Check out R&B RHYTHMS exclusive interview with Jon Fledge.
R&B Rhythms is here with Jon Fledge, how’s it going?
I’m doing great. There’s a bit of sun in LA right now, so I’m soaking in the heat while I can.
Tell me a little bit about how you got your start in music and who are some of your musical influences.
My Korean parents threw me into piano and violin lessons when i was a kid, with years of orchestral performances and solo recitals. I didn’t really like classical music, so I quit my lessons around high school and listened to more of the stuff I enjoyed, mainly Hip-Hop.
I started making really bad rap music with my friends, using beats I downloaded or put together in FL Studio.
It wasn’t until college I realized I had to improve my songwriting and production to make better songs. I was tired of bragging about stuff I didn’t do and probably won’t ever do. I was tired of making amateur sounding instrumentals.
I listened to channel ORANGE by Frank Ocean and good kid, m.A.A.d city by Kendrick Lamar a lot, taking influence from their lyrical structure. There’s a bit of Childish Gambino, Kid Cudi, and Gorillaz in there as well. I constantly search for sounds that mesh and best convey the story I’m trying to tell. Those can range from video game and cinema soundtracks, Rock, Electronica, R&B, and Hip-Hop. I guarantee my sound will evolve with time, but my lyrics will continue to tell my story.
Do you have any other upcoming videos?
I’ve been focusing on my 2nd album, which have a couple music videos scripted.
I’m going to jump right into production after my songs are finalized.
Story-telling through art is a big interest of mine, so I have big plans just waiting to be done.
Also, I have this series called Bare Bones on YouTube where I perform stripped-down/acoustic versions of my songs.
Do you have any upcoming projects set to drop?
The 2nd album, which I’m aiming to release later this year.
What are your current thoughts on the state of the music industry?
There’s a revolution happening. You don’t need to go through a record label like before to make a successful living out of your art. You don’t need to vet your songs through music executives or wait months for them to release your material through a marketing formula.The internet and social media boom has made it so that as long as you have good music and work ethic, an audience will be drawn to you.
That’s what made me take it more seriously. It’s an exciting time for artists who want to succeed on their own terms. I also believe with opportunity comes competition. There’s more pressure to make music that differentiates yourself. People should be asking their friends, “Have you heard of such and such?” You don’t want to make something that bumps a few times. You don’t want to rise and fall quickly with a trend. You don’t want your music to disappear like chocolate after you eat it once.
You want to leave a lasting impression.
What is currently playing on your playlist musically?
Currently it’s The Human Condition by Jon Bellion, Gossip Columns by Marc E. Bassy, and American Teen by Khalid.
Do you have any shows or tour dates?
Not at the moment, but if you follow me on social media or check my website, you will be the first to know.
What is your website information?
Appreciate the interview, any last words or shout outs?
I want to thank my friends and family for supporting me through this insane transition.
Also, to everyone that’s hesitating on showcasing their talents, just put yourself out there.
You don’t have to make a career out of it, but you should definitely share your expression of creativity with the world.