors/Jim Morrison, Enya, Gong, Jimi Hendrix, Steve Hillage, Kieron Hunter, KD Lang, Led Zeppelin, John Lennon, Men Without Hats, Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morrisette, Nirvana, John Otway, Ozric Tentacles, Pink Floyd/Syd Barrett, The Pogues, The Police, Rain Parade, Lou Reed, Rush, Erik Satie, Richard Thompson, Van Halen, Suzanne Vega, Frank Zappa,

List three songs that are key to your life.

It can vary, but mostly it's these ones:
1) The Spirit of Radio (Rush)
2) How can I keep from Singing (Enya)
3)

- Still to complete this answer.

What should be done to stop piracy?

Dunno, how about making music less appealing?

What type of music do you detest?

The modern R'n'B, candy pop (or whatever that crap is called nowadays), boyband music and gospel.

What time did you get up this morning?

How do you sell yourself? What has been your experience with record companies and representatives?

Usually my music and performances sell themselves. I guess I do some networking on the Net, or at gigs. With Record Companies and representatives? - I don't usually get in touch with them.

What other things have you done to make a living?

Delivery Driver, Odd-jobs/Handyman, Gardening, Decorator, Sales Assistant, Data Input, Post Office Sorting Assistant, Car Cleaner, Petrol Pump Attendant, Cat Feeder, Artist's Assistant, Removals, Sound Engineer, Accountant, CD Cover Designer, Sold Scrap Metal, Sold Unwanted Items, Book Sales through Amazon Website, Web Design, Painting Commission, German to English Translation Assistant, Holiday cover for a property managing agent...

Have you ever played on the street or in the subway? How much did you collect each day?

Yes, three times. The most lucrative time (1993) probably brought in about £25, between four of us, in one afternoon.

Who would you play with, without a doubt?

Joni Mitchell, Quentin Tarantino, Bjoerk, Alanis Morrisette, Suzanne Vega, John Lennon.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the business?

1) Listen to 'The Spirit of Radio', by Rush.
2) You will know what good music is when it hits you in the heart.
3) Music is about everything that surrounds music, as much as it is about the music itself.

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