New Zealand's musician and producer Jonathan Bree created a serious fan base with his band The Brunettes in the late 90s and 2000s. He has been publishing solo albums since 2013.
The video of the song "You're So Cool", released last year, reached over 10 million viewers on Youtube.
Jonathan Bree will be on the Salon stage on May 10th. Concert tickets can be found here
Before his upcoming concert, we talked about his The Brunettes years, solo albums, the reason of using spandex masks and many more.
Enjoy!
Hi Jonathan, thanks for accepting answering our questions. You are from New Zealand, are you also living there? How is the musical atmosphere in New Zealand? Is there any local bands that you may recommend?
Currently myself and the tour family are living a bit of a nomadic existence. It wasn’t so long ago we were all living in New Zealand though. I’m not as intune with the local scene as I once was but two very good new bands I had the pleasure to play shows with last year were ‘Green Grove’ and ‘Polyester.’
In 2002, you founded Lil' Chief Records with Scott Mannion. How did you decide to be a part of recording company?
It came about through part frustration that there seemed to be an absence of local labels willing to back a bunch of really talented artists in the scene at the time.
How do you remember your The Brunettes years? Do you miss the band?
I have many fond memories of my years with the Brunettes. Many friendships were forged within that touring band. We toured aggressively and many line ups came and went as a result. I often still see those people so I don’t necessarily miss the band. We all have our own things going on now.
You are also a co‑producer of Princess Chelsea album, had a duet and directed The Cigarette Duet video which went viral. Why do you think that song beloved that much and can you tell us the relationship between you and Chelsea Nikkel?
Chelsea is an incredibly talented songwriter. She took a very common issue for many many couples, yet one that I believe had never been the subject matter of a song before. That’s why I think it’s a very clever yet simple song and why I believe it became so popular.
How did the idea of using spandex masks come out on video clips and album art? You are also wearing them on live performances, right?
I had been in bands before that used masks. I believe they offer a lot of positives to both the viewing audience and myself as a performer. That particular alter ego first appeared in a music video for Weird Hardcore (2014).
You will play at Salon İKSV on 10th of May. Last year you were here for Chill‑Out festival. How do you remember the city and audience? Did you have time to wander around and listen to some local music?
I’ve been lucky enough to travel to Istanbul a number of times now and have managed to explore it a little more each visit. It’s a very special city. Not sure many Chill‑Out festival attendees were curious to see our show last year… but I’m very excited to connect with those that are coming to our show at Salon IKSV
You are playing at so many countries including U.S and Europe. Is there any specific venue or city that you like to play most?
No not really, I look forward to all the cities we travel to. Some cities have friends in them that I look forward to reconnecting with but that’s more on a personal level
Which bands/musicians are you listening on these days?
The same old staples. I went for a walk today and listened to Scott Walker after I heard the news of his passing. “It’s Raining Today” is such a beautiful recording
Is there anything that you are so passionate about except music?
Quantum physics...I don’t have the mind to completely understand it, but theories about space time are intriguing
Can you please fill in the blanks:
• Life would be so dreary without music.
• I would be sad if i wasn't a musician.
• Sometimes i find myself singing while showering .
• İ do work to cheer up.
• Love is complicated
• If i was a movie character, i would be Dewey Cox
Thank you so much! Is there anything that you want to add for awaiting Turkish listeners?
Hope to ‘see’ you at Salon IKSV
Yorumlar
Yorum Gönder