Logo

  • Home
  • Agency
  • How We’re Built
  • Work
  • Sports Marketing
  • News
  • Contact

Artist Spotlight: Jon Cook

April 4, 2014

Share Share on facebook
Facebook
Share on twitter
Twitter
Share on google
Google
Share on linkedin
Linkedin
Share on pinterest
Pinterest
Share on email
Email

This is the first in a new series, Artist Spotlight—a look at emerging artists who are reaching for that next rung in their artistic  journey.

Today we’re sitting down with Jon Cook, a singer/songwriter from Austin, Texas. Jon is wrapping up a kickstarter campaign to take the music he’s been creating since he was in high school and turn it into a studio quality album. To sponsor his kickstarter click here.  His songs are authentic, raw storytelling that capture moments of simplicity and all the weight they can hold. Give him a listen while you read through a look into his artistic mind:

1528566_10153690509075007_1192072303_n

Jon, how did you get in to music and songwriting?

I was spending a lot of time with my friends Robert and Caleb of the band Robert Jones and one night Caleb’s father Patrick says to me, “Hey! You should play an instrument!” So we spent that evening pondering and came up with: Banjo! A couple of days later Patrick came to my house with a banjo and a business card for my first month of lessons. So I started playing with them and was always writing songs in my free time. Eventually I picked up the guitar.

How do you record and distribute music without a record label involved?

I’m fortunate to have always had friends with decent recording equipment so all of my stuff has been recorded by either Robert Hudson or Spencer Garland. I’ve also got this USB mic now that a friend gifted me so I can record demos at home. With the advent of facebook and bandcamp it’s always been relatively easy to maintain some sort of online presence.

481323_10152658944760007_1916405029_n

What is your process for writing a song?

It’s always different. Sometimes a diddy pops into ones head. Sometimes it’s a subject matter. Sometimes it’s just lyrics that need a melody. And then it’s just about being consistent and working all the different angles to finish a song.

What kind of message do you want people to take from your music?

Always optimism. Even my saddest songs I try to find that silver lining, whether it be about love, or politics, or just a rock n’ roll tune. I want people to get caught by the melody or the hook and then really hear the lyrics and say: “Wow! Truth!”. I want people to feel good after they hear a Jon Cook song.

Would you say that your music career has been a success?

Well, writing songs, like performing in theatre, is just a part of me and my way of connecting with the world. So I would say I get that across. I play my songs and people enjoy them, people talk about them, people want to hear them. I’d say that’s what I want. I don’t necessarily see it as a career per se, but as a part of me and my life. So I’m successful of course!

What advice do you have for young people interested in being a musician?

Do it for the right reasons. There’s no money in it. In college it definitely helps in meeting ladies though… haha. But at the end of the day play for the right reasons. I’m not so concerned with musicality because that’s not what interests me. I’m interested in writing interesting songs with compelling and meaningful lyrics because that’s what I like to hear. So that’s what I work towards.

204644_10151237427925917_451766249_o

What is the scariest part about the creative process?

I think the scariest thing is not knowing how to finish a song, or running dry of ideas. Writers block. It doesn’t happen terribly often but it’s like… a swelling up of doubt and insecurity. Fortunately I’ve always been surrounded by such inspiring and creative communities which I think is the best cure for such a thing.

How have you made albums in the past?

Well, this is my first studio album. I’ve recorded one record with my friend Robert back in 2008. We did that at his home with a couple of mics. Then I’ve also recorded a homespun record that was released for a short time. And most recently I recorded a short EP by myself with my buddy Spencer Garland. This is the first time I’m trying to record something in the studio, with mostly live tracking. It’s going to be epically higher quality than anything else I’ve done before.

Where can people find and listen to your music?

joncook.bandcamp.com and please support my kickstarter at www.kickstarter.com/projects/1110334883/jon-cook-making-a-record We’re over half way to the funding goal with only a few days left! Help send us to the studio!

169660_4420148711827_632993303_o

We have something to prove

Willow St Motorsports

October 5, 2022

Read More...

The Mystery of A113 – From Pixar to the Simpsons

July 24, 2017

What do all these films and shows (that often compete with each other) have in common?

Read More...

NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER COALITION DELIVERS HARD-HITTING MESSAGE FOR SEPTEMBER NATIONAL OVARIAN CANCER MONTH

September 1, 2016

National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and Willow St. kick off September Awareness Month with hard hitting campaign.

Read More...

Our Favorite Tech From CES 2016

January 20, 2016

The Willow St. team traveled to the 2016 Consumer Electronics show to support our clients, meet some new partners, and, well, to play with lots of cool new tech toys. Here’s a brief summary of our favorite new gadgets.

Read More...

You can check out anytime you like, but you can never leave

January 19, 2016

Remembering the incredible music of Glenn Frey.

Read More...

Remembering the Dream – MLK Day 2016

January 18, 2016

Honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, 1929 -1968

Read More...

Much Better than Your Modern Word-Art

January 14, 2016

I would say “this ain’t your Grandpa’s Word-Art!” but, actually, it is. And it’s much better than yours.

Read More...

Hollywood’s Heavy Hitters (And Even The POTUS) Filmed a PSA Denouncing Sexual Abuse of Women

May 15, 2014

In a new campaign released by the White House, several celebrities and even The President himself speak out against sexual abuse against women.

Read More...

Wow Her with…Kentucky Fried Chicken?

May 14, 2014

If she’s excited to get a chicken corsage, she’s probably the one

Read More...

Thai Life Insurance Asks You To Believe in Good

May 9, 2014

Ads are a chance to make people think and change how they think about life – a chance rarely taken

Read More...
Next Page »
facebook twitter linkdin youtube
3900 Willow St. Second Floor Dallas, TX 75226 USA
LJohannes@willowstagency.com 972.898.3141
Willow St. Agency 2023 © All rights reserved.