Review Fix chats with singer/songwriter Jon Notar, who discusses his new single, as well as his goals in the industry.
Review Fix: How did you get involved in music?
Jon Notar: I’ve always been interested in music. As a child, I have a distinct memory of banging on my father’s paint cans and how much fun it was. My folks told me I wasn’t really interested in toys as a kid, only small musical instruments. I started piano at the age of 10 and took every single music class and opportunity they offered. I even started playing gigs in high school with my band. My folks really supported me every step of the way.
Review Fix: What’s your creative process like?
Notar: For this album, half of the songs were written before the studio session using Logic Pro X and multi tracking my piano parts. I then referenced those sessions while recording parts on the grand piano. Each take was a full take from beginning to end without punching parts. That really gave the songs an overall arch dynamically and helped keep them feeling honest and improvised. The other half of the songs were written and recorded during the studio session and are a bit simpler. Working in incredible studios on amazing instruments is a big part of what made the record sound the way it does. I just tried to show up and feed off of that energy and do what I could to make it sound good.
Review Fix: What inspires you?
Notar: Great music–jazz, classical, pop, songwriter, film scores. Taking that music in and internalizing it is really the most important part. Then it’s about coming to the studio prepared, mentally and physically. And taking a break from music can also help a ton. Some chill lighting in the studio helps, too.
Review Fix: What does music mean to you?
Notar: Music is a language. It’s a means of expression. It’s universal and instinctual. I think we all have it in us and just express it differently.
Review Fix: How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard you?
Notar: I’d say the music on this album is like a film score for the quiet moments of your life.
Review Fix: How are your live shows different from your studio work?
Notar: I’m not playing live right now.
Review Fix: What inspired your latest single?
Notar: To Ourselves was one of the songs that was improvised in the studio. It was just about being present and listening to my engineer and producer.
Review Fix: What are your goals for the rest of 2020?
Notar: The hope is to continue releasing and promoting this album and start working on my next one.
Review Fix: What’s next?
Notar: My new single Cascade will be released on 7/10 and a new music video for it will be released on 7/24.
Review Fix: Anything else you’d like to add?
Notar: Just want to add that my full album will be out at some point later this summer! And thanks!
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