by Kita\
Life
has a knack for dropping some interesting people in some interesting
places. That's what we learned while interviewing musician Jhonny K
this past week. Growing up in a musical family, Jhonny learned to
play the trumpet, before his father convinced him to start singing in
high school. With three sisters who sang, he originally thought
singing was “girly” and refused to try it. When his father taught
him that singing was most definitely a unisex interest, he took to it
easily. Jhonny explored dance pop, jazz, and classical before really
falling into 90s southern rock. Creed, Incubus, and Collective Soul
are all huge influences. One should avoid the mistake of assuming him
to be one note, however, as he's covered just about everyone,
including Led Zeppelin and Lady Gaga.
An
Idaho native, he's wandered into many cities in the US, including
Chicago, New York, and Nashville. But life had different plans for
him. Jhonny actually cites family as a huge influence on his decision
to move to Salt Lake City. "I haven't seen my favorite uncle in
fifteen years," he tells us, "I didn't want to be that kind
of uncle to my sisters' kids." Growing up in sleepy Idaho Falls
and working in his fathers tire store allowed him to understand the
value of hard work.
Still,
life in Nashville was worthwhile. Learning to focus his talents and
passions mainly into one genre, southern rock, helped him burst into
the music scene. “Living there was truly humbling. There were so
many great musicians,” he says. A city with that many professionals
isn't easy to compete in, though, so with his move to Salt Lake came
a new opportunity to really forge out a name for himself, and so far,
he's done a fantastic job. In two short years of being a full time
musician, Jhonny has evolved into a popular artist in the Salt Lake
Valley. He gives much credit to those he works with. “They are all
really talented,” he says of the Krew, “We have great chemistry,
and really no drama.”
Most
importantly, Jhonny tells us that aligning his music with something
larger than himself is a goal. A constant theme one can pick up on in
his songs is one of giving. It explains why he is excitedly working
with ARISE concerts on a new series for middle and high school
students with the intent to help process loss, depression, and also
to celebrate life. As suicide has affected him personally, he has
truly dedicated himself to this new cause.
One
huge factor in all of this has definitely been the audience. Playing
from someones living room in a style of concert described as “house
concerts” is an easy way to get to know ones' audience in an
intimate setting. Jhonny jokes and uses his easy smile and good
mixture of bravado and modesty to keep them interested and connected
to him and his work. On the flip side, he describes himself
performing in front of audiences thousands of people strong. “There's
nothing that can beat that. There's great energy and all the people
cheering,” he grins as he recollects. He is a self described
“people person”; a useful trait for someone in his position.
In
the end, though, everything really comes back to the music with him.
Jhonny shares a YouTube channel dedicated to releasing covers, and
writes his own music as well. With two CDs and countless concerts
under his belt, there is little he wants more than to create and
contribute his own influence and art to the world. With a busy fall
schedule already well underway, he's certainly on the right path.
“I'm too stubborn and passionate to give myself any outs,” he
says.
If
you're interested in seeing Jhonny live, here are some dates for you
to check out!
Sweetest
Thingz Anniversary
416
East 12300 South
September
14th, at 7:30pm
UFA
House Concerts
Venue
TBA (Salt Lake City)
September
27
Tickets
$10
Bar
Deluxe
666
S State Street, Salt Lake City
October
10th
at 8 pm
21+,
tickets $6
438
Main Street Park City
October
19th, at 9:30pm
For
more information on Jhonny, check out his website.
Http://www.JKNation.com
To
hear more great music, go to http://www.YouTube.com/jhonnykmusic.
And
of course, for constant updates, you can always check out Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/jhonnykmusic
Have
anyone you'd like us to chat with? Suggestions are taken from the
comments, below!
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